Has anyone ever made a reverse light lens for a 73? There are some very similar lenses I’ve seen online that might be usable with a little tweaking. I know I saw a thread on here at one point that discussed this but I can’t seem to find it.
73 Reverse Lens
- Thread starter Jaws87
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I have a couple of flashlights that my dad made lens out of broken pieces of aviation Plexiglas. He would take an irregular piece and grind it into the exact size free hand with a bench grinder. You might look at taillights at the junk yard for your starting piece of material if you want that dispersion texture on the inside. Otherwise home despot and others have small panes of Lexan or plex.
Myself I put a amber fog light in the back. I'm going to change it out to both a white and an amber LED water proof spot/flood lights. Amber is really nice for setting up camp in the dark.
Myself I put a amber fog light in the back. I'm going to change it out to both a white and an amber LED water proof spot/flood lights. Amber is really nice for setting up camp in the dark.
- Thread starter
- #3
That’s what I was thinking of doing. I’m just trying to find a lens that’s close to the right dimensions to start with. Thanks for the reply!
FJ40Savvy
SILVER Star
When I purchase my 73, the PO made this to fit in the reverse light. He used a fog light and built s shim around it. I have since replaced it with an OEM lens.
- Thread starter
- #5
That’s not bad. Where did you find the OEM lens? And what did you pay for it if you don’t mind me asking.
FJ40Savvy
SILVER Star
I was fortunate that a Mud Member sold one to me at a reasonable price. They are out there just keep looking.
When I bought my project 73 FST offered to me at a price I couldn't pass up it had the intact reverse light. I put it on my 68 FJ40 FHT where someone broke the lense while parked in my driveway. This was 1994. I should have purchased a new lense then. Instead I bought a whole reverse light from a wrecking yard. Later I bought another one off of eBay for $10. It was listed as a fog light. I have a large number of aftermarket lights. Should see if one of those would be close to the stock lense. Would be great to use as reverse light on the trail. Reverse light is a direct bolt on 9/67-9/72.
Here is something to think about. Someone in Australia has reproduced the early one barrel carburetor site glass. It wasn't a cheap venture. Believe the repos are going in the $500 range. Not sure the demand of the carburetor glass compared to the 73 reverse light? While I would like a OEM style original my need isn't enough to pay $500.
Not sure if 3D printing can be done in clear? Also if it possible to make a mold and make one out of plastic. New LED lamps produce a lot less heat that would effect plastic.
- Thread starter
- #9
Yes they are. What’s your address?
Thirty years ago when the lense got broken in the driveway it was a different world. Today I worry more about someone stealing the whole vehicle not just a part. Years ago when I had my 68 and few other cruisers parked outside at our cabin I pulled the reverse light, PTO winch and stamped bezel. I now have a few old project vehicles parked behind a fence. All the others are kept in a garage.
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