How to Create a Replacement Tail Light - Moldmaking and Clear Casting Resin Demonstration
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 พ.ค. 2024
- Headlight lens restoration & repair. This mold making how-to DIY video tutorial shows how you can replicate a tail light lens of any car using a Mold star silicone rubber mold and Crystal Clear optically-clear UV resistant resin. This video shows you how to replicate the turn signal lens of a Volkswagen.
Learn more about Crystal Clear resin at www.smooth-on.com/product-lin...
Crystal Clear® Series resins are water white clear and made specifically for applications that require absolute clarity. These rigid urethane casting resins differ only in working and demold times. Crystal Clear® products cure at room temperature with negligible shrinkage. Cured castings are UV Resistant and are not brittle. Vibrant colors and color effects are achieved by adding SO‑Strong® color tints.
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I am not even doing any casting of any kind or any car restorations, but this is the second time I watched this video, it's just so much fun to watch :D
Back in the '80's I worked as an industrial designer/ modelmaker. We used to scratch build designs and often cast them in silicon to produce duplicates. Later it all became SLA resin rapid prototypes but the old ways are still good for duplicating items you don't have in CAD. We used to use a vacuum chamber with a heavy clear acrylic slab top rather than a pressure pot - the silicon would 'boil' as the air bubbles came out. The pressure system squeezes the bubbles really small but they are still there. Never try casting without vacuum or pressure or you get voids.
Thanks for the clear 'no fluff' explication of this process.
(still useful after 6 years of uploading it.)
You're welcome!
This was actually a ridiculously well made video!
Darkipod couldn't agree more.
An exemplar to other TH-cam authors.
I'm pretty sure it's an advert. You have no idea how much effort goes into making such a good quality video.
I agree with the colour being questionable but also that this was a really nicely paced and produced video.
@@_Rich_. I would use this more if you cannot get a replacement. It is a bit time consuming but you don't have to use their products, they're probably not globally available anyway.
Rich T If the part doesn’t exist, then its not a 5 dollar part.
Thank you for your response to my request! You can expect an order soon! My next request would be items such as radio knobs and other handles/knob for automotive application. If you really want a challenge, take an antique auto knob that is in rough condition and try to create one in it's original shape!
Thanks ElderlyIron, this is a great idea, and we will forward this to management!
Could you do that with a 3D printer?
Its easy to do.
I make glow in the dark accessories.
Was thinking about making some how to videos without using high tech or costly items that the average person doesnt have.
if the handle is in 1 piece but pitted with holes try this mix some bondo to fill crack and holes let it dry about 1 hr then sand to the original shape should mold like new
lenses are still available for the VW Rabbit in Amber, smoke and red but not in that bright sunflower yellow! great video.
That... That was a TON of cool Techniques and useful information. Popcorn buckets, popcorn buckets EVERYWHERE!
I have considered this for a discontinued lens on my truck. Thank you for picking this subject.
+Alex Swavely thanks for watching!
have you checked ebay?
Smooth-On do guys sell a small starter kit ?
TY for the excellent tutorial. I've done lots of metal casting & made alot of molds for it . I've become very interested in working w/resin & this lesson was very informative. TY again & keep up the good work
Wow, this has been one of the best tutorial videos I’ve ever seen. It’s so thorough and covers lots of essential processes and in depth details. Dope I appreciate you
Glad it was helpful!
It is so awesome that you and your company are providing a way to replace parts that are not available!
Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe!
Thx alot Smooth-On, your tutorials are always on point!
Most professional video on TH-cam so far,you are raising the bar for videos on YT
Thank you!
Great video. I'd like to see how you'd tackle a three-color tail light lens. I assume you'd want to pull a new single color lens out, then cut it apart on the color lines, and build it up with three separate pours, using the partial lens as a part of the 'mold' for the first one or two pours, depending on design.
I never understand how I end up at videos like this, but I watched it completely through and now know where to go should I need to cast something in the future.
You make it look ridiculously easy, which I am sure it isn't.
Thank you for watching!
I bet if you had done it for five at ten years you’d get pretty good at it too.
