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Fastback Tail Light restoration service by Napoleon_Tanerite
Started on | : 12-28-2015 08:15 PM |
Replies | : 59 (6100 views) |
Last post by | : fierobear on 09-15-2018 03:22 PM |
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Dec 28th, 2015
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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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: --Permanently solve delamination --Restore clarity to lenses --Fix broken mounting tabs --Restore light reflectivity What I will do: 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: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum9/HTML/000042.html[This message has been edited by Napoleon_Tanerite (edited 06-24-2018).]
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08:15 PM
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PFF
System Bot
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Thunderstruck GT Member Posts: 2664 From: Registered: Oct 2015
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09:50 PM
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Christine Member Posts: 1052 From: Denver, Colorado Registered: Jan 2003
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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).]
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11:36 PM
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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I use black RTV. Same effect, and easier to work with.
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11:53 PM
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Dec 29th, 2015
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Raydar Member Posts: 41101 From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country. Registered: Oct 1999
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Nice job!
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12:56 AM
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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07:06 PM
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firstclassfiero Member Posts: 32 From: Aylmer, Ontario, Canada Registered: Jul 2013
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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)
Do you paint inside or outside?
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08:43 PM
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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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.
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08:49 PM
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Thunderstruck GT Member Posts: 2664 From: Registered: Oct 2015
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| quote | Originally posted by Napoleon_Tanerite:
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. |
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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. Do companies offer products like this - YES Do people use products like this - YES Do people jump off of cliffs - YES None of these make it right. Just some food for thought.
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09:16 PM
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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I just assumed he was building a race and/or show car that will be trailered to and from all events
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09:24 PM
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Thunderstruck GT Member Posts: 2664 From: Registered: Oct 2015
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PFF
System Bot
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Dec 30th, 2015
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IMSA GT Member Posts: 10602 From: California Registered: Aug 2007
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| quote | Originally posted by Napoleon_Tanerite:
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. |
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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.
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12:08 AM
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firstclassfiero Member Posts: 32 From: Aylmer, Ontario, Canada Registered: Jul 2013
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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.
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12:52 AM
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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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.
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09:29 AM
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Thunderstruck GT Member Posts: 2664 From: Registered: Oct 2015
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| quote | Originally posted by Napoleon_Tanerite:
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. |
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Have you ever tried to touch glass that has been in the sun on an 80 degree day? The tinting film seems to do alright there.
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09:39 AM
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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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.
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10:14 AM
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Kitskaboodle Member Posts: 3106 From: San Jose, Ca. Registered: Nov 2004
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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
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10:20 AM
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Oslo Member Posts: 5423 From: Bemidji, MN Registered: Sep 2002
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PM Sent
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10:26 AM
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FieroCat Member Posts: 270 From: Jax, Florida USA Registered: Feb 2014
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This is fantastic! Excellent work. Mine are becoming somewhat delaminated, and I will very likely be sending them out for your services soon! ------------------ My Fiero: 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT, V6, 4-speed manual
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12:38 PM
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firstclassfiero Member Posts: 32 From: Aylmer, Ontario, Canada Registered: Jul 2013
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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!
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12:52 PM
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FieroG97J Member Posts: 1473 From: Carriere, Mississippi Registered: Jul 2000
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Would you be willing to try a notchback tail light?
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09:04 PM
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PFF
System Bot
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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Sure! Send me a PM and we'll make it happen.
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09:44 PM
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Dec 31st, 2015
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FieroG97J Member Posts: 1473 From: Carriere, Mississippi Registered: Jul 2000
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PM sent
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05:27 PM
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Jan 11th, 2016
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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12:24 PM
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Jan 14th, 2016
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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08:58 PM
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Jan 16th, 2016
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Rodney Member Posts: 4715 From: Caledonia, WI USA Registered: Feb 2000
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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
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10:38 AM
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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Awesome! Thanks Rodney!
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10:48 AM
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Rodney Member Posts: 4715 From: Caledonia, WI USA Registered: Feb 2000
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Thunderstruck GT Member Posts: 2664 From: Registered: Oct 2015
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| quote | Originally posted by Rodney:
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.
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I think a high quality repop would still be in demand.
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11:36 AM
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Danyel Member Posts: 6089 From: Lévis, Québec, Canada Registered: Sep 2008
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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| quote | Originally posted by Rodney:
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.
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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).]
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11:20 PM
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PFF
System Bot
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Feb 2nd, 2016
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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Bump
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09:49 PM
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Feb 12th, 2016
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Luperman Member Posts: 186 From: maurertown, VA Registered: Dec 1999
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what form of pymt do you take?
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04:14 PM
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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PayPal is preferred, but I can take a check if you want.
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04:15 PM
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Feb 18th, 2016
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canfirst Member Posts: 641 From: Winnipeg Manitoba Canada Registered: Jul 2011
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Bump for indispensable tail light refinishing service.
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05:01 AM
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Feb 19th, 2016
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da.slyboy Member Posts: 504 From: Wichita, KS Registered: Dec 2012
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Any chance you would be willing to make and ship just the metal tab replacements?
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10:47 AM
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Feb 20th, 2016
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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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.
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04:32 PM
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Feb 22nd, 2016
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Duffster Junior Member Posts: 2 From: West Point, IA, USA Registered: Feb 2016
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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.
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04:23 AM
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Napoleon_Tanerite Member Posts: 683 From: Columbus, MS Registered: Sep 2015
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I've never experimented with that. If the damage is to the black part you could hide a repair. The clear part would have to be perfect.
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09:12 AM
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Feb 23rd, 2016
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Slammed Member Posts: 783 From: Sumner, WA Registered: Mar 2015
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Bumping so I can leave you trader feedback!
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01:01 AM
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