26 replies to this topic

[Cul-Tech]

I am working on making my ali KC daylighters functional, it's the same exact KC's however now they are hollowed out and recessed for a lense. Then of course a light can be put inside of some sort...but that is getting ahead of myself.
The problem is in lense availability, originally I was shooting to use a SS, MB or BB lense, thinking that they likely still make the BB lenses and I know there are good repros available, thus the purchaser could have some easy options to get a lense as I would not supply them for cost reasons. These lenses were to big however.[] The next option was to use Jugg lenses, this was auctually mentioned to me about a year ago by Shodog[;)], these turned out to be a perfect size..
Here is a photo of the first two prototypes, nothing is set in stone at this point..

At this point I checked to see if the Jugg lenses are still available and they don't seem to be. So because I don't want to offer these and have people not be able to get lenses I am curious if there is a current lense available from Tamiya the same size as the Jugg? The Juggs are about .685" in diameter, or if any of the plastic repro fellas would like to cast some, if thats the case I could possibly offer the lenses with the bodys if I could purchase some repros in quantity. Any suggestions greatly appreciated, this is your chance as I am still tweaking the program..[:D]
Also any suggestions on lighting could help, I am looking into filiment or led style, I would rather go with led's however to buy in bulk it looks as though I would have to solder the wires on myself and filament ones are cheap with wires installed.

Thanks,
Mike

[miramar]

I had a set of 225W KC Daylighters on my real Beetle and later my Nissan Terrano. KC made/makes a lot of different lights, but mine were a off-road racing version (not street legal[:I]) with "sealed beam" (reflector, filament and lense as a sealed unit). The lenses were plain (without pattern) and slightly curved.

If I recall correctly what I saw in the KC catalog back then, all KC Daylighters intended for off-road racing had plain lenses, so I think you would only need circular (and preferably slightly curved) pieces of plain clear plastic. The only problem with that is that everything inside the light will be clearly visible so correct positioning of the bulb/LED and neat wire routing would be crucial.

The lights you've made look great by the way![^][^][^]

[Tamiya1/10]

Bobo used to make his own lenses from bicycle reflector lights. I think he did it to his XC Jeep and Pajero, his site at this club seems to vanished but few of his projects have won at this club site. Now sure how scale the lense will turn our or can easily cut to fit from the reflector lights will have to try and see.

[Shodog]

Mike those look sweet. let me know when sets of those are a available. I would take 8 of them.

[biguglyxprez]

Tower Hobbies has them, look under Tamiya P parts

http://www2.towerhob...p?&I=LXNM18&P=M

[OCD]

If you make enough, please put me down for a few sets as well!

[kingeddie]

i made my daylighters work with 959 lenses and the origional daylighter cover cut down to create the rim.

on my imp[8D], if a little out of focus [:I]

[Cul-Tech]

Biguglyxpres that is what I needed to hear, I don't know why I couldn't find them in tower? As long as they still offer them then this is the lense I will use, it seems to fit the best[][:D]

Miramar you make a good point, once you mentioned that I remember on a truck I had with KC's they did just have a domed plain glass, hats off to you for reemembering details. I will offer these without lenses with the intention people can source them personally, so if someone desired they could cut a piece of lexan to fit as a lense. As for the bulb it is going to be tucked in at a 45deg from the screw so that the wires will protrude closer to the bottom rather than straight out the back.

Jim I will let you know when some are ready, everyone else fear not..I will made plenty[;)]

Now I'm going to order some lenses from Tower[;)]

Mike

[dirtgypsy]

Hi Mike,

What is the possibility of retrofitting your old style lights that I just bought?? Any thoughts on a price.

Thanks, DG

[Cul-Tech]

Good Question,

I will offer people the opportunity to mail in the old style KC's and I will gut them then send them back at a reasonable price.

Mike

[Shodog]

Mike those just look sick. I can't stop staring at your photo. They will look even better all polished out. Let me know when they are available for sale

[jozza]

Those Tamiya lenses look good - I want some lenses for my Pumpkin spotlamps, and also for the Wild Willy lights, they would be about right..

For those who want clear lenses, but don't want flat Lexan, here's a tip - I went to my local art supplies shop and bought some eyes, which have a little black disc for the pupil. The lens of the eye is made of clear plastic which has a curved shape - if you cut carefully around the rim of the eye with a sharp knife you end up with a nice curved lens.

[OCD]

Good call JOzza- never thought about those... I've used the blister packs from throat lozenges-
tablets- whatever. Works well, but you have to be careful with the scissors to keep them 'round'

[Tamiya fever]

Mike those lights look awesome! If you're starting a list, put me down for a few. [] For the lens there's also the tiny K parts tree from the semi line up (King Hauler, Globliner, etc.)that is two round lens and two rectangle lens. I can measure them if you need. (part #0115104)

[Pellandine-sports]

They're tooooooooooooooo coooooooooooooooooool Mike!!

Add me to the list when you're ready to go.........looking for 6 to start with. Thanks. Chris

[Cul-Tech]

Well I got a set finished and they are sweet..totally realistic looking. These have Jugg lenses and krypton 2.4v bulbs, like the ones from Maglites.
My wife who usually thinks these cars are a bit silly even likes these.[]
Thanks for all the kind words by the way.
I had to share this photo....

[Toykid]

Mike,

Awesome, sign me up for a set!

James

[Shodog]

super sweet sign me up also.

Jim

[Shodog]

Today I received my lights from Mike. These things look fantastic. I could wait to put them on.

[DeeMiller]

quote:

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Originally posted by Cul-Tech


I had to share this photo....

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Just GORGIOUS!!!

@Show dog ([]) same to you man!
Very nice pics!

Grtz Dee

PS Is that the Baja SS from Holland in the background btw?

[billg4]

wow
great work they look like the real thing

[OCD]

Oh man those look noice!!! ... When will more be available?

[RichieRich]

Wow! Those loook sweet! Shodog, your pics look like a full scale buggy. Amazing.

[mr_pushrod]

Great work Cul-Tech and Shodog!

[Cul-Tech]

I have the KC's for sale in the trades section of my showroom, thanks for the kind words fellas.

Jim those are really bright! Are those the Krypton bulbs? I am using the 2.5v Kryptons but yours seem brighter.

DM that SS is restored almost ready to go in the showroom, I bought it about a year and a half ago as a project, not sure where it came from. Like you I enjoy looking in the background of photos.[]

Mike