I'm new here, and I've got a few questions.

[Jerrod (Knellblast)]

I've been browsing the forums for about a week now, but still haven't found the answers to these questions (although I've come across a lot of others!).1) Headlights and turn signals (and foglamps)... I've seen people talk about the Siverstars quite a bit, but is there anything out there better than those, or are they the lamp of choice? If they are in fact the best for the money, what model numbers do I buy?2) Window tinting... I called around today for pricing, and I guess the going rate is $219 in the Metro Detroit area. I saw a few of the Michiganders talking about someone doing it for $175, so if anyone can hook me up with that I'd be very greatful. Buuuuut, I'm also curious about the do-it-yourself kits I see at the store. Has anyone tinted their own windows, and did it turn out ok? What product did you use if you were happy?3) That little pontiac badge on the front... I hate the red. Is there somewhere where I can just buy a black/chrome one, or do I have to peel the red sticker off of it and just paint it black myself? That seems kinda' hard.4) Does anyone wanna' sell me a top spoiler in Abyss? Thanks in advance.-Jerrod

[ragingfish]

I can help with two questions.Quote, originally posted by Jerrod (Knellblast) »I've been browsing the forums for about a week now, but still haven't found the answers to these questions (although I've come across a lot of others!).1) Headlights and turn signals (and foglamps)... I've seen people talk about the Siverstars quite a bit, but is there anything out there better than those, or are they the lamp of choice? If they are in fact the best for the money, what model numbers do I buy?The SS are a crapshoot. Some people have had nothing but good experiences. Others nothing but bad. I personally have had bad luck when it comes to life on these. I just lost another bulb today, and at $25 a bulb, I'm done with them. My fogs have not burned yet, but the headlights keep going left and right. Perhaps a problem with a double filament bulb design...but I do have SS fogs and signals, and love both of them. All your bulb sizes can be found in this thread: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=6871Quote »3) That little pontiac badge on the front... I hate the red. Is there somewhere where I can just buy a black/chrome one, or do I have to peel the red sticker off of it and just paint it black myself? That seems kinda' hard.You can buy vinyl adhesive overlays, reflective or non-reflective, from GrafxWerks. Much easier than any of your other solutions IMHO. http://www.grafxwerks.com/prod...VIBA1Second item down.

[ebslopp]

Quote, originally posted by Jerrod (Knellblast) »2) Window tinting... I called around today for pricing, and I guess the going rate is $219 in the Metro Detroit area. I saw a few of the Michiganders talking about someone doing it for $175, so if anyone can hook me up with that I'd be very greatful. Buuuuut, I'm also curious about the do-it-yourself kits I see at the store. Has anyone tinted their own windows, and did it turn out ok? What product did you use if you were happy?Tinting windows is an art. Some people are talented at it, while others could not tint a window to save their live. If you have never tinted windows before, I suggest either find a friend who has done it before to help you or pay a professional to do it for you. There is a lot of glass to be covered on the Vibe, so if you mess up it can be expensive. I've tinted cars before and have had very good luck with the best quality stuff they sell at wal-mart for $20 a roll. There was a thread a while back with a link to a site with all kinds of tips and techniques. I couldn't find it, but if you spend some time looking for it I'm sure you'll find it. Keep us posted and post lots of pics. Good luck and welcome!

[AKLGT]

glad you decided to post! and welcome to genvibe!as for your #1 and #2 questions, i believe raging has already answered. and for #3.... DON'T do it yourself! it'll look exactly that! baaaaad!!!! worth the money to have it done professionally!and #4, well you'll have to cruise on ebay or keep an eye out in the for sale forum.

[Mavrik]

You can buy just the top spoiler through E-bay or even over the counter at a GM dealership.Welcome to GenVibe

[JohnC]

Do it right the first time (window tint) stay away from dyed tints, they are nor very affective. I went with metalized it works better and last longer. If you plan on keeping your car more than 2 years buy a good quality film. Check out this website it is for the tinting pros...lots of good info. btw mine cost $239 installed with a good lifetime warranty.http://www.tintdude.com/dot-matrix.html

[Jahntassa]

