My lens making thread.

[LocuMob]

They make a lot of plastic tanks using a similar method called "slush molding" or "rotational molding" where they use a heated mold. I believe that is the method they used to make the washer bottle.

When the reproduction washer bottles hit the market, they were always a brighter white color than the original and less translucent. Now I wonder if the thickness was the reason for that... or as you mention, perhaps to hide the inconsistency.

Rotational molding, been there, done that. Used to make fuel tanks for Hummer's and some tanks, fun stuff. The Hummer tank started out at 23 lbs and was down to 19 lbs by the time I left. We also made coolant overflow tanks for Bluebird bus company, and one other private company and the Army guess who paid more? Oil King carts, out house crappers, pissers and the bases. Fill the hollow mold, put it in an oven and then air and water cooler. Lots of fun stuff I got to make. If you can get the molds, they could be made easily. Tooling is the expensive part.

 

[pomonamissel]

and toilet seats are a rotation mold too , lol .

 

[live4theking]

So, Mike any more developments???

 

[MarPar]

 

[Zymurgy]

I will give a little bit more detail this evening. I have been working on the deburring of the edge of the lens. This area is not visible when installed, just me being anal.

I am very satisfied with 4 sand papers to a 1500 wet dry paper, and then 3 different buffing pads using 3 different buffing compounds.

I also wasn't satisfied with the very first mold I made for the clear lens. It was completely functional and the vent holes I incorporated into the mold were hidden when installed, but I knew I could make a better mold, so I did.

The mold pictured was my first pour. I used a stiffer mold but it still pushed out, so I used the electrical tape it worked, but the second pour I used a wood box to keep everything where is should be.

 

[Zymurgy]

Almost ready to put them up for sale. I have 3 sets finished, the factory lens bottoms are painted black and that is the last thing to test. I have primer and top coat designed for plastic, and recommended by the manufacturer of the product.

I received more information on the color retention on the dyes I have used. I talked to the owner of the product I am using. He also is a distributor of the UV urethane I am using too. He has had a display in his window for over 20 years with the same color dye and urethane, I am using, and he said it still looks good.

 

[rexus31]

Great job, Mike. That is awesome!

 

[Zymurgy]

New lens installed on Goldie. The fit was perfect, the old lenses had only faded slightly, so on the car no preceived difference in color. I took side by side off the car for comparison.

 

[73 T&C]

New lens installed on Goldie. The fit was perfect, the old lenses had only faded slightly, so on the car no preceived difference in color. I took side by side off the car for comparison.

View attachment 182095 View attachment 182096 View attachment 182097 View attachment 182098 View attachment 182099

Holy WOW Lensman!

 

[commando1]

Say, Mike, don't those backup lamp lenses look a little cloudy to you?

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

Say, Mike, don't those backup lamp lenses look a little cloudy to you?

Maybe just your cataracts????

 

[Robert Saigh]

Can I put my order in now??

 

[Zymurgy]

Can I put my order in now??

I have one set available minus the clear reflector behind the wrap around lens. I messed up there. When I received the NOS lens the flat lens had one but the other didn't. I forgot there was one behind it too, so I need to make a mold for that lens.

Unless you have a car that the lenses have been removed, mine still look brand new. You can see the lens I'm taking above installed. Here it is loose.

 

[mr. fix it]

I am simply amazed Mike.

 

[Zymurgy]

There is something about just finally getting one installed. I have put it off because you need to drop the bumper to remove the assembly. That was a lot easier than I remember. I just loosened the right side , so I did not have to remove the whole bumper.

I decided my NOS will remain as such, and installed my own. It does make me feel proud, I won't lie.

I finally got both assemblies installed correctly the right screws to seal everything tight and added pop rivets to the grids. I tried JB weld 5 years ago and it never held. Now they never looked better.

 

[LocuMob]

Congratulations, Mike! A job beyond well done, outstanding!

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Very impressive, good job.
Can't wait to see it in August.

 

[live4theking]

Great job Mike!

There is something about just finally getting one installed. I have put it off because you need to drop the bumper to remove the assembly. That was a lot easier than I remember. I just loosened the right side , so I did not have to remove the whole bumper.

I decided my NOS will remain as such, and installed my own. It does make me feel proud, I won't lie.

I finally got both assemblies installed correctly the right screws to seal everything tight and added pop rivets to the grids. I tried JB weld 5 years ago and it never held. Now they never looked better.

Nothing wrong with being proud of hard work.

 

[Robert Saigh]

Can you make other models/years?

 

[cantflip]

Can you make other models/years?

Formal rear bumper reflectors... Brand New.