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Old 06-06-2008, 07:10 AM   #1
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Cool Installing Headlight Armor Smoked Taillight kit (06-07's)

Although we do include a set of comprehensive instructions with each order a visual DIY should help out your install. This install shown a wagon but the steps are identical for the sedans (sedans are probably a little easier - less curve). We have a DIY Gallery here for other applications.

Some pre-steps. Read the included instructions and this DIY a few times to get a 'feel' for how are kits are applied. Gather all necessary materials and tools before starting. They can be installed outside, but wind and direct sun can be problematic.

Necessary items included with your order
Your Headlight Armor kit
Application Squeegee (the one shown in our tutorials is included in each order for kits requiring them)
item you provide
Clean Spray Bottle (plant mister type - set to mist) filled with warm water only - no soap
Detail cloths (for cleaning and can be used to wrap squeegee while applying kit)
Sharp knife (the snap off type shown at the end of the tutorial is ideal)
Hair Dryer - good if it is cool and really helpful for the final finishing of the edges regardless of temp.

Step 1: Clean the lenses. Clean your hands. Make sure there are no residues from the cleaning process remaining on the lenses or your hands.
Without removing the lens cover from the backing paper hold it up to the lens and make sure you have the correct one / orientation (i.e. Slightly ovoid lenses).
If it is cool - below 65 degrees F gently warming the lens with a hair dryer will help things along.
Wet down one lens with water - a clean spray bottle / plant mister works great.



Step 2: Carefully remove the cover from the backing paper - handling the adhesive as little as possible - Use handling tabs when possible. Mist down the adhesive side and gently place on the lens.
Handling the edges align the front portion of the piece - (right side of the photo) then generally align the remaining edges. The piece will be 'floating' on the beads of water on the lens. Be gentle the adhesive is pressure sensitive.



Step 3: Squeegee the front corner - about the first 3-4 inches.


Step 4: Next re-wet the adhesive side of the kit and align to the round drop down as shown.


Step 5: With the round aligned firmly squeegee from the front corner where you started diagonally along the ridge line down toward the round. In the photo from 2 o'clock to 7 o'clock.



Step 6: Squeegee the round.



Step 7: Re-wet the surface and squeegee down from the center diagonal area in step 5 toward the bottom of the kit.
NOTE: This kit was installed with ambient air temps ~80 degrees F. If it is cool out the use of a hair dryer on low will be necessary for steps 7-10.
Do not overheat the film, you just want it to be warm and conformable.
Squeegee in .5 - 1.0 inches increments from left to right to distribute the film.



Step 8: Continue firmly squeegeeing in short strokes as in step 7. Continue to the very bottom of the kit until all film has laid down. If you develop a large bubble you can gently lift while spraying with water and then re-squeegee with additional pressure.



Step 9: Repeat steps 6-8 on the top half of the kit.



Step 10: Continue



Step 11: With a sharp razor knife carefully trim off the handling tabs. If you have any areas that are misaligned or overhanging you can either wrap the edge if it a flat surface or simply trim off the excess.

Go over the edges with a suede detail cloth / paper towel wrapped squeegee to make sure the edge is fully set. Gentle heat from a hair dryer on low can help things along if it is cool out.




Now you are done, stand back and enjoy!
The Smoke (30%) covers shown in this tutorial will turn the bright red tails to a rich deep dark burgundy red. Any chrome areas (on the 06-07 Impreza, WRX, and STI the entire perimeter) will be greatly toned down. If you are looking for something darker you can select Stealth Smoke (20%). We also have a Light Smoke (50%) for those looking for a more subtle effect.


With our Smoked taillight covers you will be able to change to look of your vehicle - while still allowing your brake lights and running lights to function as intended.

You can remove these at some point in the future if you are so inclined - though they can only be used once.


Hope getting a visual was helpful!


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Last edited by HeadlightArmor.com : 06-10-2008 at 06:50 AM.
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