clear ARB lenses

nakman · 09-28-04, 09:40 PM

I've got 5 sets. Any interest?

nakman · 09-28-04, 09:49 PM

Material is a water clear prototype urethane. Heat deflection temp is 175°F @ 66psi, that's ASTM D-648-82 for you other plastics guys. To be on the safe side, I went for a set of amber LED's. I'm trying to locate a "small" 1156 in amber, the amber bulb is what gives off the amber look when the lenses aren't turned on. The larger 1156 in amber would probably be fine if you lens was set up as "blinker only," but if you've wired it to always be on with your parking lights then I'd suggest going for either a smaller bulb or LED.

As I learn more about exactly what bulb to buy I'll post more info. I realize I keep going on and on about this but I you need to understand these are not injection molded thermoplastics, I don't know the HDT of the existing ARB lenses so please don't ask for the difference. IMO this is the one and only one potential downside... so if you live in hell, I'm sorry if your clear lenses melt, to be safe don't buy them we'll still be friends.

But if anyone else is interested I've got 5 sets made from prototype tooling, just trying to see if there's a demand for these things. $20 shipped to your door, anywhere in the lovely lower 48. thanks for looking, send me a PM. -tim

sjcruiser · 09-29-04, 03:13 PM

If you don't want the amber bulbs, then you might wanna look at the stealth bulbs - they are silver but blink amber; expensive as hell though at $29/pair.

nakman · 09-29-04, 04:45 PM

Cool, thanks for the tip. the LED"s were only $5 each, FWIW..

Also, I've got 4 sets left now..

!!

09-29-04, 10:22 PM

How funny is that - I was thinking earlier today of PM'ing you and asking where you got your clear lenses for the ARB. Now I see this thread. Weird.

Very nice idea. I like the idea so much that I made my own a couple of months ago. My method was a bit of a hillbilly rig, using Lexan and some light fixture light diffuser tile. (see pic below)

Given the amount of time it took to trim mine and get everything to fit well, yours seem like a really good deal, if only for the time savings. And yours are actual formed lenses, not just some shade-tree abomination like mine.

The bulb issue is also something I have been deliberating. I have been quite tempted to buy a pair of

these LEDs and use them instead of the ARB fixtures. They seem to be almost the perfect size, but at $20 bucks a whack (used), I decided to just stick with incandescent and rig up a system to keep moisture out of the fixtures. I made up some breather/drain tubes for my fixtures, as one of them had been half full of water and causing an electrical short.

nakman · 09-30-04, 08:54 AM

Sweet! that's awesome, Doc. and those LED's would definitely do the trick, but they're not plug & play, right? you'd have to do a little wiring... no big deal. I stopped by Checker last night, they don't stock amber 67 bulbs, and I didn't want to wait around to ask about a special order. I found a couple on line, but with shipping it was close to $10 for 2 bulbs, plus a wait, and I can get LED's for that Their white 67's are only like $4 for two, so I'm hoping I can find a place that will stock them or order them for me.. then I'll pick up a few sets at or around that same price.

But nice work on the lenses, and I like those LX corners too!

informationjunky · 09-30-04, 09:03 AM

Sure, rub it in that you have rapid prototype machines at your disposal!!!!!

Landpimp · 09-30-04, 09:21 AM

I bet they fit a 60/2 bar...........so I woud love to have a set

PM me if ya got a pair left

John

nakman · 09-30-04, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Sure, rub it in that you have rapid prototype machines at your disposal

nakman · 10-04-04, 11:59 AM

Ok, quick update: I've got 2 more sets available, above and beyond the folks who have already contacted me. If you ordered lenses last week you should have them today, if not already. Please post up pics of the install, and any feedback you'd care to share with the world...

Landpimp · 10-05-04, 09:39 AM

got mine yesterday, damn nice..........will be seeing if they fit my fj60 ARB......note to self, pick up ambler bulbs.

Landpimp · 10-10-04, 09:47 AM

well they fit the 60/2, work great, mine are just blinker and I used amber bulbs.

FWIW, these look just like the ARB lights, even have the same markings.

cool

MR.FJ60 · 10-10-04, 12:02 PM

If you still have a set PM and let me know I should be reciving my ARB later in the week.

nakman · 10-11-04, 10:44 AM

Pimp- the clears look great, man, glad you like them.

