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-   -   Source for Plastic tail light material? (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/1110181-source-plastic-tail-light-material.html)

ErVikingo 01-07-2022 12:24 PM

Source for Plastic tail light material?
 
I'm in need of plastic to make replacement lenses for some tail lights. No need for them to be "Fresneled" actually, plain would be ideal.

The lens will be almost flat and glued to the lamp fixture.

Thanks in advance!

rusnak 01-07-2022 12:36 PM

You might search for plastics manufacturing near you. It can be expensive, but you get what you pay for. I've used Precision Plastic near me to have custom stuff manufactured. Way better than I could ever do myself.

ErVikingo 01-07-2022 12:41 PM

Great! Thanks for the feedback.

asphaltgambler 01-07-2022 12:50 PM

Have you thought about repurposing from an existing style that is already in production?

ErVikingo 01-07-2022 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler (Post 11568797)
Have you thought about repurposing from an existing style that is already in production?

I did Sir but the lens I have to make is quite large (4x23 each).

Placed a call to local plastic supply place. Guess I'm getting "sign" material.

Next up, how to cut it carefully..... patience

Cheers!

rusnak 01-07-2022 01:48 PM

A plastic manufacturer will have the piece cut, drilled and ready to install to your specifications. A distributor will simply sell you existing generic stock.

asphaltgambler 01-07-2022 01:49 PM

^^^^^^^^good call

JackDidley 01-07-2022 01:55 PM

How about this ??

https://www.amazon.com/Acrylic-Plexiglas-Plastic-Sheet-2283/dp/B00JV3NPHM

ErVikingo 01-07-2022 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusnak (Post 11568858)
A plastic manufacturer will have the piece cut, drilled and ready to install to your specifications. A distributor will simply sell you existing generic stock.

True. Thanks for that insight.

ErVikingo 01-07-2022 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackDidley (Post 11568864)

I’ll send them a message to confirm the level of translucence. It says they do custom cuts!

Nostril Cheese 01-07-2022 04:40 PM

TAP Plastics. Use them all the time.

https://www.tapplastics.com/

ErVikingo 01-07-2022 06:37 PM

Thanks NC!

sc_rufctr 01-07-2022 07:07 PM

Interesting and relevant video... Note how he uses a clean open flame to soften and mould the plastic.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pjeSfKMiBP4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

otto_kretschmer 01-08-2022 05:57 PM

If you're savy enough to make a positive mold out of wood, or bondo and then make a negative mold out of 2 part rubber, you can make a lens out of this stuff.

https://www.plastex.net/

unclebilly 01-08-2022 06:06 PM

3D print them?

otto_kretschmer 01-08-2022 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclebilly (Post 11569980)
3D print them?

you would need a CAD file and then a makerbot or some other 3D printer

I have a project that I started years ago and keep putting on the back burner for making a fiberglass or carbon fiber tail light assy

I built the master out of styrofoam and bondo

Bill Douglas 01-08-2022 06:33 PM

And if they need the DOT or EU compliant number on them you could buy cheap trailer lights and cut out the bits with the numbers and melt that in.

Bill Douglas 01-08-2022 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr (Post 11569077)
Interesting and relevant video... Note how he uses a clean open flame to soften and mould the plastic.

Talented guy.

unclebilly 01-09-2022 04:34 AM

Seriously, the 3D printed solution is the way to do this. Get a 15 year old neighborhood kid with a printer to help. It will cost you $100 and be done and awesome.

If we were closer, my 11 year old would do this for you.

Welcome to 2018…

drew1 01-09-2022 04:40 AM

A sign manufacturer may give you scrap off their shear.


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