Reproduction JDM headlight covers with trim

[civ104]

I'd certainly entertain at least one set. Keep us apprised of your progress.

[1GENZED]

I am having a difficult time finding a supplier for the right alloy(evidently it is rare) of stainless steel for the trim,

Hi Will

What is the numerical code of alloy you are looking for and thickness.

I work as a machinist at UofT, and we use alot of rare types of metal.

Maybe I can get a sheet or two of what your looking for.

We all appreciate your hard work.

Thanks.

Ahmed

[hls30.com]

I believe it is T346, .020" I'll check my notes tomorrow.

Thanks,

Will

[240Zdragon72]

Hey Will, I too am interested. The ones I have from MSA, the rubber trim dosen't come close to the edge of the scoop. There is atleast a half inch gap in one place. Maybe I have it on wrong, but I went by the guage it came with.

Good luck with the project.

[leif]

I am interested too, and ready to pay the shipping to me in Norway!

Good luck with the project! :-)

1972 240z imported from CA

Leif

[1GENZED]

I believe it is T346, .020" I'll check my notes tomorrow.

Thanks,

Will

Hi Will

I have done a search and the closest number I can get is 347

I don't think it's what your looking for, because it is a high strength titanium alloy used for hi stress parts on aircraft...

It is supposed to have similar machining properties as 321.

I have machined 321, and it is very hard to work with.

Cost wise, your looking at about $400Cdn a sheet. Ouch!

Ahmed

[hls30.com]

I double checked my information, and I found conflicts between the sources and my notes. What I need is 436(or close) not 346. That damned Dyslexia...

The alloy must be readily formable, and not prone to work harden appreciably(rules out T304).

Will

[MikeW]

Hi Will

because it is a high strength titanium alloy used for hi stress parts on aircraft...

Cool!! Will, I'll take the titanium headlight covers ...

[hls30.com]

Hey Mike, the first set goes on my car! Titanium don't bend too easily!

Will

[NickF]

To ease manufacturing and costs you could use the best available covers?

and produce the rims in copper or brass and chrome plate.

This would be a much easier material to work with?

I dont how well the after market covers replicate the originals or if they will be suitable for the rims.

Nick

[hls30.com]

NickF

To keep the original appearance,and to improve the longevity thereof, a specific thickness of material must be used, the materials you suggested would be too maleable in the needed thickness to support the mounting hardware without deforming. The available headlight covers are smaller, they actually fit inside the opening, whereas the JDM variety actually lay on top(they are larger) of the headlight bucket, in addition, the mounting hardware for the JDM version does not actually attatch throught the actual cover material, but instread olny attatches through the rim.

I have considered using a stronger alloy of aluminum and after polishing, and either annodizing with a very slight blueish tint to simulate chrome plating, or actually chrome plating.

I appreciate any and all suggestions, I want these to be a welcome and awe inspiring addition to our cars, and any suggestions to improve (initially with no appearane changes) them will be taken seriously.

Thanks for your input,

Will

[1GENZED]

Hi Will

No hit on 436 either.

It jumps from 431 to 440.

I don't think you want to use any of the 400 series stainless.

I think for the properties your looking for, 304 would be the best.

It's better for stamping and drawing, relatively.

Doesn't have problems with intergranular corrosion.

It reacts very well to welding. Welds harden very slightly.

You don't have to anneal it after welding, to maintain its corrosion resistance.

You can get it from McMaster-Carr

The sheet can be ordered with a finish polished surface, but has a minimum thickness of .025" and 36"x96" your looking at $100Cdn a sheet.

Man, I sound like a salesman.

Anyway, I would like to hear more from you about your forming method.