. The lens on top will be fastened to the buckets as well. How the lenses will be fastened is still up in the air.
How bout making them like a sealed beam where it's fully closed but able to remove the bulb from the back side instead of having to take off the lense.. It's hard to explain because I don't know what the bracket looks like... And you don't have to spoil the beans.. Just throwing things out there..
Oh.. We want to go faster than 120... So make to where they won't pop up at certain speeds..
[This message has been edited by unboundmo (edited 04-27-2012).]
I have been watching this thread and this project is super cool. One offing parts is one thing, designing a manufacture-able part is another. This is a huge amount of work and most people here realize that.
If you want to run at triple digit speeds at night, this set-up will be the ticket. The suspense is killing me.
Thanks for the positive response. It's encouraging and motivating to say the least.
I will ask around and see if anybody is interested in making harnesses for them.
I don't think it would be a good idea to make it a completely sealed unit. Otherwise you would have a hard time adjusting the lights or accessing other options/accessories (CCFL halos, LED rings) if you choose to go with those. It's handy to have the lens removable I don't think the lenses popping off at high speeds will be an issue. The headlight doors have this problm because of pressure build up in the front rad area. These lights will be "sealed" from the underside (the bucket that gets mounted to the hood). It may not be completely air tight, but I'm counting on them being sealed off enough that pressure will not build inside.
Don't worry though.. before anything gets sold, I'm going to test them out
Today I had a little fun (or lack thereof) with fiberglass. I figured I would try and make a set of buckets to see how feasible the process would be... I'm not even going to attempt to do them this way again. Time consuming, extremely messy, and just not my thing. Anyways, on to the pics:
I think I'll still try and vacuum form the buckets with abs plastic. I'm just not sure the size of my vacuum forming table can draw the plastic to the depth required. If I can't do it that way, I may have to go with sheet metal buckets. I would have them laser cut and then brake bent and riveted together. Probably would be the easiest method, very strong, and affordable for all. Any objections?
Looking great! I have no objection to the steel buckets. I'm just excited to see these developing into such an awesome product. I can't wait to ditch the stock lights -Josh
I just had a very cool idea based of this...... If someone eg you were to remake tail light fascias in 3d adding round tail lights vacuum moulded to shape perhaps tinting with blackout areas i think it would spark interest.
I just had a very cool idea based of this...... If someone eg you were to remake tail light fascias in 3d adding round tail lights vacuum moulded to shape perhaps tinting with blackout areas i think it would spark interest.
Already on it for the notchback... problem with the GT lights is that they're way bigger, and I don't have any to work with. I will consider it though
Originally posted by doublec4: Already on it for the notchback... problem with the GT lights is that they're way bigger, and I don't have any to work with. I will consider it though
the headlights, I've got some of my own Ideas for taillights, can't buy everything gotta build and fit some stuff myself.
I expect the headlights to be for sale in the next few weeks... not just for notchback guys. They fit both notchback and fastback the exact same.
When the time comes, I will likely be starting a group buy for a minimum of 10 sets. If I can't get 10 people in on this.. well then I've spent a lot of time and money on a cool one off item for myself lol.
A little more progress to report. I had a pair of buckets laser cut and then I folded one of them up today:
I have some design changes to make so that I can make all of the folds cleaner. The 20 gauge is probably a little thicker than needed.. at least they will be strong!
The final design will also have holes laser cut for the wires to pass through, and mounting holes as well. I also need to pick up a welder or spot welder to get the walls connected.
[This message has been edited by doublec4 (edited 05-05-2012).]
Prototype buckets with more changes to be made... just another shot in the headlight door. You do not want these to cover the entire opening, so the corners are left open.
Edit: I should probably explain why you don't want them to cover the entire opening... so you can adjust the buckets' placement, so water can pass by, and so you can push up on the covers from the underside with your finger when you want to remove them.
[This message has been edited by doublec4 (edited 05-06-2012).]
Those look great! Have you considered allowing custom laser cut emblems and lettering in the buckets? I'm not sure how well it would be seen but I figured I'd throw the idea out there -Josh
Those look great! Have you considered allowing custom laser cut emblems and lettering in the buckets? I'm not sure how well it would be seen but I figured I'd throw the idea out there -Josh
Thanks Josh.
