How to use alumilite for headlight restoration & antique car restoration | Alumilite
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
- Headlight lens restoration & repair. Watch how to restore your headlight lens. You can easily replicate a headlight lens or repair a headlight lens of any car using Alumilite - www.alumilite.com?RUclips&How_To_Alumilite_Headlight_Restoration_Antique_Car_Restoration
Alumilite products used in this video include:
Plat 55 Silicone Mold Making Silicone
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Alumilite Water Clear Resin
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Alumilite Synthetic Clay
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Alumilite Clay Tools
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Alumilite UMR Release Agent
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Additional videos and product information can be found at www.alumilite....
You can also call us at (800)447-9344.
Social Media:
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RUclips: / alumilitecorporation
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This video shows you how to replicate the headlight lens of a 1935 Cadillac. Fix headlight lens. Molding & Casting Tutorial Auto Restoration & Repair Tutorial.
I maybe missed an explanation somewhere, but, If the headlight lens is impossible to find, how do you find one to make the mold from?
Mick F. If you have just one for instance this works. There’s also ways to print these lights with cad files and then have them made like this.
It's the lenses that are unobtainable, not the cars. You can borrow one from another car owner, but if your car has two, and you break one, you use the other for making the mold, and then you can make as many as you would like to.
Cars generally have 2.
Just because something is not available to buy, doesn't mean it's not available to borrow. I imagine there's someone out there who has one
@@AlumiliteCorporation But if we have one, we need to have it in perfect condition or any imperfections, cracks, scratches etc will show.. You think it's possible?
The real secret in this process is pulling the air out via vacuum!
In mold making, I make a plaster backing to support the silicon. This greatly reduces distortion of the final product. Also, if you do it correctly, you only need a fraction of the silicon to make the mold. Nice job though. Glad to see folks keeping the classic car industry alive!👍
yes, the question is, is the labor more expensive than the silicon mold material?
David Jacobs well I guess it boils down to how valuable your time is!
For a lens with a deep shape like this I'd find some smaller hemispherical shaped item to suspend within the concave side, leaving a 1 to 1.5" space to the inside of the lens. To keep it from floating I'd use some wood paint stirring sticks and hot glue them to the insert and edge of the mold form, or fold and glue corrugated cardboard into triangular tubes to span across and support the insert. The mold then costs less, is lighter and easier to handle, and much easier to remove the casting because the inside half can be flexed away from the casting. I've been making silicone molds and resin castings for over 20 years - and have developed various methods to make better molds and make them easier. Meanwhile the companies that make the silicones and resins are still making molds the way they were 20 years ago, despite some advances in formulations of their products.
greggv8 I’ve used a similar method you describe while casting semi spherical items. We’ve always referred to them as “bungs”. It simply displaces material where it’s not needed to save weight and cost.
Great tip, Dan!
Beautiful!!! In reading the comments, it seems a lot of folks have never tried to find replacement lenses for antique cars (and forget about finding diagrams!). Some of the old cars also had different lenses for right and left side!
Great point! Thanks for watching!
The clay and silicone should be different colors, so it's easier to distinguish between the two. Good work.
You're not wrong - just a bad coincidence the clay we sell is blue and this is our one blue silicone.
Very cool. Modern technology to keep the old classics going.
Good old method!
You could either replace the same materials or downgrade to a lighter ones!
Let say your glass headlight is replaced with plastic headlight`s
and this is not recomended for something heavier like metal since metal are replaced with metal
you cant downgrade from metal to alloy ( aluminium + metal )
if downgrading mechanical parts wont make the mechanics to run normally
Brilliant in more ways than one, Brilliant job and a brilliantly clear lens.
Thanks so much for watching!!
I did quick eBay search they are 600 bucks for set. It's nice to be able to make parts that are needed.great video.
I am glad to know this process is available. Thanks for a very helpful video.
Thanks for watching!
Great job, I wasn't expecting it to turn out like it did.
Thanks for watching!
Great to see people finding ways to restore the past.
It's a great way to restore an old vehicle!
Mold casting has saved my butt quite a few times, and it's easy to do at home.
You're so right! If you ever have any questions or need product suggestions, we're here to help.
Fantastic job lads, well done,
Thanks for watching!
Wow. That's freaking cool!
