Reflector Decals

r4gs · 08-01-2010, 03:52 PM

i got a full set of dan's decals, but really messed up the application. has 'folds' from excess material because i stretched the decals with my fingers while applying. should have kept the backing in place. also, the raised lettering on all four reflectors shows up more prominently with decals applied. minimal light bleed from the rear reflectors at night. will post some pics of the botched install.

considering if i should just get them painted, but am concerned about passing state inspection next year. how strict is the law on reflectors?

fitchesbass · 08-02-2010, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r4gs

i got a full set of dan's decals, but really messed up the application. has 'folds' from excess material because i stretched the decals with my fingers while applying. should have kept the backing in place. also, the raised lettering on all four reflectors shows up more prominently with decals applied. minimal light bleed from the rear reflectors at night. will post some pics of the botched install.

considering if i should just get them painted, but am concerned about passing state inspection next year. how strict is the law on reflectors?

Im in Northern VA and it doesn't get much worse for inspections and cops. Never been hassled with my painted front reflectors. Although it's really just easier to buy a second set of reflectors, get them painted, and then swap them out imo.

Paint is going to run you at least 100 by a body shop just to mix the paint. So get the rears done at the same time.

inTgr8r · 08-03-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitchesbass

.....
Paint is going to run you at least 100 by a body shop just to mix the paint. So get the rears done at the same time.

An alternative to this ^ is what I did with my roadster.

I bought a second set of reflectors to have painted.
I had them done at a shop that does a lot of BMW work.
I left them with him until he was doing another TiAG job and did mine at the same time.
I think it cost me $35-40 (cash)

The added benefit was I still had the original set to put back in if/when needed.

007MCoupe · 08-03-2010, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r4gs

i got a full set of dan's decals, but really messed up the application. has 'folds' from excess material because i stretched the decals with my fingers while applying. should have kept the backing in place. also, the raised lettering on all four reflectors shows up more prominently with decals applied. minimal light bleed from the rear reflectors at night. will post some pics of the botched install.

considering if i should just get them painted, but am concerned about passing state inspection next year. how strict is the law on reflectors?

you could always paint them and put a reflective decal over it for the inspection!

JK!

EDIT: Found This

Looks like the rear red reflectors ARE a part of the Texas inspection...

inTgr8r · 08-03-2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007MCoupe

you could always paint them and put a reflective decal over it for the inspection!

JK!

EDIT: Found This

Looks like the rear red reflectors ARE a part of the Texas inspection...

If you have to get it inspected, that's not such a bad idea.
You could get a solid reflector & use double sided emblem tape.

007MCoupe · 08-03-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

If you have to get it inspected, that's not such a bad idea.
You could get a solid reflector & use double sided emblem tape.

yeah, you're right. it's only going to be on there for the length of inspection.

r4gs · 08-03-2010, 06:53 PM

thanks for the link 007, figured the reflectors were an inspection item. at least the horrible front's can be painted fully.

i think the stick-on reflector deal would work too, although i'm pretty sure unless it looks near permanent, it isn't going to pass. maybe i'm too particular!?

r4gs · 08-04-2010, 12:08 AM

ok, so i had a bit of time waiting for my rice to cook and decided to reseat all four decals in a more meticulous manner. the decals themselves are stretched from repeatedly peeling back and forth to eliminate air bubbles, so there were inevitable 'folds' in the material again. i used a pair of scissors to cut away excess stretched material and made sure to smooth these folds over the raised lettering portion of each reflector, so at least the uneven finish there would mask the 'folds' a bit better. feeling more content with the application this time. cheap mod that, from 10 feet and further away, compliments the beautiful curves of the M a whole lot better.

oh yes, the decals are readily removable and do not lose their adhesive properties. perhaps after a more prolonged period applied, it will be a different story.