Comprehensive and Educational and No nonsense like music or such, one of THE best instructional videos I have ever seen on the Web, And I´ve seen plenty. Well done sir.
Thank you for watching!
Great Idea. I did something similar many years ago. I used fine grain sand mixed 50/50 with plaster of Paris ( the sand/ plaster mix is for a stronger mold ). I made tail light lens for a 52 dodge that I was restoring.
You are fantastic!!!! Thank you, so much!!! SO much information. You left nothing to question. Props!!!
Thanks Brad, thank you for watching!
Ive always wonder how this was done. I always thought repros were injection molded. I work with resins and now I have the answers to how to replace/fix missing or broken plastic lights,trims etc on vintages. THANK YOU!
Thank you for watching!
Great tutorial and excellent explanations of the steps. Some diy videos are vague and requires watching several videos to fully understand what needs to done to have good results. Fine job sir!!!!
Love these videos. So educational and helpful. I want to make everything now!
Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe!
Nice video, very straight forward and detailed. Peaked my interest in trying this out.
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe. ;)
Excellent job of explaining the procedures. Very nice job. I’ve also create parts for valance hangers that I couldn’t find replacements for. The second part was for a drape hanger. They came out exactly like the originals and the feeling you get by making these parts is unbelievable. Best regards, Richard
Thank you for watching! Don't forget to subscribe!
This is brilliant! I'm restoring a vintage camper and need so many different plastic bits. Really well explained. Thanks!
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Love it wish I could have a little shop and do something like that. Thanks for the info and this time you sharing with others love your work.
Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe!
this was cool! now i just need figure out what to mold :D
coddas87 bust a tail light then cast a tail light
Rc Awesome i died
dildos is a safe bet
Carpathian I was just gonna say that
Great video, I was just wondering what we would need to do if the piece needed to be two different colors in one. My blinker is part orange part whitish clear.
This is really helpful . coz im planning to mod my tail light and cant find necessary materials in the store..
this is so awesome. I'd love to see more of these thin walled plastic part reproductions. I always thought this could only be done with high pressure injection molding.
Thanks Linktw0, this is a great idea, and we will forward this to management! Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe!
Your best I've seen. Thanks.
+Pushyhog thanks for watching!
what a unique line of products, thank you for sharing
This is absolutely the best instructional video I have ever seen on TH-cam, or anywhere else for that matter. Well done!
Thank you for watching! Don't forget to subscribe!
This is great I've been trying to figure out how to reproduce lenses for a while. Ironically I just took the casting class at the Tech Shop in Round Rock Austin Texas. The gal who puts the class on is a special effects artist and has her own company she recommended your product and that's what we used in the class. Once again great video thank you.
Thank you for watching!
Another great video Milo.
Thanks Matt!
هل لكم وكيل مبيعات في لبنان
www.cermat.co.il/
That was an eye opening approach to a problem I did not have a solution for. Thank you so much for an excellent video and the inspiration!
Glad it was helpful!
It is great to be in a place where you can buy all those materials. Great work.
Thanks for watching - Our full distributor list can be found here: www.smooth-on.com/distributors/
Can u make a video on how to make lenses with 2 colors side by side colors? Would be very helpful for guys looking to replicate multi color taillights.
Bravo ! Your mold is a piece of art by itself.
Thank you!!
Don't know how I got here but am glad I did. One of the better instructional videos I've seen for such a technical subject. There is almost no chance I'll have to cast a lens like this, but now, strangely, I want to.
Good one Milo! Thanks for touching on the tips for the Pressure Pot and using Mold Star 2 part mold tips.
Thanks for watching, jake angell, and don't forget to subscribe for more how-to videos!
Great:-) I have see ways to remove air bubbles from the resins & Mold's via a vacuum.
It's quicker & more versatile :-)
Thanks for this video, I'm restoring a DeLorean and parts shipping from the USA is very expensive, so I might look into these methods for some of the lenses and perhaps even the switches. Smooth-on looks like a very easy to use product!
Thanks for watching!
I thought DeLoreans were made in Ireland?