Thats a very impressive job, well done chaps :)
That was rad!
Having a good condition part is key. 🤜🏼🤛🏼🇦🇺😎🍀🍀🍀
You got that right!
Great video! Greetings from Germany.
When Glass is no longer an option, this must be done. Thanks so much for showing how it's done. A pity that things for these elegant classics aren't being made any more.
Thanks for the awesome feedback!
@@AlumiliteCorporation You are welcome.
Loved it. Super job guys. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya
Thanks Keith!
Thank you for the informative video, helped me to replicate one of my product
Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment :)
Wow, this is a great way to make NLA parts! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
just a general thought - but it may be a good idea to use a different colour of clay from the silicon - easier removal
That's definitely an option - this is just the one that we had on hand!
I could listen t Ed all day.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing.
I believe in the same way one could reproduce a more sophisticated lens like in headlight lenses of modern cars
It certainly would be worth trying!
Wow what an amazing process! I have a lot of failed plastic parts on my old Mopars which I can buy used or reproduction but it would be interesting to mold my own. If the clear resin was not so expensive I would consider it to replace the broken Holophane glass on the lights around my home.
How strong is this water clear resin once hardened? My original headlight lens is held to its housing with metal spring clamp fasteners and I'm concerned the tension can distort or break a molding as it is not rigid as glass. Or I would tend to assume. Are these molds uv resistant? Thank you.
Exellent. Muy bueno. Desde colonia uruguay.!!!!
Thanks for watching!
Mannnnnnnnn that was an AWESOME video. Thank you!
Thank YOU!
What a skill to be able to replicate those parts.
Yes, it's pretty fascinating! Thanks for watching!
The result is amazing.
amazing, something I need to do for the lotus lenses
Thanks for watching!
Beautifully done! WOW!
Wouldn't it help to have the clay base a different colour to the silicone?
That's what I kept thinking, it would be SO much easier to clean if they were different color...
Ditto.
You're not wrong, it's just the color clay we sell, ha!
@@AlumiliteCorporation Wull, then... seems t' me that ya learned something, then, di'n't ya? Start carrying two or three alternative colors of clay. Right?
Very cool! Wondering if working in a dust free environment is advisable since your producing optical components?
Yes, we definitely recommend working in a clean area! You don't want any particulates settling on the surface of your project!!
Just watched your video about "The Science Behind Yellowing Epoxy" which explains why epoxy castings yellow and some suggested ideas to minimise the yellowing. Will the headlamp lens you made in this video, yellow over time and if so what sort of time period would it be?
I've also just watched Epoxy Heat Resistance vs Heat Deflection Temperature. I need to make some lenses with similar usage to the one in this video. What effect does the bulb inside the headlamp have on the casting, or more specifically, how do I work out whether my headlamp lens is going to melt or burst into flames the first time I turn the headlights on?
There is UV resistant epoxy out there that won't yellow. As for your second question - it won't be an issue.
awesome stuff guys
I made a batch of Magnitogorsk caps for vintage rare Harley Davidson race bikes with this product
They looked perfect and amazingly enough they worked
since I inserted the brass spark plug connectors into the mold
Excellent product
That's super cool to hear and sounds like a fun project! Thanks for the feedback!
That is awesome thanks for sharing that didn't know that could be done
Thank you for watching!
I would hope you would make many extra sets and make available to the community.
Although we don't provide pre-made sets we do offer the resources and the products for you to learn to make your own!
Thanks exactly the knowledge i needed
How to cast tail lights with different color tone? Could you guys do a video on it? It would be really helpful. Thank you in advance! 👍👍
Awesome idea! In short, you would follow this same process, but add a tiny bit of our flow dye to your resin before pouring!
Hello thanks for the cool video. How many times can I use this silicon mold without ending up withe a cloudy resin look? would the silicon mold`s surface roughen up over time? Thanks
Go ahead and check out our more recent video on Silicone mold care!
Great work. Great Skills.
Thanks for the positive feedback and thanks for watching!
Sir exceptionally good wood
Thanks for watching!
Amazing work ❤😮
Just a thought... is it smart using clay and silicone that are the same color?!!!!! I mean a grey clay and a blue silicone would be easy to tell which is where...
