Page 1 of 2

CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Fri 25 Jul, 2014 10:23
by Southernboy
During the course of getting these made up, I have posted on other peoples' threads. So, here is an official post for these.

£.48 per set all inclusive.

Image

Image

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Fri 25 Jul, 2014 16:27
by markhinton
They look really good! These should sell like hot cakes :-) fantastic work!

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Fri 25 Jul, 2014 17:58
by sirius-c
Image.

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Fri 25 Jul, 2014 18:22
by Mugs
they good great.
you know i am down for 2 sets and i'll pm you later (at work now) to get the payment details etc.

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Fri 25 Jul, 2014 20:32
by Del
PM sent

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Fri 25 Jul, 2014 22:18
by Southernboy
Replied and to Mugs... :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 28 Jul, 2014 13:04
by yalden
I'm not in the market for these but I felt compelled to post and commend you on your efforts to supply such items to the Z-community.

A product such as this should help freshen up Z3's across the country for a very reasonable price!

Just as a side thought, are there any other possibilities? Perhaps tinted lenses? (I used Lamin-X film to do mine previously and thought they looked great but the film dulled over time so a replacement lens made out of coloured plastic would be a much better solution).

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 28 Jul, 2014 13:07
by Southernboy
The lens can have a slightly yellow colour added, all the way to the amber as per OEM... if you prefer a hint of pink... that's also possible... the tinting colour is simply mixed in at the liquid stage of the material... :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 28 Jul, 2014 22:13
by yalden
So you could produce these with a medium smoke? Like this...

Image

That's suddenly got my attention!

Would the cost vary for a tinted set?

Thanks, Chris

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 28 Jul, 2014 23:01
by Bowler
Once again Southernboy has produced a great option for the Z,
Not sure modernising the future classic is for me?

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Tue 29 Jul, 2014 06:11
by Southernboy
Re. the "smoked look"
I will ask when I see him later in the week and let you know. On the face of it, I can't see why not... a little black or grey tint in the mix should be easy enough.

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Thu 31 Jul, 2014 19:36
by Southernboy
Update on the options available:-
1. Clear - self explanatory.
2. Smoked - this is a "medium grey pigment added to the mix in the fluid stage.
3. Yellow - as per the colour one more commonly finds on fog lights

Item 1 is available for shipping - £. 48.00 all inclusive postage etc.
Items 2 & 3. shipped 1 week after order / payment of £. 55.00 all inclusive postage etc.

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Fri 01 Aug, 2014 07:48
by BladeRunner919
Bowler wrote: Not sure modernising the future classic is for me?
It's 100% reversible, as long as you keep the original orange lenses.

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Fri 01 Aug, 2014 08:27
by Southernboy
Reality check !!
Aside from being easily reversible as Blades has indicated, if your car is currently a prime example of OEM specification and you maintain it in 100% OEM condition with 100% genuine BMW parts including items such as the battery, lubricants, windshield wipers tyres etc etc... then I would say you have a point to make regarding the "concours" status - future or otherwise. However, classic vs concours status is another matter.... classic is not necessarily concours.
Since all the items I have designed for the Z3 are removable to restore the vehicle to OEM status without any expense (with the exception of the seatbelt guide bracket, which will however prevent the risk of them breaking and the subsequent replacement cost, and even avoid the cost of replacing a broken guide) - I reckon the options I provide are worth the investment made as they will always be items that other Z3 owners can use and can therefor be sold on.
I doubt there are more than a handful of Z3's that are 100% OEM per manufactured specification. :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sat 02 Aug, 2014 15:56
by Southernboy
The first set of lenses posted today.... !! and 2 more sets off on Monday... I have asked the manufacturer if he will knock out a set of yellow tinted and a set of "smoked"... He reckons he can have them done next week... I'll post some pics for those who may be interested in those alternatives.
The plastics mix is now so good, that it's taking roughly a 1 1/2 hrs from casting to de-molding and baking. The items are 100% complete with the 2 clips which I gather were not available on the ones available from Germany. All in all I'm very pleased with the result. Like the cobbler's children, I haven't got around to getting a set for myself yet, but I'm hoping to have them during the week and I'll spend an evening "baking" headlights and fitting them... for those who need it, I'll do some pics as a guide... :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sun 03 Aug, 2014 10:13
by Southernboy
....... One lens fitted !! other headlight in the oven now....

Total time to remove headlights, replace lenses and re-install headlights 1hr.... Includes 1/2 hr of oven warming time.

Image

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sun 03 Aug, 2014 12:23
by BladeRunner919
That looks absolutely perfect - well done!