By the end of it, you won't even see the buckets at all. I would recommend painting them black so the focal point is the lights themselves.
Good news is that I formed a few more lenses tonight and got the vacuum former working perfectly with a friend. Gotta stock up on lenses!
I am DEFINITELY interested in some if they come up for sale, my headlights just stopped working (won't go down, suspect is the primary relay) and I would love to use the chance to get some nice fixed lights in there! Count me in!!!
Kev was telling me about these recently... lookin' good!
I'll be watching & waiting to see how they turn out.
Thanks! Haven't seen you post in a while! Still have the fiero?
quote
Originally posted by repnblvd:
PLEASE hurry up so I can buy these! Any idea on price?
Trying to hurry! lol
I'm thinking $400 US + shipping. You'll get two lenses, two buckets, brackets, hardware, 4 bixenon projectors, and instructions. You'll have to source out the HID kits yourself. You can find them just about anywhere. These headlights take H1 bulbs so if you already have an HID kit, just go on Ebay and get H1 HID bulbs. All of the ballasts and connectors are universal for the aftermarket HID kits.
Aiming bracket design is done. Just have to CAD it. They will be laser cut as well. Things are shaping up. These pictures give you an idea of how high and forward the lights will sit when on the brackets:
By the way... you guys are getting a hell of a deal for the price. I know there exists an almost identical kit for the C5 corvette that someone else makes in limited quantities. They use the same projectors, PETG lenses, etc etc just like this kit. It retails at almost $1300. I'm proud to say I make these in my kitchen for 1/3 of the price for you guys
Originally posted by doublec4: Thanks! Haven't seen you post in a while! Still have the fiero?
Yeah... life's been busy the past few years. This past year especially (new daughter, new job, new commuter car and now working on a new house!)
I do still have the Fiero. Only drove it a few times last year (it's tough to fit 2 kids into it for trips to, or from, daycare). Still have some big aspirations for it (needs a little TLC, the aging V8 installed and simply some time), but time and money are short. And most of my friends are linked by Fieros either past or present... so they're definitely an integral part of our social life!
[This message has been edited by MinnGreenGT (edited 05-10-2012).]
You most definitely may count me as one of the first 10. PM me an address and I will send what ever up front money you need. I would love to show off your hard work at the Dell's Run but it is June 1, 2, 3 so that is probably to quick. You wouldn't happen to be coming to the Fiero car show in the Wis. Dell's
I'm thinking $400 US + shipping. You'll get two lenses, two buckets, brackets, hardware, 4 bixenon projectors, and instructions. You'll have to source out the HID kits yourself. You can find them just about anywhere. These headlights take H1 bulbs so if you already have an HID kit, just go on Ebay and get H1 HID bulbs. All of the ballasts and connectors are universal for the aftermarket HID kits.
Any idea of the price of a decent HID kit and bulbs would cost on top of the 400?
Yea i'm definitely in, just an idea for the brackets to aim, you might want to consider closing off the top of the bracket to the bucket or it might look a bit of an afterthought.
Yeah... life's been busy the past few years. This past year especially (new daughter, new job, new commuter car and now working on a new house!)
I do still have the Fiero. Only drove it a few times last year (it's tough to fit 2 kids into it for trips to, or from, daycare). Still have some big aspirations for it (needs a little TLC, the aging V8 installed and simply some time), but time and money are short. And most of my friends are linked by Fieros either past or present... so they're definitely an integral part of our social life!
Sounds good, congrats on the daughter and everything! Good to see you're still lurking the forums.
quote
Originally posted by pegasus1848:
You most definitely may count me as one of the first 10. PM me an address and I will send what ever up front money you need. I would love to show off your hard work at the Dell's Run but it is June 1, 2, 3 so that is probably to quick. You wouldn't happen to be coming to the Fiero car show in the Wis. Dell's
I'd love to have these ready for you before then, however, I can't promise anything. That date is approaching fast and I would still need to get my hands on all of the lights etc. Hope you'd still be interested even if its not in time for the Dells run! I won't be there, sorry!
quote
Originally posted by Stevenr:
Any idea of the price of a decent HID kit and bulbs would cost on top of the 400?
