custom headlights. (Page 1/3)
fredtoast JUN 29, 08:45 AM
Has anyone ever deleted their pop-up headlights by creating new covers from existing headlights.

I know that if you just cover the openings with flat clear plastic the bulbs are stuck back in a hole and do not project the light properly. I am pretty sure I could fab some sort of bucket to hold the bulbs, but I don't have a clue how to form or mold the curved lenses needed to let the bulbs stick out far enough to function properly.

I have seen huge headlight lenses on trucks and RVs that appear big enough and have enough curvature to "carve" the lenses I need from them.

Anyone ever seen this done before?
82-T/A [At Work] JUN 29, 10:02 AM

quote
Originally posted by fredtoast:

Has anyone ever deleted their pop-up headlights by creating new covers from existing headlights.

I know that if you just cover the openings with flat clear plastic the bulbs are stuck back in a hole and do not project the light properly. I am pretty sure I could fab some sort of bucket to hold the bulbs, but I don't have a clue how to form or mold the curved lenses needed to let the bulbs stick out far enough to function properly.

I have seen huge headlight lenses on trucks and RVs that appear big enough and have enough curvature to "carve" the lenses I need from them.

Anyone ever seen this done before?




A company named PISA used to produce headlight covers that had small bumps, almost like gator eyes that protruded an inch or so above the closed position in the middle (like a lump). I've also seen some where it recesses the headlight location for which you can then install low profile headlights, and then you simply have a clear plastic cover for the headlight.

Personally though, with the 1980s being all the rage today in 2023, the headlights are a big part of the appeal of these older cars. Because of lobbying from the insurance industry to pass NHTSA SN# 108, and successful tort litigation from victims of pedestrian/vehicular accidents, pop-up headlights are essentially banned in the United States. Not banned per-se that you're not allowed to make them, but that it's essentially completely impossible to design a headlight that would be able to pass scrutiny.

Don't get me started... the reason why cars all look the same today, is because of tort law and the insurance industry. Still, tort is the single greatest protection an individual has against an entity, corporation, or organization for redress... so while I don't like at all what's happened... I wouldn't change law. But it does mean that as time goes on, older cars will become more valuable in light of less appealing newer cars for enthusiasts.


National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Standard No. 108.
olejoedad JUN 29, 01:35 PM
From personal experience with flush mount and covered headlights, they look good during the daytime, but they do not light up the road at night. There have been several designs for the Fiero, and they all suck big-time.
fredtoast JUN 29, 03:10 PM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:
A company named PISA used to produce headlight covers that had small bumps, almost like gator eyes that protruded an inch or so above the closed position in the middle (like a lump).



These sound like the ones I saw from EmbraceRacing.

I had actually seen them before I ever owned a Fiero. When I got mine last month the first thing I did was go to order a pair, but they were out of stock. Based on the low demand I doubt he will ever make any more.

Appearance is a matter of taste. I know some people like the pop-up headlight, but I have never cared for them.
IMSA GT JUN 29, 04:59 PM

quote
Originally posted by fredtoast:


These sound like the ones I saw from EmbraceRacing.

I had actually seen them before I ever owned a Fiero. When I got mine last month the first thing I did was go to order a pair, but they were out of stock. Based on the low demand I doubt he will ever make any more.

Appearance is a matter of taste. I know some people like the pop-up headlight, but I have never cared for them.



Send a message to Chris since he is the owner of Embrace. Here is his thread on the lights:
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/079526.html
fredtoast JUN 29, 06:27 PM

quote
Originally posted by IMSA GT:


Send a message to Chris since he is the owner of Embrace. Here is his thread on the lights:
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/079526.html




Thanks, but I already sent him a message.

The more I read about melting/forming acrylic, the more I think I might try it. It is not that expensive either. I can get a 24" X 48' sheet of 3/8" for about $100. That would give me eight 12" x 12" pieces to get 2 good ones out of.
Patrick JUN 29, 06:53 PM

quote
Originally posted by fredtoast:

Appearance is a matter of taste. I know some people like the pop-up headlight, but I have never cared for them.



I like the factory pop-up headlights just fine when they're down. When the headlights are up, well, at least they're doing their job... and they do it well. However, I find the aftermarket headlight blobs that stick out of the hood 24/7 to be ugly as sin, and they do a crap job of lighting up the road to boot. Two thumbs down for aftermarket blob headlights!
theogre JUN 29, 07:34 PM

quote
Originally posted by fredtoast:
Has anyone ever deleted their pop-up headlights by creating new covers from existing headlights.
<snip>
Anyone ever seen this done before?

Many have "upgraded" and all Suck and/or are Illegal for many reasons.

#1 is any Cover over HL are Illegal in many places even if some Cops and Inspectors may ignore that. If you drive in to another states or region in a state etc the Covers can be easy reason to Stop you.

Is why part of why many w/ "Munson" HL "upgrade" has problems beside light output is crap while using "DOT Legal" Bulbs. Use Search including archives.

Don't confuse w/ any type of Factory Installed "Areo" HL assemblies that Meet FMVSS and other Government Rules and "DOT" Marked showing as "approved" assembly.

Before you ask, "low" Popups have problems too and often Illegal because use Fog/Driving lamps as HL and other crap. Then often don't even install them right so Lift assembly often causes problems w/ the door.

So that's some "background..."

Repurpose OEM HL from other vehicles can have same headaches. Like light output moved to Fiero is crap as said above.

Even when have "DOT" marking because those "Codes" mean something and many can read them including Cops and Inspectors. Example: Many OEM "aero" HL assemblies have front park/turn and more features coded in the DOT/SAE marks.
some "highlights" of code meaning covered in my cave.
https://web.archive.org/web...cast.net/~fierocave/ Light bulbs
Can find more data using web search. But note that some "Recent" codes are still "buried" the SAE Doc's that is hidden by SAE Paywall and likely part of why NHTSA remove the old "posters" showing many codes for Truck/Bus Industry. (Those "posters" don't have new codes for many HL setups alone.)

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 06-29-2023).]

fredtoast JUN 29, 08:19 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:
I find the aftermarket headlight blobs that stick out of the hood 24/7 to be ugly as sin,




You just have not seen them installed properly. They look great if you add these





Now just imagin how sick that will look on a Fiero.
Patrick JUN 29, 08:29 PM

quote
Originally posted by fredtoast:

Now just imagin how sick that will look on a Fiero.



I rest my case.


quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

I find the aftermarket headlight blobs that stick out of the hood 24/7 to be ugly as sin...