Mike552

I wanted to know what you guys thought of this. I spent a stupid amount of time making and fitting clear lenses onto my existing headlights. I am getting down to the final stretch on the passenger side, and wanted to get opinions. The white looking line you see around the rim won't show when it's done. It will be sanded down and painted over with primer, black paint, and clearcoated.

But basically, this is what it will look like.

EDIT: Not sure why upload doesn't work. Here is a link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/61317128@N04/5580877619/

scviolence

iTrader: (17)

looks good bro just a suggestion though maybe you like it maybe you wont but heres an idea before you put them back together, i just got done doing mine about 2 days ago and they looks great...i kept the lil bulb thing out of my lights.

Joey-E

iTrader: (1)

Looks great Mike552! Post some pics of them finished
Not feeling those headlights scviolence.

Mike552

scviolence - Yours are looking good. I was thinking about removing the "bulb" for the city lights but I can do that any time, really. Your lenses are de-lined, right? I tried that but gave up on it after 15 mins, LOL!

My lenes are molded from scratch, and placed onto the existing trim. It's probably just as much work as delining the stock ones!!!

Joey-E: Thanks man. As soon as I get them done, I'll post pics!

MidloSC

iTrader: (1)

My thought on the City light lens, and what I may do to mine when I get started on them. Tape off the tip where the mold is, and paint the base to match the flat black reflector. I'm not sire how it will look but in my mind it is better that hunk of plastic sticking out from the background.

ScottURnot

iTrader: (33)

I would like to know more about this molded from scratch part. Are you forming Lexan over a mold?

scviolence

iTrader: (17)

yea they are delined. lol use a mouse sander it took maybe an hour per side. im interested in this molded from scratch method too can you do a diy whenever your done?

Mike552

Nah, I wish.

I am forming Plexiglass. Though the form is very near perfect.
I am okay with using Plexiglass because it's not a daily driver, and I don't live anywhere near gravel roads or anything like that.

In the near future I'd like to try something tougher, like Lexan, as you mentioned. Who knows, IF this turns out good, I might register as a vendor on here and start selling lenses LOL! In any case, I am taking pictures and will post a DIY very very soon. Keep in mind though that this has been less mechanical, and much more like sculpting. LOTS of work (not the forming part so much, but instead, the prep and install.)

FatBrian81

iTrader: (2)

I've wondered if they could be vacu-formed for a while, but without access to an industrial vacu-form machine I don't have a way to try it. I imagine you could use the inside of a stock lens to make a from.

Enigma8246

Have you looked into building one? I've done some reasearch into it but just haven't had time to do it. It didn't look too hard.

FatBrian81

iTrader: (2)

I've seen instructions online for small chambers that are suitable for building vacu-form model kits. I don't believe that they would pull enough vacuum to handle the thickness of plastic that the headlights should be.

Mike552

Agreed. I am using .100, which is very similar in thickness to the stock lenses.

Enigma8246

That was one of the issues I came across but I was planning on using multiple, smaller vacuums.

Anyway, sorry for threadjacking OP. I think your headlights look good but I would stay away from the LED city lights. Ever since Kia started doing them, I kind of cringe when I see them regardless of what they're on.

No offense scviolence, just my personal taste.

ASTERiSK

Looks good, but I'm curious where you can just get the lens for it. You know, I want no lines on my headlights.

Mike552

No worries, mate... I'm just glad there is worthy discussion on the topic!

Okay, so here is a pic of the finished product. I still have to polish it up a bit, but basically it's done!