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Headlight Film?
Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 2:52 am
by 06pvibe
I wonder if anyone has tried and has any suggestion for installing Lamin-X film on the headlight lenses to help protect the thin polycarbonate layer. I plan to do this to the Vibe just as soon as possible, but frankly that compound curve scares the crap out of me. I installed Rock Blockers on my Mazda3 and had some trouble w/the curve on that car. The Vibe has such a sharp angle, I was wondering if it should be installed as two matched pieces instead of one? Has anyone here done this, or have any suggestions?
Re: Headlight Film? (06pvibe)
Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:23 am
by keithvibe
I don't think many, if any, have applied lamin-x most, if they wanted to tint, just used night shades spray paint.If you have the ablity not to pop a vein. It can be done with a heat gun and a squeegy
Re: Headlight Film? (keithvibe)
Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:58 am
by 06pvibe
Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »I don't think many, if any, have applied lamin-x most, if they wanted to tint, just used night shades spray paint.If you have the ability not to pop a vein. It can be done with a heat gun and a squeegee Actually, I just want to protect those pesky expensive plastic lenses from sun damage and debris. I would use the light blue, which does not affect the light output, or the clear. As I discovered w/my Mazda, the blue fades to clear after a year or two down here anyway, but its a nice look on a white car.I would never smoke tint my lights ever again. Had a car I tinted. Back then I had to make my own out of lightly smoked plexi, and even that destroyed my night vision. After several days of trial and error fitting, I finally installed them. They lasted less than 2 days before I removed them for good.Nope, never again will I make it harder for me to see out or other drivers to see me.Hey!! How's the snow up there today? Heard you guys got hit pretty hard.
Re: Headlight Film? (06pvibe)
Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 7:20 am
by keithvibe
wasn't nothing, just 8inches. wish it was more
Re: Headlight Film? (keithvibe)
Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 1:18 pm
by dinkers123
I installed lamin-x on my vibe and my 3. the vibe I used a bulk pack which I recommend, and the 3 was precut.
Re: Headlight Film? (dinkers123)
Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:25 pm
by 06pvibe
How did you deal with that curve... its almost a sharp edge, on the front side of the lens?And why bulk over precut?
Re: Headlight Film? (06pvibe)
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:15 am
by dinkers123
With the bulk pack you can take a sheet and just lay it over and squeegy all the bubbles out and then trim it the excess away. The precut will involve to much stretching and will be harder to line up. I also recommend a heat gun for putting film on the vibe. Get the bulk pack and it will save you a lot of headaches. I you use lamin-x try the promo code 10off the gave it to me after my last purchase.
Re: Headlight Film? (dinkers123)
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 4:09 am
by Whelan
Buy a couple and see how it goes. Most applications for vinyls allow you to use a soapy water mixture on the lamp then you can mold the vinyl to shape and squeegee out the liquid. You could also cut it in sections.And finally, get a hair dryer, NOT a HEAT GUN. Unless you know how to use it cause it is not hard at all to get just a little too close or stay in an area too long when working with vinyl and you get a permanent distortion or burn spot.
Re: Headlight Film? (Whelan)
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:49 am
by vibolista
Where do you find Lamin-X? Just online?
Re: Headlight Film? (vibolista)
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:54 am
by 06pvibe
That's the only place I know, though some professionals may have access to it.
Re: Headlight Film? (06pvibe)
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:59 am
by vibolista
Thanks, 6.
Re: Headlight Film? (vibolista)
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 7:00 am
by dinkers123
might also try rvinyl.com I got some tail light tint from them today and it seems like pretty good quality.
Re: Headlight Film? (dinkers123)
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:19 am
by 06pvibe
Quote, originally posted by dinkers123 »might also try rvinyl.com I got some tail light tint from them today and it seems like pretty good quality.How many mils thick is it? Does it offer UV protection?edit: Sorry but I checked them out. They do not offer UV protectant films, except in clear, but am not impressed with their attitude about the products they sell.I'll stick w/the more expensive Lamin-X films.
Re: Headlight Film? (Whelan)
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:16 am
by 06pvibe
Quote, originally posted by dinkers123 »With the bulk pack you can take a sheet and just lay it over and squeegy all the bubbles out and then trim it the excess away. The precut will involve to much stretching and will be harder to line up. I also recommend a heat gun for putting film on the vibe. Get the bulk pack and it will save you a lot of headaches. I you use lamin-x try the promo code 10off the gave it to me after my last purchase.Good suggestion. I think I WILL go that route. Quote, originally posted by Whelan »And finally, get a hair dryer, NOT a HEAT GUN. Unless you know how to use it cause it is not hard at all to get just a little too close or stay in an area too long when working with vinyl and you get a permanent distortion or burn spot.You're right! I don't own a heat gun and have limited experience using one. A (high powered) hair dryer is the way to go for this cheap chicken.