STLTHVX - feedback

OK, so last night I got my spare stock side markers. Total cost $50, from this site. Shipping was quick, had the parts in about 5 days in two different boxes (from different locations). They sent me one right and one left side marker, brand new in box.

So, keeping the nice new ones in the box, I removed the ones I already have on, sanded the raised lettering off and then sanded the whole side marker to give the paint something to stick to. Then I laid down a thin coat of plastic primer and then 2 coats of Duplicolor Universal Black and then one coat of clear engine enamel. Now my VX is colorless except for the rear markers and tail lights, which don't bother me at all. And oh yeah, those ugly tin plates that the government makes my VX wear...

Here is the result:

http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/pics/stlthvx1.jpg

http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/pics/stlthvx2.jpg

http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/pics/stlthvx3.jpg

So, I like it, but I can't help but think it looks like something is missing. I guess it is just in my head, but I have thought about taking them off and painting them again with a really dark gray (to match the hood insert and cladding). I think this way they would create the correct contrast, but then again, it might look weird (like what are those things on the side for?). Then again, it might just be in my head. I need to stare at it for a week and then decide.

Anyway, what do you all think?

Thanks- Bart

I see Nothing, Nothing, Nothing! ;)


Looks fine, It's always good to see other ideas. If the edges of the lenses were still clear (not painted) then you would see light out of the edges when the lights were on (Might be just the contrast you were after???).

why don't you just take them off and cover the holes and take them to a paint shop and re-paint the whole thing black, and you wont even have nothing on your fenders, and it will look slick and smoth, but of course it's more monry, but again, no to much i don't think, just make sure u get them to match it as perfect as possible. but those don't look bad. Well thats what i think, :).

Even with the 3 coats of paint, I can still see some amber light leak around the edges with the lights on, and a very faint amber glow in the center of the marker. I am thinking I just need to take out the bulbs, because I really don't want to see any AMBER light there, its just plain ugly. Since the turn signals on the side only blink when your head lights are on, I think I should be ok. The VX is such a unique looking vehicle, that I doubt any authority figures would think twice about it.

Plus, its seems that NO ONE IN RENO EVER SIGNALS ANYWAY so I might as well join the crowd! :)

Does anyone see any potential issues (electrically speaking) if I just take out the bulbs?

Thanks,

Bart

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Originally Posted by Techy-D

I see Nothing, Nothing, Nothing! ;)


Looks fine, It's always good to see other ideas. If the edges of the lenses were still clear (not painted) then you would see light out of the edges when the lights were on (Might be just the contrast you were after???).

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You know, I did think of that. I mean, I could remove the panels, have a patch welded underneath, apply Bondo and sand out smooth and then get the fenders painted again, BUT, this would cost a lot more, take a lot more time, and also there is a lot more room for error. But, it would look SWEET if done correctly...

But, this way, I have the stock markers in amber still, so I can always put them in if I need to get a vehicle inspection or something. So for now, I will play it safe and cheap ;)

Good idea though.

Bart

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Originally Posted by CostieCosta

why don't you just take them off and cover the holes and take them to a paint shop and re-paint the whole thing black, and you wont even have nothing on your fenders, and it will look slick and smoth, but of course it's more monry, but again, no to much i don't think, just make sure u get them to match it as perfect as possible. but those don't look bad. Well thats what i think, :).

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but if u removed them and bondo it, no will ever know that lights fo there, and u can always buy later those turns singals that go under or in the mirrior of your side mirrors, u know the ones with arrow leds, but i think no will know and not even get the clue ever that lights go there, and for the cost, it should noy be tooooo much, and its a unique vehical anyways, so u want the best Mods on your VX.

It will be time conuming, but wellllll worth it. I thought of the same thing, but I have a ironman, and i just rather what to see if i can find a good corner light to replace it, or wiat till the clear corners are made again.

Agreed. Later this summer, I will be doing some extensive body work on my other vehicle. I will look into getting this done at that point for sure.

Bart

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Originally Posted by CostieCosta

but if u removed them and bondo it, no will ever know that lights fo there, and u can always buy later those turns singals that go under or in the mirrior of your side mirrors, u know the ones with arrow leds, but i think no will know and not even get the clue ever that lights go there, and for the cost, it should noy be tooooo much, and its a unique vehical anyways, so u want the best Mods on your VX.

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Originally Posted by nfpgasmask

Agreed. Later this summer, I will be doing some extensive body work on my other vehicle. I will look into getting this done at that point for sure.

Bart

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I almost gave 0177 an airbrushed, scaley, snake/lizard/dragon skin paint job last summer. I'd offer my services, but you're pretty far away :rolleyes: Making that hole become invisible, takes a bit. How many shaved door handles have you seen, where the opening is still faintly visible(or plainly visible). This paint contains quite a bit of red pigment, and can be a @!$#% to match." Perfect" matches will require blending into the doors, and hood. Now it's getting pricey$$$... again,to do it right. I'm thinking a nice, matte (not flat) black, all-over would be YOU. Match those wheels real nice. Take a Florida vacation for a few weeks. Between November and now... when the weather is perfect, the humidity is low, and the shooting conditions are optimal~ Wayne

Yeah, I had a panel resprayed by a reputable collision shop when I had my Xterra hit and the paint never really matched. In the sun you could always see the difference. I don't know if I am willing to risk that with my VX. Like you said, I would have to repaint the whole truck. This way, I could also fix the dent on my tail gate and the tiny dent on my hood, but this would get exspensive.

For now, I am happy with the respray. Plus, if the clears ever do become available, it would be nice to run those.

Bart

PS - No offense, but no thanks on the Florida trip. I lived there for 7 years. I consider leaving FL one of my greatest accomplishments, only second to my leaving Chicago for Reno!! You can keep your palmetto bugs and your fire ants and your uncomfortable crab grass and all that sickening humidity and stupid Disney World and all the rotten, wretched, old people, all to yourself! Can you tell I hated living there? :) :) :)

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Originally Posted by Chopper

I almost gave 0177 an airbrushed, scaley, snake/lizard/dragon skin paint job last summer. I'd offer my services, but you're pretty far away :rolleyes: Making that hole become invisible, takes a bit. How many shaved door handles have you seen, where the opening is still faintly visible(or plainly visible). This paint contains quite a bit of red pigment, and can be a @!$#% to match." Perfect" matches will require blending into the doors, and hood. Now it's getting pricey$$$... again,to do it right. I'm thinking a nice, matte (not flat) black, all-over would be YOU. Match those wheels real nice. Take a Florida vacation for a few weeks. Between November and now... when the weather is perfect, the humidity is low, and the shooting conditions are optimal~ Wayne

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by nfpgasmask

You can keep your palmetto bugs and your fire ants and your uncomfortable crab grass and all that sickening humidity and stupid Disney World and all the rotten, wretched, old people, all to yourself!

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<hijack>

bwahahahaaa... i hear the keys are nice, tho.

</hijack>

-biju.

Naaa, the Keys suck too. Boring as hell, unless you are a Parrot Head who likes to listen to crappy music and sit in the hot sand all day while the sun cooks your living flesh...

:)

Bart

Quote:

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Originally Posted by biju

<hijack>

bwahahahaaa... i hear the keys are nice, tho.

</hijack>

-biju.

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Your missing tint.

Soon my son, soon.

:) Bart

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Originally Posted by JHarris1385

Your missing tint.

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ok. i agree. avatar's gotta go. :p :p :p :p :p

-biju.