Topic: Custom tail light lens molding kit?

[Jinxracing]

On the DIY network show, "Classic Car Restoration" awhile back there was an episode in which the host was restoring an old '30s Packard (I think). He had a badly cracked tail light lens and made a new one right there on the spot. He used the existing lens to make a rubber mold, then mixed up some red goo and poured it into the mold that he had made from the existing lens. Then after it cured for awhile, presto, new tail light lens!

I thought that he had said that the molding kit was available from Eastwood, but I just searched their website and came up with nada. Does anyone know where to get this kit?

[Jinxracing]

Well, duh. Answered my own question. For anyone else interested, the process from the show is outlined here:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_auto_restoration/article/0,2021,DIY_13680_3494404,00.html

I found a kit available from Eastwood here:

http://eastwood.resultspage.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=casting+kit&Search.x=0&Search.y=0

And the Alumilite company info here:

http://www.alumilite.com/

Neat stuff, there's even a clear lens material. Perhaps that's the answer for those early plastic tach/speedo lenses that are so hard to come by...

Jim

[babyfood1217]

In the art world, we commonly using products from (or similar to those from) companies like Smooth-On.  I've done foam and plastic casting with their products, and they are top notch.  In the huge info bundle they can send you, there is an image of a guy who casts replica taillights for some older vehicle using the Smooth-On liquid plastics.  Not sure of the product name as I haven't used it myself, but I do know the tech support at the company is awesome, and if you were to call them and explain your application, they'd be able to hook you up with a kit containing all the materials you needs.  Friendly, reliable, fast, faily inexpensive, and pretty bad-ass.

http://www.smooth-on.com/

That's their address.  I've never ordered stuff online, as there is a dealer not more than 40 mins from me.

-good luck!

Chris

[Jinxracing]

Thanks for the info Chris! 

I think I'll be giving them a call.

Jim

[SD750F]

Personal experience here. Alumilite is a great product for making the mold. And Smooth-On has the best clear urethanes with high mechanical strengths in the business with rather small volumes that you can buy. Check out my Hint and Tricks in a future discussion when I use these products to replicate all the hand control buttons and knobs (except the turn switch) using this process...

Scott

[BobbyR]

Maybe you should Sandcast them so they will be so very valuable.