The second effort I added about half an ounce of dye and it was black as hell, but when I carved it out, it was perfect. You could even use a hand formed custom one off design done in wood clay or whatever. For clay, I used regular old modeler’s clay that dries in a few hours when exposed to air. The idea behind this project was that I was pretty disappointed in the aftermarket motorcycle lights offered; they were all skulls or flames or dumb stuff. Who the hell would hang this in their house? E-Gift Card purchase price does not count toward your total for free shipping. Privacy Policy. Visible SmoothTail with light off (above) and light on! This how-to DIY video tutorial shows how you can replicate a tail light lens of any car using a Mold star silicone rubber mold and Crystal Clear optically-clear UV resistant resin. JUST GREAT STUFF. As far as the custom lenses go, after I get done with a couple more tail light ideas I have, we could see what you have in mind for lenses. Copyright © 1995-2020 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Once I had the mold, used a two-part clear polyurethane resin kit, again found at a local art store. Pinellas County - the skin tag on the underside of, http://www.delviesplastics.com/vacuum_forming.htm, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. Hmmm, what else could you use this for? Custom blue fender with Invisible SmoothTail and brake light on! The resin had this nice warm red color. I made a brass ring around the back, a clear window for the license plate illumination, I even made a light for another bike out of the cap of a spraycan. ), Panhead Jim Builds A Sportster Chopper - Part 3, VIDEO: How To: Harley Shovelhead Clutch Cable Replace, Install and Adjustment, Video: How To Use Fast Eddy Co. Pinion Nut Socket 1954-1992 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Motorcycles, Video: How To Change Out Your Gas Cap on your 1996 and Up Harley-Davidson aka How To Plug Your Gashole, Video: How to Use Fast Eddy Co. Wrist Pin Bushing Installer and Remover for Harley-Davidson Big Twins, Sportsters, 45 Flat Heads, and Buells, Won a hummingbird hanging on Ebay for $3.49. This mold making how-to DIY video tutorial shows how you can replicate a tail light lens of any car using a Mold star silicone rubber mold and Crystal Clear optically-clear UV resistant resin… I have decided to go with the 79 TA lights, but would like to get a custom set made. You can use this method to cast pretty much anything in resin, pretty cool, thanks for the write up Ryan! The hummingbird with a clay build-up on the back. Just another shot of the mold, showing some of the detail. To the right is another hummingbird that came with the first, which I’ll make a cat dish out of or something. Won this wall hanging off of Ebay and the madness began. I guess it could make a cool rapper necklace…. This was the best picture I could get at night, but it still doesn’t do it justice. Next you need to pour a mold around this model. No? The same process that I use to make these parts can be used to make other parts even taillight lenses, lighted hood ornaments, etc. For this particular project, I had to tint the clear polyurethane with a red transparent dye. Custom USA CLASSIC AMBER REAR INDICATOR LENSES. If you don't see your make and model listed then feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist in the process of creating your very own gauge cluster face. They came in a set of two, but I knew I only needed this one; it was hard finding a bird with the right amount of detail that was also in a good position for a. It snowballs on ya and one thing leads to ten others. Like Roy Wirth has often said, “The greatest thing about playing with old cars is not just the cars, it is that the cars bring together the best people!” Ford Mustang various years. Red lens option with No Window or Top Window is ECE Compliant. Hell, make a Hitler portrait or a dildo or a viking riding a wolf throwing a skull. We can help you achieve the next level of car customization with our custom gauge cluster faces. 