Loan me a pre-'69 tail light cone for mold?

[red66toy]

Finally got a chance to get approved to use the Makerspace at UW. Will be going back later this week to try and 3D scan the cone. They apparently have the tools needed to scan and print it in Nylon. Hopefully this works out. If I can get a nice 3D scan, I will share it with anyone who wishes to print their own, or whoever has more expertise that can maybe print a better version. This is my first time doing 3D printing so hang in there with me. hahaha

 

[red66toy]

@Krondor is this something you could easily prototype/print if you had a 3d scan?

 

[Krondor]

Yeah that would be easy if I had the scan.

 

[red66toy]

Yeah that would be easy if I had the scan.

Great, ok. Hopefully the scan goes well and I'll have a quality file to share.

 

[red66toy]

This project is picking up more steam thanks to a local cruiser enthusiast who knows their way around parts manufacturing. Sent him dimensions and pictures and he is going to work up a prototype
The wood trim contour gauge sure came in handy!

 

[red66toy]

Getting very close!

Quick question, does anyone have a pic of the exploded parts diagram for the rear tail lights? Wondering if the tail light and the cone had the same shaped gaskets or if the cone had a unique gasket.

 

[HelloKitty65]

The same.

 

[red66toy]

The same.

Thanks, I thought so but wasn't sure. the light gasket mounted perfectly to the cone. Ok, so are people just buying an extra set of rear lights and using the gasket or making their own?

 

[HelloKitty65]

Actually, I take that back. Looking at the parts catalog (Feb 10 post), the two packings have different part numbers, and there are subtle differences (the ears). But from experience, the oem light assembly packing does fit the oem cone nicely.

I think @oregon fj made his own. I will on mine. Again, the originals didn't seem to work that well, or they did work and just kept the water that got in from ever getting out.
Can you polish these up?

 

[HelloKitty65]

I bet anything metal would be super expensive. Although metal would be awesome. I’m sure plastic would hold up for a long time. No reason we couldn’t make the plastic a bit thicker than Oem while we were at it?

FYI, the thermo bead ones can be made as thick as you want too, and the stuff hardens tough. Rocks are going to bounce off it, the material isn't brittle. Try some of it, it's a hoot.

 

[red66toy]

Actually, I take that back. Looking at the parts catelog (Feb 10 post), the two packings have different part numbers, and there are subtle differences (the ears). But from experience, the oem light assembly packing does fit the oem cone nicely.

I think @oregon fj made his own. I will on mine. Again, the originals didn't seem to work that well, or they did work and just kept the water that got in from ever getting out.
Can you polish these up?

Good to know. The gasket I took off of the cone looked flat compared to the light gasket which has that little lip. I am sure a flat gasket would work just fine. The grommet hole for the wire pass through on the originals is large and I may try and seal the wire exit up better to prevent water intrusion.

The above print is just a prototype made out of PLA, the actual cones will be made with ABS. These are a little thicker than the originals as well in the main body. You can paint them and i am sure you could sand them smooth. i'll post pics of the ABS versions when they are done.

 

[TheNeek]

Hi Folks,
I've been working with @red66toy on this little project. The material I made the latest set out of is a black PLA which melts at 356°F and has a glass transition temperature between 140°F to 150°F. It is thicker than the original part. I do not expect them to slump in the sun. Red66toy has posted photos of them in here before and he sent me a few more the other day that I have included here. Sadly, my 3D printer is not the newest and I can not reliably print ABS or Nylon. Red66toy will have a full set soon and I would be happy to produce these for you guys if there is interest (this thread seems pretty active).

I'm thinking I could print and ship them for 50-60 dollars a set including shipping. I don't want to charge you fine people for parts that might melt during use, but I feel that PLA should be good for normal applications. Obviously, I'm a member of the community, albeit not the FJ25 group (give me time), so I'm not going to disappear on you all if there are issues. Red66toy is going to put these on his truck in Cali, but I can ship these to anyone else that might be interested since it might be a few weeks before he gets to try them out (I too live in the PNW). I'd prefer to only do a few sets first to make sure the design is good. Cheers!

More Photos:

I expanded the mounting holes by 1mm because of this photo (still mounts though as you'll see):

With Gasket:

 

[red66toy]

I know @S4Cruiser wants a set!

 

[S4Cruiser]

Yes please. Take my money now!

 

[middlecalf]

I'm in.

 

[TheNeek]

I'm sending the first set to @S4Cruiser Once he gives the all clear and has the units fully assembled, I'll be comfortable taking a few more orders. I'll reply to this thread with a final price once I get word from S4. Hopefully he will reply here as well with good news.

 

[S4Cruiser]

Question for the group...to get a set of gaskets do I need to just purchase another set of these tail lights from Toyota?

@TheNeek - excited to get them and I will most definitely post up here!!

 

[lowenbrau]

Hi Folks,
I've been working with @red66toy on this little project. The material I made the latest set out of is a black PLA which melts at 356°F and has a glass transition temperature between 140°F to 150°F. It is thicker than the original part. I do not expect them to slump in the sun. Red66toy has posted photos of them in here before and he sent me a few more the other day that I have included here. Sadly, my 3D printer is not the newest and I can not reliably print ABS or Nylon. Red66toy will have a full set soon and I would be happy to produce these for you guys if there is interest (this thread seems pretty active).

I'm thinking I could print and ship them for 50-60 dollars a set including shipping. I don't want to charge you fine people for parts that might melt during use, but I feel that PLA should be good for normal applications. Obviously, I'm a member of the community, albeit not the FJ25 group (give me time), so I'm not going to disappear on you all if there are issues. Red66toy is going to put these on his truck in Cali, but I can ship these to anyone else that might be interested since it might be a few weeks before he gets to try them out (I too live in the PNW). I'd prefer to only do a few sets first to make sure the design is good. Cheers!

Those look great! You've done all the hard work. Printing is a smaller part.

I'd be willing to pay you for the file and get them printed locally so we can play with different materials and finishes and save the shipping and border hassle. My friend can do them in ABS or PETG or even polycarbonate. The question is what colour should they be? I assume they were black from the factory but I'd like mine to look more faded.

PM me your email and I'll send some funds via PayPal.

 

[red66toy]

Question for the group...to get a set of gaskets do I need to just purchase another set of these tail lights from Toyota?

@TheNeek - excited to get them and I will most definitely post up here!!

I believe others have just cut a flat gasket for it, but the tail light gasket fits perfectly on the cones so I think they are the correct gasket. Only way to get them is buy an extra set of lights. Thankfully those are relatively cheap..

 

[S4Cruiser]

@TheNeek got me a set of these printed, shipped and delivered in like 4 days!! I threw them on earlier this afternoon.

They fit perfect (I am using @65swb45 tail light mounts) and feel sturdy! I made some quick gaskets out of tub liner...but will eventually purchase another set of lights for the gaskets. At first I was a bit undecided on the 'ribbed' texture but I think I prefer it vs a smooth finish (maybe it will hid imperfections down the road).

I'd be interested in another set in ABS or nylon if someone gets some printed...just cause.

Few pics...