1973 Reverse lens - Found a way to make one! (1 Viewer)

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WyoMike

WyoMike

Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Threads
8
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Location
Cheyenne, WY
I have a 1973 FJ40 with the hard to find reverse light! Lens are non existent! I found out many old car enthusiasts have the same problem and make their own! So why no me! I tested the theory and made a mold from a clearance light!

IMG_1297.jpeg


I found out many old car enthusiasts have the same problem and make their own! So why no me! I tested the theory and made a mold from a clearance light! Here it is! The detail in the mold is amazing!
IMG_1791.jpeg

Here’s a closeup of the numbers:
IMG_1790.jpeg

So I am looking for someone who has a 1973 lens and is willing to loan it to me so I can make a mold. I will return the lens and one I make!

I am currently in the Phoenix metro area. I will also make them available to other owners in need of a replacement or backup. Price has yet to be determined. Thanks
 
I think that is great idea to make some - seems a while back I saw it was $1000 for that back up light. Way more than I would spend as a non purest. I'm doing IP68 led spot/flood on my 72 in both white and amber for like >$30.

I am curious what resin or substance you are casting in the soft mold
 
WyoMike said:
I have a 1973 FJ40 with the hard to find reverse light! Lens are non existent! I found out many old car enthusiasts have the same problem and make their own! So why no me! I tested the theory and made a mold from a clearance light!

View attachment 3603972

I found out many old car enthusiasts have the same problem and make their own! So why no me! I tested the theory and made a mold from a clearance light! Here it is! The detail in the mold is amazing!
View attachment 3603974
Here’s a closeup of the numbers:
View attachment 3603975
So I am looking for someone who has a 1973 lens and is willing to loan it to me so I can make a mold. I will return the lens and one I make!

I am currently in the Phoenix metro area. I will also make them available to other owners in need of a replacement or backup. Price has yet to be determined. Thanks
Click to expand...
Believe I know someone in the Phoenix who has a lens. How long would you need it for?
 
charliemeyer007 said:
I think that is great idea to make some - seems a while back I saw it was $1000 for that back up light. Way more than I would spend as a non purest. I'm doing IP68 led spot/flood on my 72 in both white and amber for like >$30.

I am curious what resin or substance you are casting in the soft mold
Click to expand...
Alumilite Water Clear is what I will be using. Looks like the way to go! If you have a better idea I’d love to hear it!
 
WyoMike said:
Alumilite Water Clear is what I will be using. Looks like the way to go! If you have a better idea I’d love to hear it!
Click to expand...
If you are successful at this, consider clear bib light lenses. There was a member here reproducing them, but stopped due to quality issues.

Item 150-02B here:

FJ40, FJ45, FJ55, FJ60, FJ80 and FZJ80 Parking lamp and light bulbs - 1958-1/98 Land Cruiser - Specter Off-Road

Toyota Land Cruiser parts since 1983. From the oldest FJ25 and to the newest Land Cruiser, Non USA or domestic 40 Series, 60 Series 80 Series or 100 Series, SOR has the largest selection of top quality new and used OEM and aftermarket Land Cruiser parts in stock in the world. Specializing in...
www.sor.com www.sor.com
 
EWheeler said:
If you are successful at this, consider clear bib light lenses. There was a member here reproducing them, but stopped due to quality issues.

Item 150-02B here:

FJ40, FJ45, FJ55, FJ60, FJ80 and FZJ80 Parking lamp and light bulbs - 1958-1/98 Land Cruiser - Specter Off-Road

Toyota Land Cruiser parts since 1983. From the oldest FJ25 and to the newest Land Cruiser, Non USA or domestic 40 Series, 60 Series 80 Series or 100 Series, SOR has the largest selection of top quality new and used OEM and aftermarket Land Cruiser parts in stock in the world. Specializing in...
www.sor.com www.sor.com
Click to expand...
I sure will consider it! I would need a donor lens, do you have one? I am still waiting for a donor lens to try my project!
 
WyoMike said:
I sure will consider it! I would need a donor lens, do you have one? I am still waiting for a donor lens to try my project!
Click to expand...
I have brand new orange lenses for the bib lights and aftermarket clear ones that aren't of great quality (they are not the ones SOR offers).
 