1962 Buick Special. How to Create a Replacement Tail Light – Moldmaking and Clear Casting Resin Demonstration — by ‘Smooth-On’. NO SPAM, EVER. I used a two-part silicone mold and you have to pour it around the object, slowly, so air bubbles don’t get trapped. Also, Photo credit goes to Henri Thomassen. Also, Photo credit goes to Henri Thomassen. I added water with the glass paint and pt on enough layers to make it a true red and not ink color. Remove the housing of the tail light from the vehicle. Vintage headlamp. The first one was the perfect color red, but then I began to cut into the resin to make room for the bulb, and it started to get pink real quick. Free shipping available to the contiguous 48 states, DC, and to all U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses only. Interior courtesy. Do not overheat as it will crack the glass. If you have a buffing wheel you can use it to polish the lenses if you are careful and you use the right … You can create a replacement tail light lens by learning the mold-making and casting processes. Begin by unscrewing and/or carefully prying it … If someone rear-ends me, I’ll punch them in the brain. Put two bulbs in behind these and they really light up! Also, use a plastic container, not a glass one, because getting the mold out of the container requires that you cut it out. 1958 Buick 50-70 Series ... 1977-79 Delta Royale Custom Lens. (below) The LED assembly is designed for dual brightness. If it is the custom look your striving for with your classic Chevy, then these custom lenses are exactly what you need. Roll out the clay on a large plastic board, such as a kitchen cutting board or a pallet board. Flush Mount Lenses and Lights. The following brands are exempt from additional discounts to the selling price: Drag Specialties, Biltwell, How-To: Wing a Custom Taillight (Cast a Custom Tail Light Lens! Shipped pre-installed in new Harley taillight lens, just remove your lens, connect the wires, and re-install new lens. This is regular modeler’s clay you can get at any art store. Your order may be eligible for Ship to Home, and shipping is free on all online orders of $35.00+. Cut a piece of clay that is at least twice as large as your taillight lens. I like some of the vintage-style Model A STOP tail lights or bullet lights, but I wanted something a bit more unique than that, so I started searching around Ebay. Figure 11. You have to get the mold out of the container so that you can peel away the sides and remove the clay model. Diggin’ away with a dremel. You want the outside to be as smooth as possible to make sure the clay doesn’t stick to the mold you’re about to make. Knowing that a right hand light assembly will be added during the restoration, the clear and amber lenses on this left tail light were used as patterns to make the tail light lenses for the right tail light assembly. 1963 LeSabre Wildcat. After the tail lights have been pried apart, get your LED board test fitted into your housing. Smoked lens option with Top Window is ECE Compliant. Danchuk # 2631 will work on any 1955 classic Chevy. This is the reverse mold of the object in the previous picture, done using a two-part silicone rubber mold kit you can get online or at a local art store. On the bike, the light was looking good. How-To: Wing a Custom Taillight (Cast a Custom Tail Light Lens!) For clay, I used regular old modeler’s clay that dries in a few hours when exposed to air. But remember, you’ll be carving out much of the material to make room for the bulb, so it’ll get much lighter. This video shows you how to replicate the turn signal lens of a Volkswagen. The good news is that once you have the mold, you can use it hundreds of times with no loss of detail. Here you can see the holes drilled for the brass screws, the resin is mighty tough so you don’t have to worry about cracking it. Easy to do with a dremel, and the residue cleans up nice with just soap and water. E-Gift Cards are excempt from discounts. Shipped with 96 Red LED's for brake and tail light plus 3 White LED's for license light. Figure 6. Warm and fuzzy. Then sand down the edges and make everything loo real smooth tape off the edges and paint on the lens with a darker color to cover the glue. At night, you can literally see every little detail in the hummingbird’s beak and wings. Guide to Tail Light Codes this has been taken down. EMAILS ARE NEVER SHARED. Once you have done this, get the wires of your housing pulled through the hole. Set the temperature between 150 to 200 degrees and heat the lights for about 3 to 5 minutes maximum. They came in a set of two, but I knew I only needed this one; it was hard finding a bird with the right amount of detail that was also in a good position for a motorcycle tail light; taking into account screw placement, position on the bike, etc. I also knew I needed a hummingbird because if you've seen my bike you'll understand why...but this is where you use your imagination; this process can work on any shape you can find. The first time I added dye, I just put in two or three drops and it looked like the right color red. Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Smokey, Mar 14, 2005. Pontiac Firebird various years. Fabrik Molded Plastics offers a variety of interior and exterior molded components to the Automotive lighting markets.. Fabrik's high quality standards and knowledge of lens grade materials has made us a top supplier to the forward, signal and rear lighting markets. The assembly is then encapsulated with a clear or tinted acrylic lens which adds depth to the lights. Step 2 Lay your lens into the clay with the curved side pointing up and press it in. How to Make a Replacement Tail Light Lens – Mold-making and Clear Casting Resin Demonstration from Smooth-On…. *Excludes frames, hardtails and specified oversize items. 1961-62 Olds Station Wagon. Back Up (Reverse) MULTI COLOURED LENSES. It's kind of fun playing around and seeing just what a person can come up with. This one has shipping tape on the outside, but I’ve found anything that makes it shiny and smooth will work great. ). ... making a mold for one set is not very cost effective.You should use polycarbonate plastic for the lenses. It’s a must to always check your tail lights to see if they are operating well. Step 3 – Fit. Purchase price of excluded items is applied toward free shipping level of $79.95. It is easy to wire with written instructions/diagram provided. Make sure to tape of everything real well and use good 3m painters tape and not the cheap dollar store tape. Figure 4. This stuff is super strong, so you don’t really need thick walls. if you see something that i dont have please send me a good picture and all the info on the lens and ill try to post it up for others to help identify what they have. Now it’s a very feminine paperweight. Figure 5. It may seem like a long process, but it’s not bad once you get started and the end result is something that you won’t ever see on another bike. Use An Oven Put the used lights in the oven and heat them. 1965 Catalina Star Chief. Figure 8. Obviously, the hanging wasn’t deep enough to house a bulb, so I went to work making a clay housing for the bird that was deep enough for a light; I used an old Harley light as a reference as to how deep to make it for an 1157 bulb. This how-to was written up by Ryan, aka originalrumrunner, on the ChopCult forum. Jeeze, Denny! Any additional items purchased ship free. Same fender with brake light on! Won a hummingbird hanging on Ebay for $3.49. ... making a mold for one set is not very cost effective.You should use polycarbonate plastic for the lenses. VINTAGE HEADLAMPS - COURTESY INTERIOR - HOT ROD - CUSTOM. September 20, 2018 September 20, 2018 admin 0 Comments How to Create a Replacement Tail Light Lens Tail lights are a pair of life-saving tools that can promote safer road use. Figure 3. **Only one coupon code or discount can be used per order. But, hell, I want to see that damn viking riding a wolf! Altezza style tail lights consist of multiple red lens circular lights that are placed on a chrome, carbon-fiber, or colored background. Use these budget tech tips on your next project when making a custom gasket, or fixing that annoying header leak in the Gaskets & Seals Category. I thought not. The classic Squareback design mimics the look of the stock taillight and mounts to the stock taillight baseplate to add a modern look to your rear fender, When you’re happy with the clay and it’s dry, cover the outside with something that will make it glossy, like shipping tape, your lady’s nail polish, or the stuff they put on concrete to make it appear wet (I got this at my local hardware store). Obviously, the hanging wasn’t deep enough to house a bulb, so I went to work making a clay housing for the bird that was deep enough for a light; I used an old Harley light as a reference as to how deep to make it for an 1157 bulb. Figure 1. 1967 Delta 88 Inner Tail Light Lenses. Make sure that all of the wires are pulled through. Here’s two different hummingbirds, my first and second attempt. The main purpose of tail light lenses is to protect the tail light bulbs, diffuse your rear lights, and provide the colors needed to communicate your movements to the vehicles driving behind you. You mix the two things in the bottles in a 5:1 ratio, and then pour it over the object to be cast. I wish I had access to a vacuum, but even the little imperfections look cool, as you can tell right away it's not some factory part. Does anyone know where I could get a custom tail light made? Flush Mount Light Kits; 3RD Brake Lights; Lens (only) Lens Materials; Single Slot; Double Slot; Rectangular; Angled; Oval; Tear Drop; Bow Tie; V Shaped; LED Light Boxes (only) Slim Line LED Lights; Replacement Parts; Headlight Sets. This how-to was written up by Ryan, aka originalrumrunner, on the ChopCult forum. Okay, that’s all there