From an R&D toy company design draftsman / prototype guy,,,,,well done ! Great instructions , good product. I personally like slip forms but yours is quick and cheep for a one time shot. thanks for a great video .
Thank you for watching!
GREAT video thanks so much for doing it! It looks like a professionaly produced piece!
Thank you for watching!
Looks like you can reuse the mold again. If that is the case, you can make more!
And if the patent has expired, you can sell them
Might work well for some of my classics with broken tail lights
Thanks for watching William, and let us know if you have any questions here: www.smooth-on.com/support/ticket/add/agree/
Smoothon is the best, love it for costume making! You should make SLA resins
this is an awesome how to video. subscribed. I look forward to watching more of them. 😊
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
How about making the old type ca. 1950's teardrop Christmas tree ornaments with the flowing oils????
Your mold making videos are really adding new things to the Smooth On videos. I hadn't seen the sideways pressure pot trick or the cutting resin vent tricks before.
If you were doing a completely clear piece would you have to vacuum degas the silicon too or is the pressure pot enough?
If you have the ability to do both, you should. If not, the pressure pot is a good choice. www.smooth-on.com/support/faq/131/
Thank you so much for showing me your video it's so education on how to make a lens that can't be found wish I seen this one for an old chevy I owned
Thank you dude I could not find parts for my classic Cadillac And i almost five up until I found your video now I could my that classic dashboard and tail light cover Thank you so much my friend ✊😊✊
Definitely need to do some of these myself. A question though would be setting up multi colored lenses say where the clear backup light is integral to the red lens.
probably have to cut the clear area out of the red. then make a clear to glue in that hole. that's how my taillights where made clearly because they broke in a wreck. was pretty obvious. I'm not an expert like that guy though.
I also need to know how to set up a multi colored lens.
Pour it clear and then tape off the section needed to be red. Spray it with a can of red tint spray. You can get it from the parts house for about $12. I’ve don’t it many times and it works perfectly.
Very well done video...subbed
Excellent video, am researching on silicone mold making. Thank you for taking the time to make and sharing knowledge!
Thanks for watching! 😃
Hi,
Thanks for the amazingly detailed instruction video. Very easy and entertaining to watch.
Could you tell me how many times you can reuse one silicone mold pair?
Love it!
good show bro, did you script everything before shooting? video quality is far superior to what I'm used to on youtube. almost needs the "how it's made" intro music.
Thanks for watching, TheFunniestFarm, and don't forget to subscribe for more how-to videos!
It’s the company that sells the molding equipment. It’s just one big commercial lol
Excellent video, great descriptions without over explaining. I learned a lot, Thank You.
Awesome! Thanks for watching.
I would love to have a video on the process of making a 50/50 turn signal. (half amber half clear)
That would be very interesting (and specific to me needs)
Great video with clear and precise instructions!
Great idea! Thank you for watching!
Do you think a 3d printed mould could have produced similar results to your silicone version?
Of course you'd have to model the lens in 3D which could be a challenge.
Depends on the print quality I suppose. I'm not sure the screw grooves' fit would be to your satisfaction.
if its resin 3d printed yes, if its fdm typical 3d printing, you would notice the lines inherent to the process
@@86Spain you can sand those out resin print also has lines there just finer
good job mate!
thanks, for years i couldn't explain myself how this stuff was done
This was really great to see because i have been thinking about making some custom lens for my classic Mini.
Good video.
Great video. I have a question. I have a motorcycle and want to change the look of the headlights. I have a zx14, Can I use this method to redesign them?
+djtren63 you could, if you need help, send us a tech support ticket via smooth-on.com
ok thanks
Real nice tricks here such as the acorn nuts for the mold keys. I've been doing this kind of stuff for years but the guy in the video is much more attentive to detail than I am. good job!
Thank you for watching!
@@smoothon I love your products. the main problem is choosing which one's best for a particular application.
Love to do this kind of stuff.
Is it 60 PSI of pressure or vacuum in the chamber?
Pressure
So it's always pressure for bubbles to shrink during the cure and not for bobbles to pop like degassing process?
+Inspire To Make correct
Smooth-On thanks
@@smoothon Why pressure vs. vacuum?
