Reproduction JDM headlight covers with trim

[sblake01]

... I have no idea how any 'improvement' to the misting / dirt build-up problems can be made without changing the look of the things.

I guess we'll have to remove them and clean them every now and then like the cheap, rubber edged things I have on my car now. Anything would be an improvement over those and for $200 I would go for them. For $750-800... no!

[hls30.com]

Hopefuly adding seals at every contact point, and one for the headlight opening will take care of keeping the inside clean and dry.

Will

[Ed]

Two questions,

1. Wouldn't moisture and dirt get into the headlight area by way of the headlight itself. I mean the headlight assembly is "sealed" with a rubber gasket to prevent moisture coming from the wheel well area. But from the area between the headlight bucket, (aka sugar scoop) and the fender there is a gap that will allow moisture and dust to enter the headlight area.

2. Is there a difference between the G-nose headlight cover and the plain Z? I think I know the answer to this one but I want to be sure. It's longer right?

Ed

[moyest]

At last, a saviour has arrived! Someone with the know-how and interest to do a tricky job for the greater good!!!

I am definitely interested in this opportunity, and I'm sure you'll sell WAY more than 50 pairs!

I have two suggestions for "improvements"

1. the chrome trim should be a bit thinner. I always thought it was a bit too wide around the edges. BUT, if you're going for "original" then by all means do what the market expects.

2. tool up to reproduce the chrome trims on 240Z tail lights! I am at a loss to see how I can restore my existing plastic/chrome trims, which are now pitted and a bit flakey in parts. The actual lense can be easily cleaned up, but the chrome requires some sort of tricky treatment because it's plastic underneath.

Love your work!!!

[hls30.com]

Ed,

1) I am going to make a seal for each of the openings-no opening will be left open!

2) The gnose covers are different to the best of my "not-firsthand" knowledge!

Moyest,

I am examining making a roller die to make a strip with the correct relief. As MikeW pointed out on another thread, the ends will have to be split to wrap around.

Will

[dhoneycutt]

MEEEEEEEE......TOOOOOOOO

Count me in as well.

[Go240Zags]

Just tell me where to send the money. This is soooo great! Now I won't have to beat myself up for timid bidding on the originals that pop up on eBay every once in awhile. Looks like you're halfway there already. I asked about repros some time ago, glad there is someone out there up to the challenge. Gary

[Doehring]

Please put me on the list, too.

[Victor Laury]

How do you anticipate being able to do it for that price? It seems like it would take an awful lot of work just to get up to speed on the manufacturing process.

Your right of course. But there is something we can do to get the price down to his target - buy them! The addage, "The More, The Merrier" is the key. I'll buy a set at target price and may be negoitable if that is not obtained.

[GregP]

Does anyone have any close up photos of the original JDM headlightcovers they could post here?

[MikeW]

Your right of course. But there is something we can do to get the price down to his target - buy them! The addage, "The More, The Merrier" is the key. I'll buy a set at target price and may be negoitable if that is not obtained.

Absolutely. I have first hand experience with this making the gloveboxes. I started out making them completely by hand and as more people asked for them I improved the process by making templates and jigs. While I still haven't really broken even I am able to make them better and faster only because people were willing to buy them from me. Otherwise I would have stopped with the prototype that I installed in my car.

I hope that Will can make the headlight covers work out as it's to the benefit of all of us. Others have talked of making braided hoses, etc. The more we can collectively support this kind of work the better. Nissan will certainly never start providing these parts again and the market is only getting smaller as these cars rust away.

[hls30.com]

GregP,

I know there are some in the Galleries, but I will take some pictures tonight and post them as well.

Will