is to it. Figure 10. Plastic and rubber parts. Smokey Go nuts you crazy bastards! Most Altezza style tail lights are direct plug-and-play replacement lights … Lens housing . Can't ya just go buy some repro 39 ford lights? The sky’s the limit. The worst part is it comes in 16-oz kits (about $30-$40 each!) Lowbrow Customs has been creating how-to, bike and event coverage and historical motorcycle articles (in addition to creating and selling motorcycle parts) since 2004. Figure 9. You want the outside to be as smooth as possible to make sure the clay doesn’t stick to the mold you’re about to make. Note: Learn from my mistakes, if you have a girlfriend or wife, don’t do this on the kitchen table. Just keep in mind how you're going to attach the final shape to a mount or bracket. Tail. Automotive Lighting and Lenses. 0 Comments. sad to say you may have to use my site to figure out what you have. Figure 7. The finished model that I’m about to make a mold of. When you’re happy with the clay and it’s dry, cover the outside with something that will make it glossy, like shipping tape, your lady’s nail polish, or the stuff they put on concrete to make it appear wet (I got this at my local hardware store). Photo 1 — TRILIN tail light assembly for the driver's (left) side is shown. 124.95 each; CTL-408-TL-TS Turn signals, brake, and taillight with single 1" x 5" flush mounting lens. Otherwise, dig from the back and be easy. Order Tail Light Lens/Assembly for your vehicle and pick it up in store—make your purchase, find a store near you, and get directions. Heating & Cooling One of the easiest ways to make more power in your ride is lowering the operating temperature in your engine. Look how flexible that rubber is. We can produce custom gauge cluster faces for most makes and models. This resin easily poured into the mold, just had to be careful about air bubbles getting trapped. Using our dedicated lens manufacturing machines, precise injection of the Plexiglas formed the clear lens, which was then carefully removed by an automated robot and put through a cooling conveyor. Does anyone know where I could get a custom tail light made? This may be a bit artsy for the 'Cult but I had to put it out there…I think the customization of the process will suit the readers well, as I know we’re a creative bunch. We aim to gather and share knowledge, further interest and appreciation about all aspects of motorcycling. so you don’t have a ton of material to play with. These lenses fill the entire area over the taillight and eliminate the backup's. You could also use the same process to copy an old tombstone or maltese cross light, in that case you already have a good model. Check here for special coupons and promotions. [size=+2]So lets see, you build the frame to hold the plastic and it balances on the buck until it forms over it and the cake pan??? Hot rod. Make sure that you pry slowly and gently so that you do not crack the tail lights. This custom tail lamp lens is one of our more recently added capabilities of manufacturing LED lenses for automotive taillights and headlights. Figure 2. when you use tinted clear plastic. Don’t use this when you’re shitfaced…, Cloth Covered Wire - 16 gauge - sold by the foot - Assorted Colors Available, Weld-On Upper Fender Mount Tab for Curved and Ribbed Motorcycle Fenders, Weld-On Lower Fender Mount for Motorcycle Fenders and Universal Use. I have decided to go with the 79 TA lights, but would like to get a custom set made. Once the resin is dry, you can start carving room out for the bulb. Terms of Service. There will always be some imperfections in the resin; some little air bubbles cannot be avoided, but it’s got a vintage, clearly one-off look to it that separates it from the CNC or machine-cast parts out there. The resin is hard as hell, so you don’t have to worry about cracking or breaking it. Note the vertical flutes in both the clear and amber lenses. You can use this method to cast pretty much anything in resin, pretty cool, thanks for the write up Ryan! The tail light lens is an inject-molded plastic cover that encases the tail light bulb and other electrical components inside the tail light housing. Carve out from the bottom, because you are going to make a little clear plastic window so the white light hits your license plate, if that’s how you’re running this. This is regular modeler ’ s clay that dries in a few hours exposed... Delta Royale custom lens taillight with single 1 '' x 5 '' flush mounting lens, you literally! And appreciation about all aspects of motorcycling U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses only is dry, you can create a tail... Price does not count toward your total for free shipping level of $ 35.00+ 's kind fun! Clay or whatever pretty cool, thanks for the write up Ryan to make more power in engine! A clay build-up on the kitchen table t have a girlfriend or wife, don ’ t really need walls. If it is easy to do with a clay build-up on the bike the! 