Very cool video. How well does the CC202 hold up to UV damage?
CC202 is a UV resistant resin, suitable for outdoor use. The effects of UV are dependent on exposure.
This is a great video and demonstration of the products. I will certainly consider these products when I'm ready to make a set of clear lenses for my Datsun.
Excellent video and commentary, thank you.
Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe for more how-to videos!
This is freakin awesome!
Thanks for watching, RioZLander, and don't forget to subscribe for more how-to videos!
Is that turn light for VW Golf Mk 1 ?
what an excellent profesional, the editing and video quality is also five star. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Awesome job on the video and the mold. I've many several molds but not a squeeze mold yet. I'm really looking forward to trying it and this video was a huge help. Thank you!
Thanks for watching! 😃
I have a concern about whether this material will hold up to heat as well as the original, and UV exposure. Heat may not be as much of a problem on a turn signal indicator, except if someone forgot to turn it off.
@Stinky Cheese same here, stop-n-go traffic in Los Angeles will crack even original brake light lenses, will this material take the heat?
I use a food dehydrator at 145F to post cure my lenses, left on one half of the mold. This increases the strength of the resin a lot, strength it would normally only reach in 2+ weeks. I've used some of my failed castings at shows to do drop demos onto concrete and asphalt to show how tough and scratch resistant they are.
Another reason for post curing Crystal Clear 202 is to increase its heat resistance. The lens cast in this video, if put in water the temp that comes from a typical kitchen hot water faucet, would soften and be easy to distort. Heat it up in a dehydrator for a few hours and it won't ever soften at any temperature lower than that. Even after this curing I can still use a dip in 200F water to bend castings for doing modifications to make another mold to replicate the new shape.
But you cannot do this post curing so soon after casting. I wait a minimum of 24 hours before post curing and I leave the castings in the pressure pot that long. Why? Because leaving a 'green' 202 casting in contact with the mold *without* being under pressure tends to cause 'suck back' markings, areas where the resin shrinks away from the mold.
Using convection heat, flowing hot air, is important! When I first started resin casting with Smooth-On products 16 years ago I tried to use a normal oven but the radiant heat ruined the castings (massive suck back) no matter how old they were. An old food dehydrator or countertop convection oven is ideal for post curing. Since the dehydrators I have only go up to 145F I bought a small convection oven which only goes down to 200F, for resins (like some epoxies) that need higher temperatures to reach their ultimate strength.
Use an LED bulb
hi,
very interesting material.
but why pressure and no vacuum?
thanks!
Pressure casting a resin is more suitable for a 2-piece mold such as this.
I know this is a old vid but... Very impressive, professional and detailed. I would hire you in a heartbeat for whatever my needs were strictly based on your work ethics. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe!
Very informative and concise tutorial.....Impressive.
awesome vid!
Thanks for watching!
Should call this series "Will it Mold"
I watched this video by accident and loved it. I did not know, a mould could so easily be made with rubber. It so happens that I want to change a trailer light similar to the one on the video but a bit bigger. So I looked for a distributor in my area and found one. I will be visiting this week or next week. Thank you.
Thank you for watching! Don't forget to subscribe!
Very inspiring!! Love to do this kind of stuff. You are Excellent
Thank you for watching!
That's a great project, though I can imagine it would be rather pricy.
@@maxanderson755 Casting rubber: ~$35. Casting resin: ~$42. Pressure pot: $100 from Harbor Freight if needed. Total would be under $200 with the pressure pot. Access to an air compressor is assumed, but if you're doing a project like this you'd likely already have one anyway. No, it isn't a cheap way to get a lens, but if the lens isn't otherwise available it beats not having it. I need to replace the tail light lenses on a 50-year-old car, and I haven't yet been able to find anything other than the complete light assemblies for $250 each--and even if they're in perfect condition, the lenses are still 50-year-old plastic and not likely to last.
@@danbrown586 and what if the lenses or mirrored? and the other 1 is broken? how can you create a mould then? (im just curious)
@@dcpred3889 I haven't yet used this technique. If one lens is broken and you have all the parts, I'd expect you could glue them back together (maybe with CA glue) to make the mold. If not, I'm not sure what would be the best way to proceed.
