replacing the cast headlights

[Jeffrey Goff]

As I wanted to have working lights, I have replaced the cast alloy ones; the body was raised / domed in copper, the rims in brass and the reflectors with polished mild steel, the lens are clear plastic, this is how far I got today


regards
Jeff

[Adrian Harris]

Wonderful looking headlights Jeff.

To "dome" the backs, do you make a male mold and form the copper around it, or a female mold and press the copper in

Or do something else entirely

Adrian.

[Jeffrey Goff]

Hi Adrian, I use a doming block, and punches, see www.suttontools.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

they supply tools for the jewellery market, but are useful for model making
regards
Jeff

[Jeffrey Goff]

headlights and wiring finished, and while I had the front raised I made and fitted the stay-bars on to the front deflector




regards
Jeff

[Tim Bowman]

INCREDIBLE!

[Robert E Morey]

Jeff,
You may want to paint the mild steel reflectors (chrome or Alum) or they will rust. Maybe make another set in polished aluminum?

The lights are amazing, great job making the copper globes. My jaw is still on the floor! Fantastic craftmanship.
Bob

[Allan Richards]

Hi Jeff,

The lights look amazing, shaping metal like that is not easy. For my Sherman I used lights from the model ship world and made them look right with filler etc but as a true scratch builder you've gone the whole hogg. As Robert says you need to do something to protect the reflectors from rusting.

Are yu sure you didn't pinch those suspension springs from a Mustang??

[Jeffrey Goff]

Hi Bob & Allan thanks for the advice on the reflectors, I used galvanised mild steel, but just in case I will seal them with a clear varnish
regards
Jeff