007MCoupe · 08-04-2010, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r4gs

thanks for the link 007, figured the reflectors were an inspection item. at least the horrible front's can be painted fully.

i think the stick-on reflector deal would work too, although i'm pretty sure unless it looks near permanent, it isn't going to pass. maybe i'm too particular!?

no prob, i was curious too!

i'd think it would depend on who does your inspection. I've taken my truck to the same place the past couple years, for inspections, oil changes, etc and i've passed the inspection with a few minor details missing/wrong.

plus since you found out they don't lose their sticky much, could just take em off for the length of passing the inspection...

ricanbandit · 04-10-2012, 11:48 AM

Does anyone know of another place that sells them other than dansdecals? I ordered on the 28th and it's the 10th and nothing. My card was charged though, if I don't get them by Friday I will just dispute this with amex. I have sent emails, called, nothing. Only 20 bux which is less than I blow on lunch, but its the principle of it that pisses me off

md2mhk · 04-10-2012, 04:24 PM

I had the same issue and took 4weeks to finally get mines. Left him 3 voicemails and 4 emails. When he finally responded, he claimed he had sent them all along. He eventually sent me one within a week of communication.

Caddyshk · 04-10-2012, 04:31 PM

I have ordered 2 sets without issue. The last was a few months back.

MRZ07 · 04-10-2012, 07:34 PM

I had the same issue I sent an e-mail and left a voicemail and no response. After 4 weeks I filed a dispute with Paypal and within a week I received a package in the mail with the decals.

:

md2mhk · 04-11-2012, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caddyshk

I have ordered 2 sets without issue. The last was a few months back.

Maybe it's more of a recent thing

ricanbandit · 04-12-2012, 06:53 AM

Well I am simply calling Amex tomorrow and filing a dispute with them. Cmon no type of communication all it takes is an email saying I am backoredered

BIMMERGUY91 · 04-12-2012, 10:03 AM

When I ordered mine I had no problem and I even messed up a decal and he sent me a new one for free.

ricanbandit · 04-13-2012, 07:55 AM

Actually got an email from Dan last night, he stated that he in fact did send them out via first class mail. I never got them, but he said he would send out a new set.

nice! Can't wait cause now that I have my ride blacked out at least the orange ones in front look horrendous

Spreadsheet · 04-13-2012, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricanbandit

Actually got an email from Dan last night, he stated that he in fact did send them out via first class mail. I never got them, but he said he would send out a new set.

nice! Can't wait cause now that I have my ride blacked out at least the orange ones in front look horrendous

I had my order within a week and half. Longer than I would have expected, but I wasn't in a hurry either. Okay experience with me.

No_Dominion · 07-17-2012, 12:29 PM

Bad experience from Dan's here, as well. Ordered 11 days ago, no communication, no product, yet he has money. Rather aggravating. PayPal dispute is about to be opened, maybe that will get the ball rolling.

3002 tii · 07-17-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No_Dominion

Bad experience from Dan's here, as well. Ordered 11 days ago, no communication, no product, yet he has money. Rather aggravating. PayPal dispute is about to be opened, maybe that will get the ball rolling.

I opened a dispute as well and miraculously it shipped out few days later. I wasn't even happy with the product, just going to pull them out, sand, prime and paint.

No_Dominion · 07-17-2012, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

I opened a dispute as well and miraculously it shipped out few days later. I wasn't even happy with the product, just going to pull them out, sand, prime and paint.

I'll mostly likely end up doing the same, but I figured for $20 they were worth a shot and would be a temporary fix until I get around to painting. Sad it takes opening a dispute to get anything done.

3002 tii · 07-17-2012, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No_Dominion

I'll mostly likely end up doing the same, but I figured for $20 they were worth a shot and would be a temporary fix until I get around to painting. Sad it takes opening a dispute to get anything done.

You can get a rattle can with exact match to your paint for $30 or so at paintscratch.com

I've used their site before and had good results. Luckily still have some left but just plan on painting the reflectors. Beats dropping it off at the body shop and paying $100 or more!