@@dcpred3889 First off, I've never done what is being shown here. with that said, to make a mirrored part, would take an extra step or two, but basically not hard to do at all. In the example of this video, the mold he made is the negative, the part he created is the positive. It would just take some playing with positive he made (Maybe cutting in half, to reverse the locations of screw holes, as an example.) I'm gonna say it takes some creative thinking, that's about it. Another thing that may come into play, when trying to make a mirrored part, is not letting a "POSITIVE" part dry completely. If it is possible to take a part out of the mold when only 50 - 75% cured, then do what ever slice & dice, and than let the part fully cure. The quality of the part {Finish} may look bad, but what your after is: Can you now use that low / bad part to cast a part with a great finish. Or maybe simple as making a mold (Positive, put another way, this would be your 2nd mold) from the first (Negative) mold created.Just an old autobody (25 yr's) 15 yr's welder, metal CAD-Designer/Fabricator., offering my two cent's. Remember, you get what you pay for, you paid nothing for this advice. LOL!!!
@@dcpred3889 To my knowledge there's no reasonable way to accurately reproduce something so detailed in a mirrored form, using hand-working techniques. Ideally you'd borrow a good pair of lenses and make a mold from them, then give them back. Otherwise, unless you're proficient at Solidworks, Alias, or a similar program, and have access to a very high quality 3D printer or 3 to 5 axis mill, it's going to be worth your money to literally buy a parts car just for the other lens.
"simple and easy"
Thank you very much. This is a whole different world I was unaware of. Wonderful video, nicely done.
Thank you for watching!
Your process is very professional and intelligent, well done. Id like to see if you can do a more complex headlight shape. The market for replacement lenses in the retrofit world is massive.
Great idea! We will let the video team know.
i have a 1983 suzuki LT125. it was handed down to me by my father. the plastic fenders are discontinued, and EXTREMEMLY hard to come by in any decent shape. i wish i could mold my own :(
- BATER- I just bought then sold a 1985 LT 185 in mint shape... Then bought a z50 for my girls son, wish I never sold the LT. Thing was awesome and a great starter quad.
The only thing is it would pop out of reverse sometimes but the rest of the quad was the best and cleanest one I seen to date.
Just do it.
It is good to know one can reproduce a part using this method. But it only makes sense if you are restoring a high value car.
not just high value, but re-use the mold to pop out a dozen or so and sell them on ebay for some profit :D
Value is in the eye of the beholder
@@VitaliyKhomich exactly if ya need it ya need it
This is great information. Thank you for the Tutorial.
+Joanne Cohen thank you for watching!
Very nice work. Nice looking lens.
Good luck with the restoration!
Thanks for watching!
neat
You guys eat a whole lotta popcorn!
I am amazed at the production of this lens, and astounded by the number of popcorn buckets in the shop.
bullshitennogveel meer, well duh! Congrats on having zero sense of humour.
I love Popcorn!
You are Excellent
Very Usefull information
Thanks alot
Jeeeeesus.....that’s bloody genius. Brilliant BRILLIANT idea. Thank you for posting this video. X
You’re welcome 😊
How much does all that cost to make one lens cover?
Material is cheap, 100%. I can find like $5 or so
Tools? A standard 2hp compressor here can cost $300, small chamber pot (5liter) cost me $200
But then, i realized its worth every penny, i can make money from it
I am just curious why you use pressure instead of vacuum?
Pressure casting a resin is more suitable for a 2-piece mold such as this.
Why is it more suitable?
+Larry Hutcherson Sr because vacuuming happens before pouring, bubbles can be entrained in the process of pouring the resin. These bubbles could get caught in the resin.
But if there bubbles , in pressure they will be smaller and pressurized, am I right? They do not pop out , right?
One thing its better, its cheaper to pressurize.I will try.
By the way thanks for good video.Good job.
Thank you so much for that! I am so pleased to have come across your video. Incredibly useful.
Glad it was helpful!
Very cool demonstration , thanks for posting !!