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sun 03 Aug, 2014 12:26
by Southernboy
Thanks buddy... They have turned out extremely well... mind there's not much to go wrong if you use the original amber lenses as the template for the molds... :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sun 03 Aug, 2014 12:32
by sirius-c
Fantastic result Barry :bow

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 04 Aug, 2014 08:29
by Southernboy
Thanks Stephen... I'm hoping a few more members will decide to go for this as a reasonable alternative - it'll go towards offsetting the costs, and at £24 per headlight, it's certainly heaps cheaper than the complete OEM headlight units. :D

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 04 Aug, 2014 09:34
by sirius-c
Southernboy wrote: it's certainly heaps cheaper than the complete OEM headlight units. :D
Tell me about it :head:
I bought complete ones last year, If only I had a little more patience :roll:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Thu 07 Aug, 2014 18:28
by Southernboy
I have 2 sets of clear ready to post and will have a set of yellow and a set of smoked by tuesday next.... :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Thu 07 Aug, 2014 19:06
by stevie_a
I do want them but have to wait this month as just spent a shed load of cash on car but will definitely go for them.

I am doing the same as you, standard lights with halo and clear indicators.

I would like to see a how to guide and some photos of the car at night in different light scenarios .

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Thu 07 Aug, 2014 19:12
by Southernboy
I've typed out a guide to doing the change-over from getting the headlight split open to putting it back together again. I enclose the guide with each set. I'll do some pics of my car on the weekend and post them here. The indicator lenses are really good. They come complete with the clips etc which hold them in position. I have the silvered bulbs fitted in my car, so there's no "orange" light bulb reflection of any kind behind the lenses.
Anyhow, look out for the pics over the weekend... :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Thu 07 Aug, 2014 20:32
by sirius-c
Southernboy wrote:I've typed out a guide to doing the change-over from getting the headlight split open to putting it back together again. I enclose the guide with each set.
Can i be cheeky and ask for a copy of the guide for future info? pwweease :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Thu 07 Aug, 2014 21:20
by Southernboy
No problem... PM me an email addy and I'll send it to you

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Thu 07 Aug, 2014 23:42
by sirius-c
Fanksalot Barry :thumb:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sun 10 Aug, 2014 10:55
by Southernboy
...here are the promised photos of the lenses installed in my car...also the CCFL angel eyes.. :wink:
Image
Image
Image
Image

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sun 10 Aug, 2014 12:44
by sirius-c
what a result! they look fantastic

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sun 10 Aug, 2014 12:45
by Fender2004
I'm interested in buying a set off you, but I'd Like to wait a few weeks until I take the car off the road for the winter, then I can take as ling as I like to install them.

I was also thinking of doing the angel eyes at the same time to save taking the head light apart twice.
Can I ask when you installed yours did you connect the wiring of the angel eyes to the side lights or to fuse 21 (I think) so that that lights come on with the ignition rather than the side lights?

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sun 10 Aug, 2014 13:13
by Southernboy
I've connected them to the sidelights mostly because I have the Garmin power connected into the side light circuit at the light switch. I guess I should do the proper thing and connect them into the ignition switch rather.... it makes more sense.
The angel eye fitting is a bit fiddly, but worth the effort. I had the projector lens after-market style in my 2.8 previously, but I think I prefer the OEM look. Perhaps I'll have a look at the oem projector lens options and see if they can be incorporated into the OEM Z3 housing.... that could be an interesting excercise..
Let me know when you're planning to do the conversion... :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sun 10 Aug, 2014 13:35
by Fender2004
I'll keep you informed and also I'll have to purchase some angle eyes! unless you sort out the OEM look :D

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 11 Aug, 2014 20:11
by Del
Fitted mine over the weekend - thanks Southernboy. The lens pattern and fixing clips mirror the OE ones exactly which I understand is not the case with other ebay ones. Because no glue or cutting is required it is not a destructive modification and can be easily reversed if required. Much to my surprise, already somebody has commented that it "takes years off" the car - shame I can't get something similar for me :D . Think I might do the side indicators and rear light clusters now. :)

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 11 Aug, 2014 20:38
by Southernboy
Thanks for the comments Derek... appreciated buddy... :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 11 Aug, 2014 20:53
by John Wilson
Sorry to be a bit suspicious, but arent those 'before and after images' the same picture photoshopped. Even the reflections of the clouds on the bonnet are identical in both.

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 11 Aug, 2014 21:11
by Southernboy
........ Good observation !! but one is with the hazard lights on and the other is with them off... :D

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 11 Aug, 2014 21:16
by John Wilson
Ah, yes sorry for the confusion. So the pics arent 'before and after' fitting, but with the lights off and on. It's me being thick. Sorry for doubting you.

