Update: I've taken a new job that doesn't currently allow the time to do taillights. Feel free to PM me and I might have an opening, but right now I'm not taking new projects.
After several requests, I have decided to formally offer Fastback tail light restoration services. This service will:
1. Mask, paint, and clear coat the lenses. While this does not actually fix the delamination that plagues these lenses, it hides it.
2. Wet sand and buff the lenses. This removes most imperfections from the clear coat, and restores a like-new shine and clarity to them. I will also buff the inside of the clear part of the lens.
3. Remove old sealant, clean the housing, and paint with fresh chrome paint. This will restore light reflectivity as these are frequently blackened inside due to bad bulbs or heat. This doesn't permanently fix the blackening and it will eventually return; however, it's a good start. With the use of LED bulbs the blackening can be greatly reduced due to the substantially less heat.
4. Replace any broken mounting tabs. I use 060 steel screwed into the thick plastic of the housing. It should be a permanent solution to the broken tabs.
5. Mask and paint the back of the housing. I will paint it satin black unless another color is requested.
Finished product will look as close to a new lens as you can get these days.
Now, what I CAN'T do:
I CAN'T fix cracks, chips, holes, or other damage. There's a potential that the clearcoat *may* fill and hide minor damage to the lenses, I make no claims that it will. He's a before/after on a chip and crack from a lens that I did:
I also CAN'T do any sort of custom lettering. Due to the original construction of the tail light lens (which I am not altering) I can only do a restoration of the factory appearance.
Pricing (all prices do NOT include return shipping, so figure ~$30-45 or so depending on distance):
$150 per lens ($300 total for the pair) $50 per housing (includes cleaning and painting) $15 per mounting tab
I am not going to charge a separate "disassembly" fee; HOWEVER, it would be appreciated if you separate the lens from the housing before shipping to me. I haven't broken a light *YET* but these lights are pushing 30 years old. If you ship me an assembled light I will take the utmost care to disassmble it safely, but I can't absolutely guarantee it. I will treat your lights like they're my own-- that means I will handle and care for them like they were going on my own car-- and I will finish them in a way I would be proud to put on my car. With that said, there may be minor imperfections in the paint, or something like that. I don't promise perfection, but I do promise "pretty damn good". I am NOT a body shop, I am NOT a professional painter, I do NOT have what would be described as "professional" equipment. I'm a guy who is trying to fund a build and I think I'm pretty decent at doing these restorations. That's the service I'm offering.
Here's a great thread on safety separating the lens from the housing:
Very nice I may send you my extra set and then swap out the ones I have on my GT with your restoration ones. Do you reseal them with new butyl tape so they don't leak and fog up any more too?
[This message has been edited by Christine (edited 12-28-2015).]
What type of painting do you do for the lenses? Rattlecan or spray gun? I would want my lenses done with a slight tint (little bit of black mixed with clear)
The lenses are painted with Nason basecoat and clearcoat. I haven't messed with tinting clear, but I could look into doing some sort of tint to use under the clear.
The lenses are painted with Nason basecoat and clearcoat. I haven't messed with tinting clear, but I could look into doing some sort of tint to use under the clear.
You could tint the clear or use a candy base then clear.
I think using a candy base would give you more color options and allow you to have full control of the amount of tint.
I must warn you though, there are DOT laws pertaining to head and tail lights as well as the amount of light they emit. There are also some states where it is illegal to have any aftermarket tint on any window, lens or lamp.
Now, what you are offering for "restoration" would have no legal issues unless the DOT is no longer present but offering a "tint" more than likely will.
The lenses are painted with Nason basecoat and clearcoat. I haven't messed with tinting clear, but I could look into doing some sort of tint to use under the clear.
Use the VHT Nightshades to tint the lenses and spray the inside of the lens. That way the actual lens will act as the clearcoat and be glossy. Also if there is ever a legal issue, the tint can be removed easily without destroying the restoration.
I'm looking for a fairly minor tint job. Nothing that high power LEDs wouldnt correct. Basically so that when they are assembled, you wouldn't be able to see as distinct of a difference between the clear and black portions. By no means is it a trailer queen, but it also isn't a daily. Only summertime driving and no rain.