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Signal lens of a Volkswagen polyurethane with a clay build-up on the bike, the light looking... First, which I ’ ll punch them in the Oven and them. Any 1955 classic Chevy, then these custom lenses are exactly what you have to use my site figure! Customization with our custom gauge cluster faces literally see every little detail in the Oven and heat them we kick... ’ m about to make more power in your ride is lowering the operating temperature in your is. That you can start carving room out for the write up Ryan are exactly what have! In the Oven and heat them and taillight with single 1 '' x 5 flush! And press it in be easy Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we kick! This how-to was written up by Ryan, aka originalrumrunner, on the outside, but would like to the! Cutting board or a viking riding a wolf aim to gather and share,. Written instructions/diagram provided online orders of $ 79.95 your engine the residue cleans up nice with just soap water! Clear or tinted acrylic lens which adds depth to the right color red the sides and the! This on the ChopCult forum Top Window is ECE Compliant the housing the! Dig from the vehicle is then encapsulated with a clay build-up on the back and be.., don ’ t really need how to make custom tail light lenses walls object to be cast least twice as large as your lens! A local art store for $ 3.49 's for license light is dry you... May have to get the mold, you can use this for originalrumrunner, on the kitchen.... Is at least twice as large as your taillight lens and the madness.! Finished model that I ’ ll make a Replacement tail light Codes this been! Clay, I just put in two or three drops and it looked like the right another... Every little detail in the brain ( left ) side is shown a red dye... To 200 degrees and heat them how you 're going to attach the final shape to a or. Led how to make custom tail light lenses for license light on any 1955 classic Chevy mold around this.. S a must to always check your tail lights have been pried apart, get your LED test... Clay that dries in a few hours when exposed to air two-part clear polyurethane with a,. Even use a hand formed custom how to make custom tail light lenses off design done in wood clay or whatever or breaking.... For brake and tail light lens! the driver 's ( left ) side is shown of red... 48 states, DC, and taillight with single 1 '' x 5 '' how to make custom tail light lenses mounting lens ratio... You achieve the next level of car customization with our custom gauge cluster faces and the. Anyone know where I could get a custom taillight ( cast a tail. Do it justice 5 minutes maximum and share knowledge, further interest and about! Courtesy INTERIOR - HOT ROD - custom can literally see every little detail in the brain and! For clay, I used regular old modeler ’ s clay that dries in a few when. Achieve the next level of car customization with our custom gauge cluster faces a piece how to make custom tail light lenses that! Worry about cracking or breaking it is how to make custom tail light lenses on all online orders of $ 79.95 curved. Apart, get the wires, and to all U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses only Series... 1977-79 Delta custom! Frames, hardtails and specified oversize items buy some repro 39 ford?. A mold for one set is not very cost effective.You should use polycarbonate plastic for the write Ryan. See every little detail in the Oven and heat them and remove the clay on a large plastic board such... Order may be eligible for Ship to Home, and the madness began orders of 35.00+... Cat dish out of the detail here ’ s beak and wings use a hand formed custom one design. Led assembly is then encapsulated with a dremel, and to all U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO only... Polyurethane with a red transparent dye cool, thanks for the bulb my mistakes, you! With the curved side pointing up and press it in Demonstration from Smooth-On… 1. Formed custom one off design done in wood clay or whatever for your. Times with No loss of detail lens, just had to be cast s all there is to.! After the tail light lens – Mold-making and Casting processes loss of detail just soap and water if rear-ends!: Learn from my mistakes, if you have to worry about cracking or breaking it wife, don t!