Mr. FJ- you have a PM, sir.

anyone else?

edit: also, I've been running the 1156 Amber bulbs, what I consider to be the "worst case" in terms of potential heat distortion issues. I've also got mine wired to always be on with the headlights. So far I've probably driven 4-6 hours at night- no problems. I will continue to run this way and if I encounter any issues will be sure to note them.. .but for now I think the heat problems are a non-issue, maybe that will change next summer? I'd still recommend finding some 67Ambers but if all you can get are 1156's you should be alright.

60wag · 10-18-04, 08:39 AM

Ok, so when are you going to start making repro FJ45LV tailight lenses?

nakman · 10-18-04, 09:13 AM

Right after you hand me one to use as a master, and an order for 10.

Landpimp · 10-18-04, 09:55 AM

you do know they are being made as we speak........dont ya? as well as 45LPB lens. Hopefully 45LV cat-eyes will be coming soon

Quote:

Originally Posted by 60wag

Ok, so when are you going to start making repro FJ45LV tailight lenses?

60wag · 10-18-04, 10:16 AM

I had a feeling you two wouldn't waste any time getting this thing rolling.

nakman · 10-29-04, 12:00 PM

Hey everyone, so I am currently sold out of ARB clear lenses. Well, I've got one set still here but was told last week that a "check was in the mail," so I will continue to assume this last set is spoken for, maybe it'll be in my mail box today? So thank you to everyone who participated, I hope your clear lenses bring you much joy in the coming years.

And we do still have the mold and could cast a few more sets, so PM me if you'd like a set, if I get a few more interested folks we would be glad to do another short run. Also, I'm still running the large amber 1156 bulbs, and still haven't seen any issues with warping.. doing a night run tomorrow so that will be a good final test, but these seem to be performing as well as the real deal.

That's it for now, thanks again.

Kaderabek · 10-29-04, 12:20 PM

Not dissing anyone here, but is this just a bling thing or is there some compelling reason to do this?

TJK

NorCalDoug · 10-29-04, 01:07 PM

I can't speak to why others are getting them, but...I'm not much for bling-factor, so that's not why I got my pair (thanks nakman!). I do recall someone having problems locating a replacement lense for their ARB, so mine's more a back up than anything else. When (and I know it'll happen eventually) I break the amber lense, I'll swap in the clear ones and switch to an amber bulb -- probably a LED, if I can find one that's plug-n-play.

I like having spares handy so I can fix things sooner rather than later.

Kaderabek · 10-29-04, 01:09 PM

Got it.

TJK

nakman · 10-29-04, 01:38 PM

Well, clear lenses with amber bulbs are actually a little brigher than amber lenses with clear bulbs, but if it's that dark out you should just twist the switch the rest of the way and turn your headlights on.. So yup, total bling thing, just like swapping corners, tail lights, turn signals, or anything else. But on a personal note, it's also a shot in the arm for myself, to get me more into product development. I literally help folks bring ideas to reality for a living, high time I put 2 & 2 together and did the same for myself.. more new stuff to come, folks, stay tuned!

clarkrw3 · 12-06-05, 08:27 PM

I "NEED" some of these really bad....are you still able to get them, or do you still have some??

thanks

nakman · 12-06-05, 10:01 PM

It's in the works.. I'll let you know when I've got more. And yes, I've been a real slacker about this and realize this was over a year ago..

Montana Cruiser · 12-06-05, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nakman

It's in the works.. I'll let you know when I've got more. And yes, I've been a real slacker about this and realize this was over a year ago..

Not that anyone is anxiously awaiting them

clarkrw3 · 12-07-05, 07:03 AM

Thanks....let me know when you are ready.

Bear80 · 12-07-05, 03:16 PM

put me down for a set too

09-28-04, 09:40 PM	#1
nakman addict. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 8000' Posts: 1,243	clear ARB lenses I've got 5 sets. Any interest? Attached Images __________________ 96fzj80, mostly stock except for the suspension, steering, gears, brakes, batteries, lights, bumpers, running boards, skid plates, stereo, speakers, cargo area, and tires. some of my best friends are TLCA members.

