Rear tail lamp area

[TomoHawk]

Higuys,

I have the entire rear tail lamp area apart to service it and paint as necessary. I noticed a few peculiar things and have some questions.

Observations:--------------------

First, after wet-sanding the extender panel, I found that it was painted the body color, and not black. Second, the foam seal around the tail lamps seemed to be compressed, and glued or stuck to the body. Third, I didn't notice any really easy way for rain water to flow off the little shelf (under the hatch, the one that usually rusts.)

Questions:-----------------------

I will paint the back panel (the metal body part where the tail lamps mount) with something and maybe even use some clear or bedliner paint for extra protection. Should there be some kind of drain hole for water on the shelf? (here already is one small rust hole on the right end ) Otherwise the only way for water to drain is to go between the taillamp and the body.

I ordered some new taillamp seals/gaskets from BD. Do those have adhesive on them, or do you need some spray glue, or what?

thxZ

[TomoHawk]

This is odd:

When I was degreasing the tail lamp finisher panels for painting, I noticed they were a nice deep black color, and only needed to be cleaned well, so I will not paint them now, and will instead save that for winter- if I decide to do it at all. I did fill a couple small nicks though.

Tomorrow I will paint the metal back panel with rustoleum flat black, and mask the rest to paint the metal extender panel to paint with Duplicolor DA103 (Semi-Gloss Black.) I'm not sure about the satin clearcoat, as has been mentioned before, because it seems to be unavailable at most AP stores.

[jonathanrussell]

Have you considered using this plus their clear?

1977 Nissan All Models Colors of Touch Up Paint

[Mike W]

I have been told that the original color on the tail light panels was a dark grey with some metallic content. This same person indicated that the closest color that he has found to match the original is a paint by SEM. Part number is 39033 and is one of their trim paints. It goes on relatively flat, but I also used Eastwood diamond clear over it which really brings out the color and does add a bit of a shone to it. I used this on my tail light panels, exterior mirror, as well as my front grill.

Here a picture of the tail lights to give you an idea of how it came out.

Mike.

[TomoHawk]

Thanks Mike.

My tail lamp panels already look like yours, so I am just cleaning them (and the tail lamps & wiring) well, and treating the metal behind them to some protection and flat black Rustoleum.

I have a can of that Graphite-colored wheel trim paint someone mention a while ago, but I think I will use a flat black in stead. It will match all the other areas of flat black on the car, which is why I'm painting the tail in the first place (it was several different blacks!)

BTW- It looks like the underneath of that little shelf was bare metal from the factory.

Edited August 8, 2013 by TomoHawk

[Skyline34]

the original is a paint by SEM. Part number is 39033 and is one of their trim paints. It goes on relatively flat, but I also used Eastwood diamond clear over it

That's exactly what I was looking for. Looks terrific! Has that luster - not matte or gloss - look that I love.

Also, what shade of green is your 260?

[240260280z]

:bulb:

I restored a series 1 and used Duplicolor Wheel Paint "Graphite" HPW-102 for the 3 finisher plates that surround the tail lights and license plate. The paint has a metallic flake but seems to have the right tint. It is also easy to get and tough as it is for wheels.

You can polish the stainless steel trim that seems crimped to the finisher for a nice shine.

Edited September 22, 2013 by Blue

[Mike W]

Skyline34,

My 260 is emerald green metallic. It is the original color. #303.

Mike.

[Bonzi Lon]

During my refurbishment, the 'Dupli-Color HPW-102 Graphite' was used on the tail finisher, grill and original wheel covers. Once dry, it looked like it had too much metal flake, so it was covered with a light coat of medium 'Matt Finish', also 'Dupli-Color'. Turned out great, if I do say so myself.

Bonzi Lon