I appreciate the concern and input though!
As for niteshades, I have used it and find it goes too dark too quick.
I wonder if window tint could be installed from the inside... that way it is a little easier to reverse.
I think I'll pass on the tinting. I would be glad to restore your lenses and ship them back unassembled. That way you can decide what's best for you. As far as window tint film, probably not a good idea, at least not without going to LED bulbs. Tint film isn't designed to take that kind of heat continuously.
I think I'll pass on the tinting. I would be glad to restore your lenses and ship them back unassembled. That way you can decide what's best for you. As far as window tint film, probably not a good idea, at least not without going to LED bulbs. Tint film isn't designed to take that kind of heat continuously.
Have you ever tried to touch glass that has been in the sun on an 80 degree day?
Perhaps, but all of the Fiero lights I have opened have had scorch marks on the inside from the heat of the bulbs. Might get hotter in there, but the reflector may protect the lens enough.
Thank you for offering this service. I have four things of input: 1) The outer lens rectangular holding clips notoriously break. Are you/can you repair these? And yes, I know that once the lens sealer is applied, the lenses will stay together anyways. 2) Speaking of sealer, you're going to need to ensure you use enough to fill the whole "gap", otherwise water will get in. This is important. 3) Be careful about what tinting you use. Eric Hinnekamp did mine years ago and I told him he did a great job except the tinting had "shrunk or wrinkled" in various spots. You might want to check in to this. 4) Just my opinion but I think the painting of the back housing area is not necessary or recommended in my opinion. The plastic is glossy black from the factory. I have cleaned up many Fastback tail lights and I have never seen a back housing that needed anything other than a little soap & water. Kit
No worries about the tint, just watching your own back. No harm in that. I may attempt them myself, but if I decide not to, I'll be in touch! (No tint) Thanks!
Your work is absolutely exceptional. I think there is probably close to 100% chance that reproduction lenses will never be made. I would encourage you to keep up the good work as your services will be in demand as long as you want to provide this service. I will add this to my web page to help promote this service you provide to 86-88 Fiero GT owners. The page I add to my web page will direct them to this topic. I do not need anything in return for doing this. Only takes me a few minutes to add it to my web page.
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
Your work is absolutely exceptional. I think there is probably close to 100% chance that reproduction lenses will never be made. I would encourage you to keep up the good work as your services will be in demand as long as you want to provide this service. I will add this to my web page to help promote this service you provide to 86-88 Fiero GT owners. The page I add to my web page will direct them to this topic. I do not need anything in return for doing this. Only takes me a few minutes to add it to my web page.
I think a high quality repop would still be in demand.
WOW never had a chance to read this thread ... just BRAVO !! ... good to see another member helping out to keep our little quirky cars nice and shiny ... bravo again
Your work is absolutely exceptional. I think there is probably close to 100% chance that reproduction lenses will never be made. I would encourage you to keep up the good work as your services will be in demand as long as you want to provide this service. I will add this to my web page to help promote this service you provide to 86-88 Fiero GT owners. The page I add to my web page will direct them to this topic. I do not need anything in return for doing this. Only takes me a few minutes to add it to my web page.
Thank you so much for the compliment. For the good of the community I hope you're wrong. I would like nothing more than someone to come along and put me out of business with new production lenses. In fact I have a set of lights that just need new lenses to be complete. Unfortunately I think you're right. Despite recent efforts (regarding which we have a professional disagreement) I agree it is unlikely we will ever see new lenses. I have a bad pair of lenses, I'm hoping I can figure that how to fix holes and cracks. I would love to be THE tail light guy for the Fiero. I don't mean to take business away from Tony Kania, but he seems swamped and uninterested in this job. I think there's room in the market for both of us.
[This message has been edited by Napoleon_Tanerite (edited 01-16-2016).]
Sure. I wouldn't drill them though, they'd just be blanks. That way whomever buys them can drill them to take advantage of whatever part of their housing is strongest.
With regards to the cracks/missing small chunks - How do you feel about the possibility of lightly dremeling that and filling with "Bondic"? I understand over a prolonged period, that spot MIGHT yellow but it would be forever watertight and for some extended period, clear.
Nice work! 