08-01-2010, 03:52 PM	#45
r4gs Viper Driver 36 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: F-16 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Singapore iTrader: (2)	i got a full set of dan's decals, but really messed up the application. has 'folds' from excess material because i stretched the decals with my fingers while applying. should have kept the backing in place. also, the raised lettering on all four reflectors shows up more prominently with decals applied. minimal light bleed from the rear reflectors at night. will post some pics of the botched install. considering if i should just get them painted, but am concerned about passing state inspection next year. how strict is the law on reflectors?
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08-03-2010, 06:53 PM	#51
r4gs Viper Driver 36 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: F-16 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Singapore iTrader: (2)	thanks for the link 007, figured the reflectors were an inspection item. at least the horrible front's can be painted fully. i think the stick-on reflector deal would work too, although i'm pretty sure unless it looks near permanent, it isn't going to pass. maybe i'm too particular!?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-04-2010, 12:08 AM	#52
r4gs Viper Driver 36 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: F-16 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Singapore iTrader: (2)	ok, so i had a bit of time waiting for my rice to cook and decided to reseat all four decals in a more meticulous manner. the decals themselves are stretched from repeatedly peeling back and forth to eliminate air bubbles, so there were inevitable 'folds' in the material again. i used a pair of scissors to cut away excess stretched material and made sure to smooth these folds over the raised lettering portion of each reflector, so at least the uneven finish there would mask the 'folds' a bit better. feeling more content with the application this time. cheap mod that, from 10 feet and further away, compliments the beautiful curves of the M a whole lot better. oh yes, the decals are readily removable and do not lose their adhesive properties. perhaps after a more prolonged period applied, it will be a different story.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-10-2012, 11:48 AM	#54
ricanbandit Captain 28 Rep 782 Posts Drives: 2011 30i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Detroit Metro Area iTrader: (0)	Does anyone know of another place that sells them other than dansdecals? I ordered on the 28th and it's the 10th and nothing. My card was charged though, if I don't get them by Friday I will just dispute this with amex. I have sent emails, called, nothing. Only 20 bux which is less than I blow on lunch, but its the principle of it that pisses me off __________________ 2011 30i [SIGPIC]/SIGPIC]
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04-10-2012, 04:24 PM	#55
md2mhk Private 0 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 08 BMW M Coupe Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: New York City iTrader: (0)	I had the same issue and took 4weeks to finally get mines. Left him 3 voicemails and 4 emails. When he finally responded, he claimed he had sent them all along. He eventually sent me one within a week of communication.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-10-2012, 04:31 PM	#56
Caddyshk M = Midlife Crisis 65 Rep 2,006 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4MC Interlagos Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	I have ordered 2 sets without issue. The last was a few months back. __________________ 2006 Z4MC - #LL93158 SS Race Cans, RE X Pipe, DKF Sec 1, Fabspeed Headers, OE STB, AS Shifter, Dave Z CDV, GC Coil Overs, Stoptech lines, Hawk DTC Pads, RE Clutch Stop, RE Transmission Mounts, Vibra-Technics Engine Mounts, Poly FCAB & RTAB, LeatherZ M Shift Boot, Tekarbon Rear Spoiler, CF Grills, Advan RS DGM
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04-10-2012, 07:34 PM	#57
MRZ07 Private 1 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2007 M Roadster Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Concord, Ca iTrader: (1)	I had the same issue I sent an e-mail and left a voicemail and no response. After 4 weeks I filed a dispute with Paypal and within a week I received a package in the mail with the decals. :
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04-12-2012, 06:53 AM	#59
ricanbandit Captain 28 Rep 782 Posts Drives: 2011 30i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Detroit Metro Area iTrader: (0)	Well I am simply calling Amex tomorrow and filing a dispute with them. Cmon no type of communication all it takes is an email saying I am backoredered __________________ 2011 30i [SIGPIC]/SIGPIC]
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04-12-2012, 10:03 AM	#60
BIMMERGUY91 Captain 112 Rep 855 Posts Drives: 2014 335I M Sport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Huntsville, AL iTrader: (2)	When I ordered mine I had no problem and I even messed up a decal and he sent me a new one for free. __________________ 2014 335i M Sport 2010 328i M Sport 2007 Z4MC #1019/1815 (Sold) 1997 M3 (Sold) 1991 325i
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04-13-2012, 07:55 AM	#61
ricanbandit Captain 28 Rep 782 Posts Drives: 2011 30i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Detroit Metro Area iTrader: (0)	Actually got an email from Dan last night, he stated that he in fact did send them out via first class mail. I never got them, but he said he would send out a new set. nice! Can't wait cause now that I have my ride blacked out at least the orange ones in front look horrendous __________________ 2011 30i [SIGPIC]/SIGPIC]
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-17-2012, 12:29 PM	#63
No_Dominion Lieutenant 117 Rep 439 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	Bad experience from Dan's here, as well. Ordered 11 days ago, no communication, no product, yet he has money. Rather aggravating. PayPal dispute is about to be opened, maybe that will get the ball rolling.
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