Brake lense material
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
Brake lense material
I have an idea for some billet surround rear lights, but need a piece of rear lense material, anyone know if there is a place you can by the stuff in sheet? I have found sheets of plain red acrylic, was looking for something with that "knurled" finish on the back.
thanx
Nick
thanx
Nick
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: VetteMOD
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Nick, I don't believe there is a red tinted material that has an optical diffuser (knurled finish) on one side. I have used a red acrylic outer lens with a clear diffuser behind it. It works well. I even used the clear styrene lens material that is in fluorescent light fixtures.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
"optical diffuser" = knurled finish!glad someone knew what the hell I was talking about....I will try the clear idea behind the red...where would someone get the clear stuff then?? Maybe Home Depot
Nick
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: VetteMOD
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Home Depot should have it. You want the finest "knurl" you can get and make sure and put the diffuser as far away from the light source as possible. Two reasons for this, The material is usually styrene and is easily melted by incandescent lights. Second reason is the diffuser works much better farther away from the light source.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
It's not always a reflector, only parts of it are, the rest is indeed a light diffuser to scatter the light so it's non blinding.
The only option is to find some big honking lenses and cut out what you need, I did the same for the custom rear lights on my truck.
The only option is to find some big honking lenses and cut out what you need, I did the same for the custom rear lights on my truck.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Grand Island NY
The knurled finishes are called optic bundles. They are hex shaped and have an angle on top and fit together in a bundle thus the name. The Department of transportation, DOT, sets the standards for the reflective value of taillights. I know this because I am a moldbuilder for plastics and have built several of these molds for lenses.
