Reproducing Indicator Lights.

[danny7147]

Nice job Kamil! Karl, going back to what you were saying, I can definately get the resin to mould in clear, it's the colour that is the problem. The guy I spoke to said that the best dye to use is to mix in ink from red biro pens. Orange I don't know yet, and that would take a lot of pens for each rear lens! The actual moulding and producing part is not a problem. On that basis, one step at a time etc, I think the one I'll try first is having a go at reproducing the front light lens on the basis it doesn't need colouring. The only thing is that I've never taken my headlight unit out, does anyone know if they're a sealed unit or if the lens is seperate? If it's a sealed unit I'll have to try a different lens instead.

[KarlG]

Hi Danny,

it's a sealed unit, plus I'm not sure if resin is suitable for this job.

I'll have a look and see if I can find a suitable material for the transparent colour, up till now I've only used full pigment.

[danny7147]

I think it's actually an epoxy resin, he did say that it's used to make light lenses, but see what you can find I'll definitely have a try either way.

[KarlG]

Epoxy tends to soften when heated, but please don't ask me at what temperature

[danny7147]

You're determined for this not to be possible aren't you ;-) I just think for the relatively small amount of money it will cost to try, and the assurance of the company that people use it to mould lights it has to be worth a try. It's known as 'casting resin', it's clear, other than that I have no idea but I'll get a starter kit and learn. If it works, great, we have a supply of lenses, if not, I can still duplicate smaller items so no loss.

[KarlG]

Hi Danny,

I think you'll find the term is 'Killjoy'. THATS ME. 

The guy I spoke to said that the best dye to use is to mix in ink from red biro pens.

?? And this is an expert??

Concerning the transparent colouring you can kick the Biro pen idea out of the window. Have a look at these

http://www.cooksongold.com/category_select.jsp?query=epoxy+tranparent+orange
Go to the bottom of the page.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091126073219AAOYEpq
http://www.eagerplastics.com/7701.htm
This is from the States but is only shown as an example of what can be achieved. Look at second photo.

So the material is available. I haven't checked all the suppliers, just enough to keep the ball rolling.

[danny7147]

I can feel a bet coming on 

[KarlG]

Me too, but I bet it's not the same bet. 

[danny7147]

Here's the deal, when I get time, probably in slightly over a month, I'll order a kit and do a repro lens. My back lens is cracked and don't  indicators so it May not be a C5 lens, but when I' 've made  couple I'll send you and Booboo one each to see what you think of the quality/accuracy. If it works, great, we'll find a way for me to do the C5 lenses... if not, we'll look into other sources and options.

Sound a good deal? I'm determined to reproduce lenses

[KarlG]

Hi Danny,

no need to send me a lens, I don't even have an original . I'm sure just sending one to Karl (not this Karl, I mean that Karl)  would be sufficient.

Anyway good luck with the experimenting.

[danny7147]

Let's just wait an see £60 for the kit is worth the risk!

[KarlG]

My favourite saying is NVNG. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

I don't know about your financial situation, but for me it would be a bit of a load. The only thing stopping me is no original lens, and as your signature goes 'So many projects, so little time!!!'.

[danny7147]

Well, financially it's a small risk of course, but my wife's been after doing something with her time so if it works it'll give her something to do 

There are so many parts for things that are almost impossible to find now... I still need a rear lens for the moped I restored! It's going to be interesting to see if it works, but as I said at the beginning, imagine if there was a supply of C5 parts, just how many would be saved from being stripped etc, so let's see

[danny7147]

Project number 1, because it's by far the easiest, is going to be making a high viz mast. I'm going to do copies of the plastic 'flag' and source some correct size metal tubing, but does anyone know where I can source some reflective stickers or tape to do the red and white on it?

[Lancealot]

Hi tubing is from B&Q cut in half and sprayed dark grey, then widened out at the bottom by black insulation tape to widen it to fit the mast hole. reflective tape is 'High intensity reflective tape' ebay cut to shape.

Lance