Interesting, as I own a 1950 vehicle and one never knows what glass or bakelite part will break. This is one of only a few ads on Yt that I do not object to because it shows what is available and how to use it.
Thanks for the feedback! This is a great way to stock up on back up pieces that can't be professionally manufactured any more!
Great video. It may be just me, but it seems the last part when you put the content in the mold, should have some pipe to insert it. and may be another to release the air.
That's one technique that a lot of people used but it isn't necessary!
Now im going to make clear motorcycle panel😍😍 thanks
I would love to do this !
give it a try!
Wow!!! Cool!!!
Incredible mold ! I wonder if a lens obtained with this resin will yellow at sunlight
Great question! Urethane resins tend to hold up way better to yellowing than your typical epoxy - which makes it perfect for making headlights!
maravilloso trabajo (y)
Thank you!
Regards from Lima, Peru.
Do you have distribution in Perú?
Great Video! Never knew this was possible... Very Interesting
Thanks for watching!
How long will it last in service? Won't the UV light from the sun yellow the plastic parts? It's cool to see people remaking these hard to find parts but it's too bad he can't find originals.
Epoxy is way stronger than Plastic is , also you can apply Polyurethane UV protective layer and it will be fine
EXELENTE VIDEO, ME GUSTO MUCHO Y ESTARE PENDIENTE DE LOS NUEVOS VIDEOS QUE SUBA.....SALUDOS!!!
Thanks for watching!
Wow. That is kick*ss !!! Haven't gone to your site, yet. Typing just after viewing. Question is : Would this resin be tintable ?? As in RED, for tail lights ???
Going to website now. Thanks for posting this process. Very cool !!!
Yes! We have pigments available on our site as well!
hi..thanks..very useful but why keeping the mold horizontal and not vertically?
Thank you for watching! The mold is kept that way to allow air to escape - if the lid was pressed on top as resin was being poured in, there'd be more room for error/air to be trapped within the mold.
How did this hold up with the heat of the light? Also if i wanted to make a replica with out the ridges is possible to make a clear lense any tips for a beginner?
How about making the clay and rubber mold material different colors so it would be easier to insure all the clay is removed?
You could always do that! This is just the clay that we had on hand!
Pretty impressive
Thanks for watching!
Perfect 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
"Perfect!"
Thanks for watching!
Maravilloso. Ahora va salir una ley o una normativa que va a impedir que hagas esas copias y te van a multar. por que a las grandes empresas no les conviene que repares. Grandioso trabajo.
Thank you for watching!
I have always wondered.. how would you go about doing it to "mirror-molding" something? Say for instance you have an antique car that was available in both left hand drive and right hand drive, but your left hand drive model's headlights are nigh on impossible to find parts for, but you can find the parts for the right hand drive version.. how would you create one for that?
I imagine you need to scan it, 3D print the part, and if the printed part cannot be used then make a moulding from the print.
Hi, it is not a glass, may be epoxy is this true? epoxy materials not using for long time.
Its not epoxy it is water clear acrylic casting resin, a different product.
The end product is made from urethane resin!
very clever loved it
Thanks so much for watching!
Is there a way to remove bubbles without vaccum chamber Or pressure pot?!!
Insert a plastic straw and suck.
One way is to heat up the resin but not too hot so it starts curing but it's not a perfect way.
If you want 100% bubble free - gotta use vacuum chamber.
How does this reaction with the sun??? Will it haze or fade???
Just like any plastic it will wear with time and environmental interactions.
@@AlumiliteCorporation so there's not something that I can add that will keep it from fading???
Amazing!
Great video! I have one question. Quick question about the clay. Can plastilina clay be used for the base?
You can use alternative clays but you'll want to check the ingredients to make sure they don't include any cure-inhibiting properties like sulfer!
Brilliant work sir. Regards 🦘🇦🇺
Thanks for the kind words!
Cool stuff!
Thanks for watching Ken!
Thank you great 👍🏼
Thanks for watching!
excellent work.
Thanks for watching!
Is this type of epoxy resistant to UV. Any clue how long until it goes dull and yellow?
The product used in this video is a urethane resin and is able to stand up to UV rays much better than your typical epoxy. It will still yellow eventually but it will take much much longer.
Hi. watching this now and seeing you no longer carry plat55 what is the new version?
