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Posted

Anyone have good tips on how to make chromed headlights a little more realistic?  The solid chrome just does not work for me and no clear parts were included in the kit.  See part 101 in photo below for an example.

Thanks!

20200703_165341.jpg

Posted

Some aluminum paint can make the moulded in lenses look more realistic. I have also seen some builders use Bondic UV glue to create clear lenses.

Posted

While I'm yet to try it , I've heard that thinned clear blue (and maybe other colours that would be present in / on headlamps) provides some illusionary dimension .

Posted
27 minutes ago, gjorenby said:

Anyone have good tips on how to make chromed headlights a little more realistic?  The solid chrome just does not work for me and no clear parts were included in the kit.  See part 101 in photo below for an example.

Thanks!

20200703_165341.jpg

I've used Tamiya Flat Clear on some and also with just a dab(about 1/32" of white mixed with the clear)  I like the straight clear better..Three coats just dabbed on the lens..It flows out because its Acrylic and looks good when finished..Here are two results..The blue car is just the clear and the other is with the little white..I've also got a 64 Chev that haven't taken picture but looks better than the two shown..

1962 Fury March 22,2020#1.jpg

1965 Dodge April 25,2020 #5.jpg

Posted (edited)

Bondic is my tool of choice for these.  Multiple light layers until the desired look is achieved.  Trying to do one heavy layer sometimes results in tiny bubbles that are visible.

Edited by Theo
Posted

For the past few years, I've been drilling them out and replacing them, but before that, I usually mixed some clear gloss with a tiny dab of white and used that,

I still do the same for parking lights.

 

You can even cast your own lenses from one of the UV setting glues like Laser Bond if you choose to replace them.

I used Laser Bond for the lenses in my '63 Bonneville.

 

2v2EvmgSLxwUbWP.jpg

 

 

 

Steve

Posted
3 hours ago, moparfarmer said:

I've used Tamiya Flat Clear on some and also with just a dab(about 1/32" of white mixed with the clear)  I like the straight clear better..Three coats just dabbed on the lens..It flows out because its Acrylic and looks good when finished..Here are two results..The blue car is just the clear and the other is with the little white..I've also got a 64 Chev that haven't taken picture but looks better than the two shown..

1962 Fury March 22,2020#1.jpg

1965 Dodge April 25,2020 #5.jpg

That looks really nice..

Posted

Try using Testors "Windowmaker". Apply drops as needed with the lenses facing up. It self wicks to the edge, dries clear and is fairly glossy. And if you don't like it, you can gently pick it off in one piece with a pin or toothpick.

Posted

I usually put a thick layer of windshield glue over them. Sometimes, if the headlights are deep enough, I simply glue lenses over them with windshield glue. 

Posted

I dont have any pics of it,

But I did a test iwth a chrome grille I had laying around.

I dropped a dab of thinned aluminum paint on the molded in headlight , , once that was dry dropped a dab of clear glue on top of that and I think they looked pretty good .

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