As suzzbomer just posted above, you can get them through another Fiero vendor, TLG (which I would encourgae fiero vendor support) however, to give you more options, just search ebay. I've bought the ballasts and bulbs from ebay seperately and put an HID kit together for $20 from China... I'm not sure how long they will last, but whether you buy a kit, or source parts out seperately, in my opinion its all the same Chinese made stuff. You can spend as little as 20 or as much as 120+ for a single kit. Going the cheap way you may not get a warranty.
quote
Originally posted by Macs86GT:
Yea i'm definitely in, just an idea for the brackets to aim, you might want to consider closing off the top of the bracket to the bucket or it might look a bit of an afterthought.
It won't be necessary. When you paint the lens you won't be able to see the bracket or whats behind it. That whole top area will be black or body color, or whatever you decide to paint them.
Now onto tonight's progress. I got the "final" version of the bucket from laser cutting today. They look great and I can fold the entire pattern with my brake. The bends will be nice and clean. I plan on spot welding the tabs together to hold the shape.
I'm very happy with the quality of the laser cutting. I've also decided against using front "tabs" similar to some other flushmount upgrades out there to mount the buckets at the front. Instead, the front of the buckets will fasten to the holes already in the hood for the little rubber "stoppers" that the headlight doors rest on. You just pull the rubber stoppers out and the holes will line up with the buckets:
As you can see, there are also holes in the back for the wiring to pass through. Most HID kits come with rubber grommets, I made the holes to fit these grommets.
DoubleC4 ... Hey.. I don't know if this is too late late to state but.... I wouldn't mind seeing the tabs touch. A complete flap tab all the way around. Maybe even welded with a tig so there is no space turning the 90*. Can you picture that? Is it possible.? Basically when you laser cut it out, plan on an extended tab that will flap over. Extended enough in order to touch with the other side of the corner...
Edit to say.. See the picture above?.. And the gap in the corners.. Make them touch each other. Can you do that?
[This message has been edited by unboundmo (edited 05-11-2012).]
It won't be necessary. When you paint the lens you won't be able to see the bracket or whats behind it. That whole top area will be black or body color, or whatever you decide to paint them.
Now onto tonight's progress. I got the "final" version of the bucket from laser cutting today. They look great and I can fold the entire pattern with my brake. The bends will be nice and clean. I plan on spot welding the tabs together to hold the shape.
I'm very happy with the quality of the laser cutting. I've also decided against using front "tabs" similar to some other flushmount upgrades out there to mount the buckets at the front. Instead, the front of the buckets will fasten to the holes already in the hood for the little rubber "stoppers" that the headlight doors rest on. You just pull the rubber stoppers out and the holes will line up with the buckets:
As you can see, there are also holes in the back for the wiring to pass through. Most HID kits come with rubber grommets, I made the holes to fit these grommets.
Things are really taking shape and I'm excited!
We're almost there!
Nice work I definately want a set !
------------------ 1987 FIERO GT BLACK CHOP TOP AUTO SOLID ROOF 1987 FIERO GT MED RED 5spd 1988 FIERO GT RED 5 Spd SOLIDROOF
I never even thought of possibly redoing my headlights into anything else. But I have to tell you Ive been watching this thread to see what this developed into and I have to say nice work...
Soooo I'm in. PM Me and let me know what you need. down payment? Etc. I would love to have a pair.
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[This message has been edited by WMac (edited 05-11-2012).]
I never even thought of possibly redoing my headlights into anything else. But I have to tell you Ive been watching this thread to see what this developed into and I have to say nice work...
Soooo I'm in. PM Me and let me know what you need. down payment? Etc. I would love to have a pair.
Thanks!
I'll take deposits when I'm ready to order in the projector lights. Probably just another week or two before I'm ready. There will also be a slight turn around time between orders and how fast I can build these. Keep in mind that most of the work is done by hand.
I had a chance to put the bucket in my car today. They are just sitting in there on top of a box, so the lights are not pushed up high enough, aimed, or mounted properly. But it gives you an idea of what they will sort of look like on the car.
Once I get the brackets properly made, the alignment and fitting will look proper. Right now, the buckets and lenses are sitting too low, recessed into the opening. Hope you like the teaser pics though!
