Feeler: Clear Headlight Lenses, Please vote! Options

[KAOS]

** I'm not sure if this needs approval because its in the Exterior Styling area, but mods please let me know... thanks! **

So - I have been in talks with local companies (in Canada) that are willing to work with me to help create one of two clear lenses for our headlamps.

I've been researching two different ways;

Method #1: The poly injection method, which involves creating a polished steel mold for each headlight lens and is quite expensive, but would be a direct replacement for the glass, and sturdy as hell.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NedTUB7YQE0&NR=1

Method #2: The usual plexiglass/poly mold method, done in the past; however I have a different blueprint for how I'd like them molded so still very little customization would be needed (hopefully) to make them fit/seal properly. Pro's: definately more cost effective, and cons would be; there could be a ton of modifications to get them to work properly (MAYBE, depending on if my idea works) & they would take more time to make (high turnaround time).

I have a quote from the first project/idea, and its not "pretty" but I would prefer to go that route if possible because of the quality and the idea of having a direct replacement is very appealing to myself (having dealt with the clear lens molds from prior buys...)

I know what the previous clear lenses went for $$-wise, but in order to gauge what project I start, I need to know who's interested in what. I need to know the volume perspective to see if it will be worth while (and I'd get my invested money back) to go the first route... or if there's little to no interest for the clears, then I would pursue the molding method #2.

Post up with what you would prefer, and what you would be willing to spend on them.

PS - just a rough estimate; to make Method #1 a possibility, I would need to have at LEAST 200 units made... so yeah.

Summary:

1) Polycarbonate Injection Molding: MORE $$, DIRECT REPLACEMENT, GREAT QUALITY.

2) Poly/Lexan Heated Molding: LESS $$ than Injection Molding, NOT DIRECT REPLACEMENT (but possibly very close), still great quality, but long turn around time

PLEASE VOTE!

This post has been edited by KAOS: Oct 21, 2010 - 3:10 PM

[georgie]

im interested.
what were the prices of the old lenses? just so i can get a ballpark price

[KAOS]

im interested.
what were the prices of the old lenses? just so i can get a ballpark price

Rayme was selling his for $100USD. Rayme's Clear Lenses - Old Thread

If molded (if I go the Lexan/Polycarbonate molding route) with the cost of Lexan (very strong) and the mold being as "direct replacement" as possible the price would be a little more than what he posted.

I have that set he was selling in this link, in fact I have his entire retrofit (see link in my signature) and I had to completely tear apart the retrofit and rebuild it from scratch. The lenses were a pain to get seated/sealed properly. Not his fault at all... it will happen with the molding, which is why I'm gunning for the Polycarbonate Injection method, which would essentially be an exact replica of the headlamp GLASS, great strength; just clear.

... I probably could have explained that a bit better in the first post... LOL.

This post has been edited by KAOS: Oct 21, 2010 - 1:21 PM