Quote, originally posted by Jerrod (Knellblast) »1) Headlights and turn signals (and foglamps)... I've seen people talk about the Siverstars quite a bit, but is there anything out there better than those, or are they the lamp of choice? If they are in fact the best for the money, what model numbers do I buy?Raging (Mike) pretty much has it dead on, people either have good or bad experiences. Here's my opinion on it:The foglights are great, had 'em since 7/'03 and still going strong. Just put in the turnsignals, love them also, the look when they're off, and also when they're on, is perfect.The headlights...Well, I'm on my second pair, the first pair went sometime in Jan/Feb, and i've since disabled my Daytime Running Lights (the automatic lights were disabled the first day I had the car, as it was annoying they'd keep switching on/off with the Nav system screen). Right now, i'm trying to see how long they'll last when ONLY used at night.I would reccomend at least changing your headlights to something else, as the stock headlights, in my opinion, are quite suck. The Eurolite Plasma series seems to be very good, though quite bright. I'd say give the silverstars a chance, and if they don't work out, go for something like the Eurolites. Unfortunately, almost any bulb is a crapshoot, especially when they're "performance" bulbs. Also, make sure they're DOT/SAE certified, and not for "off-road use" or you could get pulled over and fined...

[Jerrod (Knellblast)]

Well first off, thanks to everyone for their input. Now for the update... I got my windows tinted yesterday, and the result was NOT GOOD. First of all, I wanted 20% all the way around, but the closest they had was 17%. Fine. When I came to pick it up, not only was the whole thing in LIMO BLACK 5%, but the job wasn't even all that great. Not being very much of a complainer, I didn't say anything at first and figured I'd give it a chance. Well by the end of the day I was upset enough that I gave the guy a call back and told him I wasn't happy. He explained that it was a mixup, and that he'd try to work it out with me on Monday. I hope he doesn't try to force me into something I don't want. I'll post another update when the job is done.

[joatmon]

I hope they make it right for you. There's a ton of members from michigan, who did you end up going to for the tint?

[Jerrod (Knellblast)]

I don't want to hurt anyone's business, so if he does a good job this time, I won't say anything. If he screws it up again or gives me a hard time, I'm gonna' post it everywhere, including the MI board.

[Jerrod (Knellblast)]

Update: After taking my Vibe in again yesterday to be fixed, the guy called me at lunch and told me he wouldn't be able to get to it until today. So after taking it in this morning FOR THE 3RD TIME, he finally got the tint right (17% all the way around). It looks great, but I can tell he rushed the job. There's little things that could have been better. In closing, I really don't wanna' hurt the guy's business so I'm not going to mention it, but I will offer this piece of advice... Either get your windows done from a place that's recommended, or get them done at a large window place that guarantees their work.

[Jerrod (Knellblast)]

Not to be a jerk, but I've said a few times now that I won't mention where I got it done because I don't want to hurt the guy's business. I'm not out to slam anyone, because he *did* fix his mistake at no charge. I certainly wouldn't recommend him either, though. If someone happens to take their car there, I know that he *can* do a good job, so that's where I'm gonna' leave it. I hope you understand.

[redlava]

DO NOT bother wasting your time on that crappy tint that Wal-Mart sells. If you have ever seen the cars with that ugly purple tint with air bubbles that is the stuff you get. It is a waste of money. If you want a good tint job you are going to have to pay for it. I got a high quality tint with a lifetime warranty all the way around my Vibe for $275.

[Roadpig]

bother wasting your time on that crappy tint that Wal-Mart sells. If you have ever seen the cars with that ugly purple tint with air bubbles that is the stuff you get. It is a waste of money. If you want a good tint job you are going to have to pay for it. I got a high quality tint with a lifetime warranty all the way around my Vibe for $275.Couldn't agree more! You get what you pay for. I too had it done professionally (for $130) with a lifetime guarantee. Also, look for someone who has their own place, ie a garage where the environment can be controlled. Stay away from people who come to you (parking lot at work, home etc.). Their tint job usually isn't as good due to wind, particles in the air, hot spots from the sun etc, in other words, an uncontrolled environment.

[Mavrik]

Forget the Wal-Mart "apply it yourself" stuff. I have seen so many cars with that on there turned purple, bubbled, peeled and looked terrible. Now granted some tinting professionals suck to. There is a professional tint company here in my town that the dealership I work at has them do all their work. They break window moldings, door moldings, those defrost boards on the rear windows, window mounted antenas. They don't cut in a smooth line... pretty much crap.Now I had a guy do mine, he's known around ontario as the Tint Master who did mine for $200 cash, no tax and he did an AWSOME job. Never broke a thing. I believe my car looks awsome thanks to him. He came right over to my work and I let him use a bay in the shop for about 3 hours and he was all done.

[syclnjr]

I tinted my own it had been five or so yeas since I had done it and it came out ok. But like everyone said pay the money and have it done. I will see what happens to the tint that I applied I don't think that it is going to turn purple but I have yet to see what the future holds. If it does I will buy the remover kit spend the 200 and get it done.