How to Make clear Headlights from Chrome Kit Parts

[carl63_99]

I've seen too many very nice models that the builder did nothing to address the chromed headlights. This oversight takes away from the presented model and kills the realistic look modelers go for. The following how-to shows just how easy it is to make more realistic headlights than the ones presented in old kits and promos. You will need a drill bit or Dremel round head, BMF or chrome paint, white glue and clear lenses from your parts bin. For this demo, which took me all of 15 minutes start to finish, I used the headlights from the AMT 1971 Camaro.

1) Using an appropriately sized drill bit or dremel grinder tool, smooth off the light so it is concave.
2) Bare metal foil or chrome paint the inside of the newly-created headlight bucket.
3) Insert the new lens, be sure to line it up correctly. Apply white glue to secure lense.

[SpikeSchumacher]

Cool! Thank you!

[89AKurt]

It's a pet peeve of mine too.  I wouldn't attempt with a drill bit, a round tip Dremel bit would be the best choice.  Getting headlight lenses is the challenge, I got an aftermarket set that apparently has been discontinued.

I posted this some time ago, some kits have clear lenses but flat reflector.

 

[StevenGuthmiller]

I’ve been using this technique, or something similar for many years now.

Usually I just drill them out completely and replace the buckets entirely, but at any rate, it’s become standard practice for me on any project that requires it, and I believe it’s a relatively common modification within our hobby.

If I may suggest as well, if you plan on sending out your parts for re-plating, it’s advantageous to complete this modification before doing so, (up until the clear lenses of course) 😁

 

 

Oh, by the way, the ‘63 Bonneville pictured above also utilized resin cast lenses.

These can be made pretty easily with some mold putty for creating a mold, and then casting with either clear resin, clear 2-part epoxy, or one of the UV light setting glues like Laser Bond or Bondic.

 

 

 

Steve

Edited March 20, 2023 by StevenGuthmiller

[NOBLNG]

And you can make your own headlight lens like I show in this thread.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/161380-making-headlights/#comment-2452680

 

[StevenGuthmiller]

1 hour ago, NOBLNG said:

And you can make your own headlight lens like I show in this thread.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/161380-making-headlights/#comment-2452680

 

I must have missed this thread.

looks like a great idea to play around with!

 

 

Steve

[yh70]

i just paint a little white glue over the chrome..works for me..lots less work and dont look bad at all..

[Straightliner59]

I drill them completely out and replace the buckets with some made using a punch to cut a circle of tooling aluminum, and a doming block, to curve it. Lenses generally come from my parts boxes. I used a method similar to Greg's to make a set of rectangular lenses for a Monza.

[Leica007]

I like the the  idea of using my dremel, I'll have to try that. Haven't got the nerve to drill yet so I bush on Testor's A/B acrylic pearl white over the chrome, then put on Testor's clear adhesive.  Here's my the latest example:

[Chariots of Fire]

Lei:  Your headlights look super on that Ford van.  Testor's adhesive?  Don't know what that is.

[peteski]

4 minutes ago, Chariots of Fire said:

Lei:  Your headlights look super on that Ford van.  Testor's adhesive?  Don't know what that is.

I suspect it is

[Chariots of Fire]

Thanks, Peter.  See you Sunday at CP.