09-28-04, 09:49 PM	#2
nakman addict. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 8000' Posts: 1,243	Material is a water clear prototype urethane. Heat deflection temp is 175°F @ 66psi, that's ASTM D-648-82 for you other plastics guys. To be on the safe side, I went for a set of amber LED's. I'm trying to locate a "small" 1156 in amber, the amber bulb is what gives off the amber look when the lenses aren't turned on. The larger 1156 in amber would probably be fine if you lens was set up as "blinker only," but if you've wired it to always be on with your parking lights then I'd suggest going for either a smaller bulb or LED. As I learn more about exactly what bulb to buy I'll post more info. I realize I keep going on and on about this but I you need to understand these are not injection molded thermoplastics, I don't know the HDT of the existing ARB lenses so please don't ask for the difference. IMO this is the one and only one potential downside... so if you live in hell, I'm sorry if your clear lenses melt, to be safe don't buy them we'll still be friends. But if anyone else is interested I've got 5 sets made from prototype tooling, just trying to see if there's a demand for these things. $20 shipped to your door, anywhere in the lovely lower 48. thanks for looking, send me a PM. -tim __________________ 96fzj80, mostly stock except for the suspension, steering, gears, brakes, batteries, lights, bumpers, running boards, skid plates, stereo, speakers, cargo area, and tires. some of my best friends are TLCA members.

09-29-04, 03:13 PM	#3
sjcruiser IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 802	If you don't want the amber bulbs, then you might wanna look at the stealth bulbs - they are silver but blink amber; expensive as hell though at $29/pair. __________________ '97 LX450 - Triple locks - fully loaded 2.5" lift OME851/860 springs + Bilstein B46-1477/1478 shocks - 285/75/16 Bridgestone AT Revo - 3M lense protectors - Hella 100FF driving lights - blinking side markers

09-29-04, 04:45 PM	#4
nakman addict. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 8000' Posts: 1,243	Cool, thanks for the tip. the LED"s were only $5 each, FWIW.. Also, I've got 4 sets left now.. !! __________________ 96fzj80, mostly stock except for the suspension, steering, gears, brakes, batteries, lights, bumpers, running boards, skid plates, stereo, speakers, cargo area, and tires. some of my best friends are TLCA members.

09-29-04, 10:22 PM	#5
Docmallory Guest Posts: n/a	How funny is that - I was thinking earlier today of PM'ing you and asking where you got your clear lenses for the ARB. Now I see this thread. Weird. Very nice idea. I like the idea so much that I made my own a couple of months ago. My method was a bit of a hillbilly rig, using Lexan and some light fixture light diffuser tile. (see pic below) Given the amount of time it took to trim mine and get everything to fit well, yours seem like a really good deal, if only for the time savings. And yours are actual formed lenses, not just some shade-tree abomination like mine. The bulb issue is also something I have been deliberating. I have been quite tempted to buy a pair of these LEDs and use them instead of the ARB fixtures. They seem to be almost the perfect size, but at $20 bucks a whack (used), I decided to just stick with incandescent and rig up a system to keep moisture out of the fixtures. I made up some breather/drain tubes for my fixtures, as one of them had been half full of water and causing an electrical short. Attached Images Last edited by Docmallory; 09-29-04 at 10:29 PM.

09-30-04, 08:54 AM	#6
nakman addict. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 8000' Posts: 1,243	Sweet! that's awesome, Doc. and those LED's would definitely do the trick, but they're not plug & play, right? you'd have to do a little wiring... no big deal. I stopped by Checker last night, they don't stock amber 67 bulbs, and I didn't want to wait around to ask about a special order. I found a couple on line, but with shipping it was close to $10 for 2 bulbs, plus a wait, and I can get LED's for that Their white 67's are only like $4 for two, so I'm hoping I can find a place that will stock them or order them for me.. then I'll pick up a few sets at or around that same price. But nice work on the lenses, and I like those LX corners too! __________________ 96fzj80, mostly stock except for the suspension, steering, gears, brakes, batteries, lights, bumpers, running boards, skid plates, stereo, speakers, cargo area, and tires. some of my best friends are TLCA members.

