Clear Corners... 12 years later.
09-14-19, 08:53 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Clear Corners... 12 years later.
I spent the day making my own clear corners, originally pioneered in this thread (12 years ago): https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...ners-done.html (Thank you to the previous generation of owners, new owners like me are benefiting greatly from the work you've all done!)
A few updates: I used optix plexiglass lighting lens, very durable, doesn't yellow, etc. I used a reflective metallic paint for inside the housing. I used primer, but I don't know if that matters at all, I just figured it was a best practice. (don't mind that it's high temp primer, I had it on hand for the LS400 calipers I picked up.)
I used a reinforced (dremel) cutting wheel since the plexiglass is a little tough to work with, then a grinding stone to remove excess lens material, and finally a sanding wheel to finish it. I also coated the sides with epoxy to make them waterproof, the plexiglass lens isn't flat, it has a triangle pattern, so you have to fill the gaps. I did it like I was frosting the side of a cake once I got everything trimmed up, if that makes sense.
I used JBweld clearweld 5 minute epoxy, worked great.
Tomorrow morning I'm going to install them back in the car and take pics.
Hope you guys find this helpful!
A few updates: I used optix plexiglass lighting lens, very durable, doesn't yellow, etc. I used a reflective metallic paint for inside the housing. I used primer, but I don't know if that matters at all, I just figured it was a best practice. (don't mind that it's high temp primer, I had it on hand for the LS400 calipers I picked up.)
I used a reinforced (dremel) cutting wheel since the plexiglass is a little tough to work with, then a grinding stone to remove excess lens material, and finally a sanding wheel to finish it. I also coated the sides with epoxy to make them waterproof, the plexiglass lens isn't flat, it has a triangle pattern, so you have to fill the gaps. I did it like I was frosting the side of a cake once I got everything trimmed up, if that makes sense.
I used JBweld clearweld 5 minute epoxy, worked great.
Tomorrow morning I'm going to install them back in the car and take pics.
Hope you guys find this helpful!
09-15-19, 06:44 AM
#3
Lead Lap
Very nice. Looking forward to the installed pics.
09-15-19, 10:10 AM
#4
Instructor
Thread Starter
They look pretty good. Someone with a better skillset probably could have made them a little better.
My only recommendation is to trim more of the original lens away because the plexiglass is a little thicker than the original plastic, you can't tell unless you get up close, but they sit about a millimeter out, ideally you would want them completely flush.
Also, after the epoxy on the sides dries, you'll need to take the sanding wheel to it so that the markers fit nicely back inside the bumper, there isn't much clearance for excess material.
I'm satisfied with them, and it beats paying $500 for "clean corners" LEDs.
I used these LED bulbs:
Philips 194 Ultinon LED Bulb (Amber)
My only recommendation is to trim more of the original lens away because the plexiglass is a little thicker than the original plastic, you can't tell unless you get up close, but they sit about a millimeter out, ideally you would want them completely flush.
Also, after the epoxy on the sides dries, you'll need to take the sanding wheel to it so that the markers fit nicely back inside the bumper, there isn't much clearance for excess material.
I'm satisfied with them, and it beats paying $500 for "clean corners" LEDs.
I used these LED bulbs:
Philips 194 Ultinon LED Bulb (Amber)
Last edited by joemg; 09-15-19 at 11:23 AM.
09-15-19, 04:16 PM
#5
Lead Lap
Blends in nicely with the white car.
09-16-19, 04:25 AM
#6
Looks like a professional install!
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