Looks like this will be happening.
PXL_20240413_205438957.jpg

Not sure how many Mike plans to make since this is a one at a time process. If you have a 73 or just the 73 reverse light would consider using a replacement lens unless you plan to trailer your 73 to car shows and then back in the garage. Mine got broke just parked in my driveway.

@ToyotaMatt do you sell a bright LED lamp that could be used and will not generate a bunch of heat. I know reverse lights usually aren't on for long periods but would rather be safe with a plastic lens.

The gasket on this reverse is completely dry rotted and crumbling. Should be hard to make one. What is the best material to use? Something that better than what was used back in 1973.
 
FJ40Savvy said:
I was thinking about 3d printing a gasket using flexible filament. I just need dimensions of the OEM gasket.
Click to expand...

I know the one for this lens was completely dry rotted, crumbling and in pieces stuck to the housing. Not sure the one with a broken lens is any better. Would have to find it.
 
WyoMike said:
I got a loaner from “Living in the Past”. The mold turn out great but the pour had bubbles. Still the lens very usable and I plan on using it. Need to perfect the mixture. I need a vacuum pot to remove the bubbles. Work in progress.View attachment 3609581
View attachment 3609586
Click to expand...
Great start. Interested in a lens when work in progress is completed.
 
Living in the Past said:
I know the one for this lens was completely dry rotted, crumbling and in pieces stuck to the housing. Not sure the one with a broken lens is any better. Would have to find it.
Click to expand...


Came across the one with the broken lens today. Gasket was in the same dry rotted condition. Housing was in even better condition than the other one. Because the plastic lens is a softer material than glass if thin gasket between the lens and retaining ring might be a good idea. Because the reverse light is a separate unit bolted into the back of the tub I might be subjected to more vibration. I do enough washboard forest service roads.

Engineer8000 said:
Great work. I think I would run a plastic one and keep the glass lenses on the shelf. I keep the vader light hood in a box and run the 3d printed one from @Krondor.
Click to expand...

You worrying about someone stealing the Vader light hood? My concerned about the lens getting cracked not being stolen. The hood on the Vader light is inside the cab and doesn't pop off easily. While the large reverse was only used one year the Vader light was on all FJ25 and FJ40 until a factory heater started. Those were easy to find in wrecking yards years ago.
 
My lens was returned today along with one of the first ones made that has a few bubbles. When they get refined a little more will definitely be the one I used on the vehicle. Right now unless your really looking for it probably wouldn't noticed the bubbles fit the housing perfectly.

I was doing some searching and found out something I didn't know. I know the 9/67-9/72 had two versions of lenses. Show a change 10/69. What I didn't realize 81670-60030 is the part number for the 10/69-9/72 and 81670-60040 is the 9/72-9/73. What I found out searching around the last number was for the North America market. Everything else I see shows 81670-60030 was good until 9/73 in other markets. Most likely something you wouldn't be finding in other markets.

Another thing I've noticed is the 2/73 has a plate spot welded on the inside to strengthen the area the light mounts. Not sure this was from 9/72 on or something added mid model year. The cover for the emissions tank early in theodel year. Possibly this was added after the model started. Personally think it's overkill.
IMG_20191220_163340275.jpg
IMG_20191220_165159530_HDR.jpg
 
WyoMike said:
I have a 1973 FJ40 with the hard to find reverse light! Lens are non existent! I found out many old car enthusiasts have the same problem and make their own! So why no me! I tested the theory and made a mold from a clearance light!

View attachment 3603972

I found out many old car enthusiasts have the same problem and make their own! So why no me! I tested the theory and made a mold from a clearance light! Here it is! The detail in the mold is amazing!
View attachment 3603974
Here’s a closeup of the numbers:
View attachment 3603975
So I am looking for someone who has a 1973 lens and is willing to loan it to me so I can make a mold. I will return the lens and one I make!

I am currently in the Phoenix metro area. I will also make them available to other owners in need of a replacement or backup. Price has yet to be determined. Thanks
Click to expand...

.



this is a very very kool thing your going at it here ...


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1713590113981.png
 
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