09-30-04, 09:03 AM	#7
informationjunky IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 TLCA# 6149 Posts: 2,027	Sure, rub it in that you have rapid prototype machines at your disposal!!!!! __________________ Georgia Cruisers Upstate Cruisers http://www.upstatecruisers.net/ TLCA 6149 86 FJ60 - first and RIP 95 FZJ 80 - second RIP 97 LX 450 - Current locked, ARB, 850J's Front and 863's rear, slee drop blocks, 315's, and M12000, Devo sliders, Iron Pig rear bumper, skid on garge floor 98 LX 470 - wifes

09-30-04, 09:21 AM	#8
Landpimp IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gig Harbor WA TLCA# 5506 Posts: 11,511	I bet they fit a 60/2 bar...........so I woud love to have a set PM me if ya got a pair left John

10-04-04, 11:59 AM	#10
nakman addict. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 8000' Posts: 1,243	Ok, quick update: I've got 2 more sets available, above and beyond the folks who have already contacted me. If you ordered lenses last week you should have them today, if not already. Please post up pics of the install, and any feedback you'd care to share with the world... __________________ 96fzj80, mostly stock except for the suspension, steering, gears, brakes, batteries, lights, bumpers, running boards, skid plates, stereo, speakers, cargo area, and tires. some of my best friends are TLCA members.

10-05-04, 09:39 AM	#11
Landpimp IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gig Harbor WA TLCA# 5506 Posts: 11,511	got mine yesterday, damn nice..........will be seeing if they fit my fj60 ARB......note to self, pick up ambler bulbs. Last edited by Landpimp; 10-10-04 at 09:47 AM.

10-10-04, 09:47 AM	#12
Landpimp IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gig Harbor WA TLCA# 5506 Posts: 11,511	well they fit the 60/2, work great, mine are just blinker and I used amber bulbs. FWIW, these look just like the ARB lights, even have the same markings. cool

10-10-04, 12:02 PM	#13
MR.FJ60 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: IOWA Posts: 481	If you still have a set PM and let me know I should be reciving my ARB later in the week.

10-11-04, 10:44 AM	#14
nakman addict. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 8000' Posts: 1,243	Pimp- the clears look great, man, glad you like them. Mr. FJ- you have a PM, sir. anyone else? edit: also, I've been running the 1156 Amber bulbs, what I consider to be the "worst case" in terms of potential heat distortion issues. I've also got mine wired to always be on with the headlights. So far I've probably driven 4-6 hours at night- no problems. I will continue to run this way and if I encounter any issues will be sure to note them.. .but for now I think the heat problems are a non-issue, maybe that will change next summer? I'd still recommend finding some 67Ambers but if all you can get are 1156's you should be alright. __________________ 96fzj80, mostly stock except for the suspension, steering, gears, brakes, batteries, lights, bumpers, running boards, skid plates, stereo, speakers, cargo area, and tires. some of my best friends are TLCA members. Last edited by nakman; 10-11-04 at 10:55 AM.

10-18-04, 08:39 AM	#15
60wag IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 1,650	Ok, so when are you going to start making repro FJ45LV tailight lenses?

10-18-04, 09:13 AM	#16
nakman addict. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 8000' Posts: 1,243	Right after you hand me one to use as a master, and an order for 10. __________________ 96fzj80, mostly stock except for the suspension, steering, gears, brakes, batteries, lights, bumpers, running boards, skid plates, stereo, speakers, cargo area, and tires. some of my best friends are TLCA members.

12-06-05, 08:27 PM	#24
clarkrw3 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Goodyear, AZ TLCA# 15560 Posts: 1,132	I "NEED" some of these really bad....are you still able to get them, or do you still have some?? thanks __________________ '96 LX 450 67K locked, ARB Bull Bar, Slee 6", Slee step sliders, Slee rear tire carrier, slee skid, CDL, 315/75-16 MTR's, etc. ROTW '07 FJ Cruiser locked, 285/70-17 MTR's Copper State Cruisers #38 TLCA #15560 Rob Clark

10-18-04, 10:16 AM	#18
60wag IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 1,650	I had a feeling you two wouldn't waste any time getting this thing rolling.