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Mon 11 Aug, 2014 22:17
by sirius-c
John's comment had me raising an eyebrow too, but I thought there's no way Barry would do such a dastardly thing :shock:
I too thought they were before and after shots, I guess that's credit to how good the lenses are at letting the Amber through :D

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Tue 12 Aug, 2014 05:57
by Southernboy
My camera has the 3 consecutive "quick" shot function... so I switched the hazards on, and hit the button... out of the 3 pics one was off, and one was on...the other was undecided... :D
If you look closely, you can see the light bulb emission vs an amber lens... I think...

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sat 16 Aug, 2014 15:29
by Del
Fitted my clear lenses from Southernboy recently - very happy with the OE look and fit. Before, during and after pictures below - excuse lack of photography skills :D

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sat 16 Aug, 2014 15:46
by Southernboy
Well done buddy... they look perfect...if I say so myself... :D

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Sun 24 Aug, 2014 19:25
by Southernboy
I have 5 sets ready to post to anyone wanting to do this upgrade... :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Wed 17 Sep, 2014 11:46
by Fender2004
Hi Barry just to let you know the clear lenses arrived safe and sound today. Just have to fit them now :D

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Wed 17 Sep, 2014 11:49
by Southernboy
Thanks for the heads up buddy... the postal strike here continues ... :head: I was informed this morning that they were no longer able to get stuff collected from the local PO's to be taken to the central hub for sorting and sending... It's a very annoying situation, and seems to have no end in sight.

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Wed 17 Sep, 2014 20:37
by Fender2004
Just have to hope that the strike gets sorted soon

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Fri 07 Oct, 2016 12:56
by handsomejackuk
are these clear lenses available anywhere else now ?

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Fri 07 Oct, 2016 13:29
by Southernboy
Sadly nobody else makes them. Best option is to find a cheap set of headlights with the clear lenses already fitted. then 2 options - 1. if the headlights are so poor that they cannot be used as a complete unit, you can remove the clear indicator lenses from the units - or 2. if they are in fair shape, and perhaps just need the main large front lens polished to clear again, then go that route and fit them to your car - then sell your "old set" to offset the cost of the replacement units..
NB. you can use the clear lenses from LHD cars, but not the entire unit. So if you find a really cheap set of LHD headlights, buy them and remove the clear indicator lenses. :wink:

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Tue 11 Oct, 2016 09:21
by handsomejackuk
ok thanks i will investiagte those routes... i have seen a few that remove the lens completely and use a chrome bulb this looks ok but not sure what the legal thoughts are on this with vehicle tests.... one thing i did want to ask is... when removing the whole headlight assembly is there a foolproof way of remving them without breaking any of the mountning lugs on the headlight as i really dont want to be causing more work for my self..?

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Tue 11 Oct, 2016 09:34
by Southernboy
Removing the headlight from the car is simple - just some screws to be removed. Dismantling / opening up the unit is more complex. There are a bunch of sprung steel clips which need to be popped off that hold the two halves together. then the unit needs to be placed in a pre-heated oven at 100 C. for about 20 minutes to soften the sealing gunk, then you need a stiff blade spatula type tool to prise the halves apart far enough to get your fingers in and then pull the halves until completely separated. Once you have done all that, you can do the internal work taking care not to touch the silvered reflective surfaces behind any bulbs - it will leave a finger print, and if you try wiping the print off, you're likely going to rub the silvering so you end up with a dull smudge anyhow.... also, make sure the black sealing gunk doesn't get onto any of the silvered reflectors. Re-assembly requires the two halves to be roughly positioned together and put back into the oven for another 20 minutes so the black gunk softens again, then press the two halves together completely, and replace the steel clips where they belong around the circumference. You will note the positions of those clips by the small thicker edge rim where they go - also, you will probably notice the "cleaner / dirtier" plastic underneath where they were removed originally when you lifted them off. Any of the clips which seem a little loose, can be slightly bent at the center to make them fit tighter.
Hope the above helps you - Oh, also, you need an oven into which you can fit the entire headlight - and make sure the unit doesn't come into contact with any of the oven heating elements...it will burn / melt the plastic - and don't try speeding up the process by making the oven hotter - better to leave it in the oven for 30 minutes or more than making the oven hotter.

Re: CLEAR HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LENS SETS - £48. All incl.

Posted: Tue 11 Oct, 2016 10:27
by handsomejackuk
ok thanks, yeah, i seen some of the write up already, and thanks for the advice on not touching the silver.... might have missed that... i going to have a go over the next few days, and will keep you posted... my oven is pretty old and not in the best condition but hopefully will do the trick..

Al...