How do I fix this unsightly tint job?

June 5, 2009 4:15 PM

I recently got the windows tinted on my '01 Honda Civic LX. I opted to have the upper brake light cut out for safety reasons, but it looks bad due to my light-colored interior. Please help me figure out something to put over the interior around the light, or just let me know what you think, etc.

Here is a picture of the rear window with the cutout, and here is a close-up picture. As you can see, I obviously did not consider how the light interior would look next to the dark tint.

I thought about removing the rear deck and putting some black film or something on the deck itself around the light so that part of the deck would be black, but I don't know what material to use for this, or if this would even look much better. I also just thought about taking the car back to see if they could tint the spot they cut out, but then the light will be much less visible during the day. What do you guys think? Do you know of a way to make it look better while keeping the visibility of the brake light?

posted by nel to sports, hobbies, & recreation (11 comments total)

I see what you mean. . . 2 suggestions:

1. Take out the rear deck 3rd brake light assembly, take out/mask the light portion and spray paint it black or dark gray.

2. Or, purchase a rear deck assembly in the black or gray color. I'd pick suggestion #1. . . good spray paint can do wonders for stuff.

Good luck!
posted by No New Diamonds Please at 4:32 PM on June 5

It looks like the light is in a plastic assembly. You can take that assembly out and paint it the part that's visible from the outside or otherwise cover it.
posted by zsazsa at 4:33 PM on June 5

Tinting over the brake light could subject you to a ticket.

If you are concerned about paint not adhering for the long haul, consider a thick black felt. I think it would age better than vinyl or plastic. As long as it's done carefully, it would look better than the light colored deck.
posted by The Deej at 4:35 PM on June 5

This might be what you're looking for.
posted by Jon-o at 4:47 PM on June 5

Great suggestions. I think I will explore both the felt and the paint/coating to see which would be best.
posted by nel at 5:04 PM on June 5

You can just order the part in black instead of grey from the dealer or an auto parts store. That would look best.
posted by winston at 5:31 PM on June 5

clean it real good with lacquer thinner, that will soften it up a little. then spray with a lacquer based spray paint & it should last for the life of the car. Or go to a junk yard/auto salvage place & get the different color part. call around. Tint job looks great!
posted by patnok at 6:12 PM on June 5

Lacquer thinner will either soften it up or react horribly with it. I wouldn't chance that myself. The felt or paint coating will look fine. You can always buy the correct color part if you're not satisfied with how it looks after painting it.
posted by SciGuy at 6:58 PM on June 5

Velvet would work better than felt. Less reflection, easier to clean.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 7:26 PM on June 5

seconding the dupli-color spray-on vinyl dye. It just 'looks' OEM when you're done.
posted by datacenter refugee at 10:04 PM on June 5

But velvet absorbs light, does it not? Not the best idea for surrounding a brake light as it'll just make the light harder to see.
posted by You Should See the Other Guy at 5:44 AM on June 6