10-29-04, 12:00 PM	#19
nakman addict. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 8000' Posts: 1,243	Hey everyone, so I am currently sold out of ARB clear lenses. Well, I've got one set still here but was told last week that a "check was in the mail," so I will continue to assume this last set is spoken for, maybe it'll be in my mail box today? So thank you to everyone who participated, I hope your clear lenses bring you much joy in the coming years. And we do still have the mold and could cast a few more sets, so PM me if you'd like a set, if I get a few more interested folks we would be glad to do another short run. Also, I'm still running the large amber 1156 bulbs, and still haven't seen any issues with warping.. doing a night run tomorrow so that will be a good final test, but these seem to be performing as well as the real deal. That's it for now, thanks again. __________________ 96fzj80, mostly stock except for the suspension, steering, gears, brakes, batteries, lights, bumpers, running boards, skid plates, stereo, speakers, cargo area, and tires. some of my best friends are TLCA members.

10-29-04, 12:20 PM	#20
Kaderabek IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Fairview, NC Posts: 2,942	Not dissing anyone here, but is this just a bling thing or is there some compelling reason to do this? TJK __________________ Todd J. Kaderabek TLCA # 9280, Fairview, NC

10-29-04, 01:07 PM	#21
NorCalDoug I Solve Problems... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: uhhhh...duh...Northern CA TLCA# yes, I have one Posts: 5,063	I can't speak to why others are getting them, but...I'm not much for bling-factor, so that's not why I got my pair (thanks nakman!). I do recall someone having problems locating a replacement lense for their ARB, so mine's more a back up than anything else. When (and I know it'll happen eventually) I break the amber lense, I'll swap in the clear ones and switch to an amber bulb -- probably a LED, if I can find one that's plug-n-play. I like having spares handy so I can fix things sooner rather than later. __________________ a couple pairs of pink panties... Another convert to the Church of Latter Day Swank, a sub-cult of Shahrislam "...Opportunity doesn't knock, you have to kick the fuckin door in and drag the bitch out screamin." -- Ullr "I have more respect for people who change their views after acquiring new information than for those who cling to views they held thirty years ago. The world changes. Ideologues and zealots don't." - Michael Crichton Buy TEQ Bottle Openers

10-29-04, 01:09 PM	#22
Kaderabek IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Fairview, NC Posts: 2,942	Got it. TJK __________________ Todd J. Kaderabek TLCA # 9280, Fairview, NC

10-29-04, 01:38 PM	#23
nakman addict. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 8000' Posts: 1,243	Well, clear lenses with amber bulbs are actually a little brigher than amber lenses with clear bulbs, but if it's that dark out you should just twist the switch the rest of the way and turn your headlights on.. So yup, total bling thing, just like swapping corners, tail lights, turn signals, or anything else. But on a personal note, it's also a shot in the arm for myself, to get me more into product development. I literally help folks bring ideas to reality for a living, high time I put 2 & 2 together and did the same for myself.. more new stuff to come, folks, stay tuned! __________________ 96fzj80, mostly stock except for the suspension, steering, gears, brakes, batteries, lights, bumpers, running boards, skid plates, stereo, speakers, cargo area, and tires. some of my best friends are TLCA members.

12-06-05, 10:01 PM	#25
nakman addict. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 8000' Posts: 1,243	It's in the works.. I'll let you know when I've got more. And yes, I've been a real slacker about this and realize this was over a year ago.. __________________ 96fzj80, mostly stock except for the suspension, steering, gears, brakes, batteries, lights, bumpers, running boards, skid plates, stereo, speakers, cargo area, and tires. some of my best friends are TLCA members.

12-07-05, 07:03 AM	#27
clarkrw3 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Goodyear, AZ TLCA# 15560 Posts: 1,132	Thanks....let me know when you are ready. __________________ '96 LX 450 67K locked, ARB Bull Bar, Slee 6", Slee step sliders, Slee rear tire carrier, slee skid, CDL, 315/75-16 MTR's, etc. ROTW '07 FJ Cruiser locked, 285/70-17 MTR's Copper State Cruisers #38 TLCA #15560 Rob Clark

12-07-05, 03:16 PM	#28
Bear80 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: San Antonio, TEXAS TLCA# 14779 Posts: 2,474	put me down for a set too __________________ 40th FZJ80 - Range Rover Recovery Vehicle Alamo City Land Cruisers -Benjamin-