i bought a set of tail light overlays from blue batmobile. i spent forever trying to get the curved upper corner to go on right, but i couldnt get it on there without numerous creases. the overlays ended up ruined. anyone else have this problem? i just used the soapy water but did not use a hairdryer.

 

I'm too scared to even try them, to be honest. I wouldn't want to go through all that just to waste it.

 

yeah, it was a very frustrating experience. i swapped out my whole interior in my last car, including carpet and dash, but these pieces of vinyl gave me the biggest headache.

 

hmm.. you need at least a hairdryer.
that's probably your problem.

heat.. gooood.

if you're having problems with xB overlays... you can't imagine how tC tails are without any heat.... utterly impossible.

heat.. yes.. good.

 

yeah, i'm pretty sure not using heat was the problem. oh well. i think i'm just gonna try to tint them now.

 

does the heat up prevent wrinkling? cuz im looking into buying some smoked tint off Batmobile, and this thread is kinda changing my mind

 

I had the same problem with mine. That top corner is a pain, and by the time I got it right the adhesive had somewhat worn out from handling and peeling it back up. I ordered another, so it'll be time to try again. Check this out if you haven't seen it yet:

http://headlightarmor.com/index.asp?...n=Custom&ID=11

Hope it helps!

 

heat will let you stretch it a little, If you do it wrong you will still get wrinkles. Just takes practice.
If I were you guys, I would just go to the local Sign Shop and have them stick em on.
I would be able to do this dry, and be done in about 10 minutes. (not trying to brag, but I do it for a living so I get lots of practice :D)

 

yeah, as much as I don't want to I think I might have my tint shop apply them. Kinda of bums me out cause I like to do everything myself. Only if I had a few more sets to practice with I think I'd somewhat have the hang of it, but who wants to waste money on overlays at $35 a pop

 

well i just dont get that the tail lights are $10 and the sidemarkers are $10, but the tint for the headlights are $35 :-/

 

hmmm.. ...

 

Hehehhehe.... ok so i wasted 15 ordering one extra overlay. No more though!

 

i tried to use overlays for my xb tails and i ruined about 4 sheets. the top curved corner was the biggest problem i used heat and water and soap. by the time i was done the corners didnt have any adhesive left. and was just wrinkled.

it may just take some practice or someone that knows what they are doing. they overlays looked awesome but i just couldnt get them to stick. bought some tails instead.

oh and btw this is just from my experienece and mine were NOT batmobile overlays, he has a great writeup in the tech section that may help you on how to apply these

 

check out my write up in tc aero exterior forum. Complete with pics . Its all a matter of streching the top piece over the edge. I will have a writeup for you guys as well . In the meantime, here's a pic showing me stretching the top portion over the edge. Again, use a hairdryer to make the vinyl pliable prior to stretching it.

Bat™



link to my install thread for the tc taillight overlays:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=131312

 

I can do a 2nd set at discount to you. Email me

Bat™

 

i guess im just gonna go find the smoked tint somewhere else...couldnt really get much help from Batmobile, and this thread about all the problems ppl have with applying the tint didnt really help either

 

check your pm.

Bat™

 

all overlays are going to apply in the same manner. i don't think buying from another person is going to make it easier to apply. It just takes practice.

 

We would have to disagree with that.

Our Smoked Taillight kits are NOT manufactured from typical thin sign vinyl, and are both much thicker & stronger but also much easier to install. The xB's tails should not be giving anybody much trouble at all. We have a full step by step photo DIY on the xB tails here http://headlightarmor.com/index.asp?...n=Custom&ID=11
Keep in mind we have developed a material / kit specific install process to insure both a smooth install and great long term performance. Let us know if you have any questions about our materials or install process.

 

thanks for the offer, but i went ahead and tinted the tails myself. it was a little trickier than i hoped, but in the end i'm glad i went w/ tinting the inside of the tail lights instead of applying a film.