Muito bom mesmo valeu
How strong is the resin cast headlight lens compared to the plastic ones?
Is the guy still happy with his light covers to this day?
I am very interested in the technique and would like to apply it for another job. I wonder if it is possible to obtain opaque glasses instead of transparent ones.
Your mold will pick up the texture of whatever object your molding. Check out this new video we have on the topic! ruclips.net/video/9Qfa9AWzjWs/видео.html You can also add dyes to the resin for opaque coloring.
Why do you use blue clay, surely a different colour would be easier so see for removal?
Any color clay would work, this just happens to be the one we had on hand.
@@AlumiliteCorporation
Haha, cant beat an honest answer. Does make me wonder tho, whats the chances of them both being so similar colour.
This is a great video with 382 comments, how about people give it a few thumbs-up so it gets more exposure.
Think you have done an amazing job here. Shame that so many comments are from those who are armchair experts at doing it another way.
Thanks for the kind words! When it comes to making, there isn't one right way to do things.
Don't read them if you have an objection to them. It's all up to you to make them completely transparent. Or do you just like going around telling people to shut up?
wow that looks really good
Thanks for watching, we appreciate it!
what's the UV performance of this resin? being used for headlights i would hope they will never fade or yellow?
Unfortunately all resins and epoxies will yellow with age and prolonged sun exposure. That being said, we stand by ours being the best!
Looks good, but is it functional? No doubt the resin has a different refractive index from the original glass. Probably not an issue in this case though.
when you are doing this process its usually for cars created in a time when people didnt know what those words meant
I'm thinking that the greater problem is that these lenses, being only a methacrylate, will weather very badly compared to glass and need to be replaced again & again as a result.
@@andrewkaminskas7721 "...In a time when people didn't know what those words meant..." ... meaning... like... 1500 years ago, right? People have had a pretty good clue about refractive indices for a very, very, very long time. Like since the first lenses.
@@timhofstetter5654 And they will most likely yellow over time. Even the so called "UV stable" resins we use at work for weatherproofing electronics yellow after a couple of years outdoors. Even here in Norway where we aren't exactly spoiled with huge amounts of sunshine every year.
It is functional! We have a few makers that use our Alumilite Water Clear urethane resin to restore headlights on their cars and they function just like normal! They will eventually weather or yellow from the elements - but this is the same for anything. Urethane resin is a tough, durable, long lasting material - but if you keep the mold on-hand, you can always make another one if need be!
Молодец мужик!
Thanks for watching!
Interesting, I wonder how well that resin lens will fare when it gets hit by a rock ?
Very badly. Worse than glass.
This resin has a shore hardness of 72 D which is about as durable and strong as a hardhat!
Hello I wanted to know if you can do custom work for some clear lenses for a 2009 tsx i can prove the lenses
Thanks for reaching out but we don’t actually take commissions- we are the manufacturer and seller of the products and just provide the resources for you to do it on your own!
hi good day sir,
i will be needing deos of this ur product,
Hello, can i use a clear polyester resin for the casting? Thanks in advance.
Great question! We're not sure how that would work since we don't specialize in polyester resin. For this project we used a crystal clear urethane resin and it's what we typically recommend for these types of projects!
Wow awesome
nice idea! so how much roughly did it cost to make the lens and mold? The newer headlights of course have 2 pieces which are glued together. So my idea is to make both parts if possible. This is something I would like to invest in
Awesome question! It depends on the amount of material you plan to use and how much you waste experimenting!
You can find the resin here (with pricing for our different kit sizes): www.alumilite.com/products/alumilite-water-clear/
And the silicone here: www.alumilite.com/products/plat-55-silicone-rubber/
How many pounds of silicone was used for the mold?
UV?
Beautiful.
Thanks for watching!
Is it possible to make the headlight with out the ridges like an all clear headlight headlight lenses?
Draw one up in a CAD system and pay a shop to 3D print it for you. I've made reflector housings and lenses before. The housings are harder to do than the lenses. If you sand blast them and spray flake on with intercoat clear, they look amazing. On a side note, if you paint the housing off-white and then run some pearl on with intercoat clear, the fixture glows in the base color. Or, you could coat it with epoxy and then dust it with airport glass beads.
How much shrinkage does the resin create?
What is the ratio of PLAT 55 A to B that you use for it to be good?