Front turn signal light covers project (Page 1/7)
seajai JAN 09, 01:46 AM
I have a project I'm working on which is going to involve thermoforming some acrylic sheets so I built myself a high-vacuum setup using an old Robinair pump and a 10 gallon reservoir tank.



This is my first venture into this realm so I thought I would start out with a little smaller part to learn the process and work out any bugs, so I decided to make some front turn signal covers for my GT.

First off I made a left and right side mold from 3/4" MDF and sanded it all the way up to 12,000 grit. I couldn't get a mirror finish but they are very close.



I picked up a free oven off of Craigslist to heat the acrylic. I am using 3mm (.118") material which takes about 5 minutes at 315deg to get to forming temp. With the reservoir tank pulled down to 28"hg, I lay the hot acrylic over the form and open the valve. The high vacuum pulls the acrylic tightly over the mold forming a tight radius around the edge. Here is a pic fresh off the form before trimming:



Left and right sides trimmed and ready for installation:



The problem I ran into on my car is, with the fiberglass chin spoiler mounted, I can't reach up to install retaining clips. My solution was to modify a couple of extruded "U" nuts and attach them to the opening with stainless flathead screws.



The covers pop into place from the outside and the clips seem to hold well.





The turn signal can be easily seen through the transparent smoke grey acrylic



All in all I've learned a lot so far and I'm looking forward to my main project. Pay no attention to the peeling Plasti-Dip in the pics , I damaged the hood and bumper at the end of the season and I need to peel and respray them.


I don't believe anybody is currently selling these so I was thinking about making more of them to sell if anyone is interested in a pair. I can do them in clear and smoke for sure, could do other colors provided I can find small pieces without having to buy a 4'x8' sheet. I could also provide the modified screw and mounting clips. Let me know what you think.

[This message has been edited by seajai (edited 01-09-2016).]

Patrick JAN 09, 02:10 AM

Those are nice... but on a Formula they'd look even sweeter.

I'd love to see smoked ones made for the '87-'88 coupe/Formula that would fill in the entire "sunken" space as indicated below.
fierogt28 JAN 09, 02:12 AM
Nice project and idea.

Can't see many wouldn't like this.

Having these made clear is a good option.

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fierogt28

88 GT, Loaded, 5-speed.
88 GT, 5-speed. Beechwood interior, All original.

seajai JAN 09, 02:16 AM
Wouldn't be too tough to do, my table is 24x36 so it would fit. I'll see if I can get my mitts on a bumper cover and whip up some molds.
JohnWPB JAN 09, 02:50 AM
Very Cool! This is EXACTLY why I always wondered what the big deal is for the clear portion of the tail lights, or quarter windows. Like you said you never did anything like this before. You took an old air pump, an air can, a Craig's list consumer FREE oven and wala! a perfect product the very first try.
Patrick JAN 09, 03:08 AM

quote
Originally posted by seajai:

Wouldn't be too tough to do, my table is 24x36 so it would fit. I'll see if I can get my mitts on a bumper cover and whip up some molds.



Great.

Being longer than the GT style cover, the challenge might be how to best attach and/or support the inner (towards the middle of the bumper) end of the cover.
spirit JAN 09, 09:09 AM
These are nice. Keith Munson made them years ago and I have a set. Sorry that Keith died from cancer serveral years ago. Keep up the good work.
davylong86 JAN 09, 10:15 AM
They look great! good job. When will you have a set to sell and what price you looking to get. I'm in for a set of smoked ones
trivet JAN 09, 10:22 AM
WOW!! I have been looking for something like this for awhile. Was think about trying to fabricate something, but I lack the time, skills, patience, work space and funds.

These look GREAT! Let me know when your ready to get them for sale, put me down for a set (GT).

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Tim
'87 GT
Med Red Metallic
85K miles
Bay City, MI

Danyel JAN 09, 10:30 AM
I'd be in for a Formula type (Front & back )... PFF member Fiero2m8 did some for his fiero.. see Here his construction link




Chris Munson used a retainer to hold his light covers on... they are still available GM # 15999788

regards
Danyel


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[This message has been edited by Danyel (edited 01-09-2016).]