XK / XKR ( X150 ) 2006 - 2014

ALC Rear Tail Lights

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  #21  
Old 09-26-2017, 11:12 AM
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I think you could make new lenses but it's not worth the effort. To prototype one I'd mill the inside optic reliefs in a flat sheet and then heat form it over a mandrel. Then sand and polish the outside to eliminate any flaws. The lenses would probably be the easy part vs. laying out new bases if you're changing the lamp layout. For the bases, pick off the mounting points and make a negative for them to hold the studs. I'd probably do the housings in aluminum as it's easier to form and since very few folks have access to an injection molder. I guess you could 3d print them too.

Personally I'd like to find a spare set of hatch lenses and make them active so the rear lamps look better at night.
 
  #22  
Old 09-26-2017, 01:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Ranchero50
Personally I'd like to find a spare set of hatch lenses and make them active so the rear lamps look better at night.
Agreed. Always thought they looked a little wonky and 'incomplete' the way they are.
 
  #23  
Old 09-26-2017, 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Ranchero50
...............Personally I'd like to find a spare set of hatch lenses and make them active so the rear lamps look better at night.
??? What are Hatch Lenses???
 
  #24  
Old 09-26-2017, 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Cee Jay
??? What are Hatch Lenses???
Hatch is what we coupe owners call the big door in the back between the tail lights. It houses the big reflectors with the reverse lamp and rear fog lamp installed. I'd like those reflectors to actually light up.
 
  #25  
Old 09-26-2017, 02:55 PM
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I knew about the actual door being a hatch, didn't realize there were lights or lenses associated with them.
 
  #26  
Old 09-26-2017, 03:02 PM
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There are a LOT of videos on Youtube on how to cast/form/vacuum-form/replicate light lenses.
 
  #27  
Old 09-26-2017, 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Cee Jay
I knew about the actual door being a hatch, didn't realize there were lights or lenses associated with them.
Same as on the convertible trunk/boot lid.
 
  #28  
Old 09-26-2017, 05:20 PM
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Ah, the CHMSL?
 
  #29  
Old 09-26-2017, 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Cee Jay
Ah, the CHMSL?
No no no, he's talking about the units with the rear fog and back up lights.
 
  #30  
Old 09-26-2017, 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Cee Jay
Ah, the CHMSL?
LOL, Nope. Go look at your car before this gets embarrassing.
 
  #31  
Old 09-26-2017, 06:38 PM
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Well, why didn't you SAY it was the inner set of tail lights? No need to be cryptic about stuff.
 
  #32  
Old 09-27-2017, 03:05 AM
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Thoughts on these
 
Attached Thumbnails ALC Rear Tail Lights-images-24-.jpg  
  #33  
Old 09-27-2017, 05:25 AM
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Not sure. But it does give a different look to the rear. Looks easy to try, and revert if you don't like it.
 
  #34  
Old 09-27-2017, 06:19 AM
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Just a pity Arden have it listed for $560usd and a further $180 to paint wtf !!
 
  #35  
Old 09-27-2017, 08:34 AM
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Why not just get some body colored wrap, and cut to fit?
 
  #36  
Old 09-27-2017, 12:48 PM
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OR, use some white PlastiKote paint, then body colored paint on top of that. Comes right off when you take it off, stays when you want to keep it.
 
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  #37  
Old 09-27-2017, 04:39 PM
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Why didn't I think of that?
 
  #38  
Old 09-28-2017, 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Stuart S
Why didn't I think of that?
There is a customizer locally who masks and body color paints lenses to give them a unique look. They get fully sealed with clear coat once done.

I had considered that before and after I did the 2010+ rear lamp conversion. Also considered wrap as a temporary trial to see how I felt about after some time.
 
  #39  
Old 09-28-2017, 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by jahummer
There is a customizer locally who masks and body color paints lenses to give them a unique look. They get fully sealed with clear coat once done.

I had considered that before and after I did the 2010+ rear lamp conversion. Also considered wrap as a temporary trial to see how I felt about after some time.
Design wise how would you tackle the rear lights
 
  #40  
Old 09-28-2017, 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by steve_k_xk
Design wise how would you tackle the rear lights
Paint all of the rear bits that are not lights, in particular I don’t care for the side view with the long red point. Kind of like the way Aston does it.
 



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