Carbon Fiber Headlamp rings

[Bill K.]

Originally Posted by Carbon Joe

Bill,
Yes I'm going to be making early headlamp rings, are the screws at 5 and 7 for adjustment or mounting? I thought there was only one mounting point.

Awesome -- that's going to look sweet with my 911 lenses and other C/F parts.

You're right on the mounting hole -- just one. I want early C/F headlight rings with adjuster screws at 5 and 7 oclock. Sorry to confuse. Here's a full-on clarification on the early rings

There are 3 styles of rings. I got these pictures and info from www.wolfsburgwest.com. I won't be surprised if there is more to the story...
1. Adjusters at 9 and 12 oclock -- OEM on pre '54 w/ bosch headlights

2. Adjusters at 5 and 7 oclock -- OEM on '54-'62 and pre '54 w/ hella headlights; used with aftermarket "American Assemblies"

3. Adjusters at 2 and 7 oclock -- OEM on '63-'67; used with aftermarket "European Assemblies"

They all have a third hole in a mounting tab at 6 oclock for securing the ring to the fender. There is a nylon sleeve that goes under the tab to keep the tab from bending too far when the screw is tightened.

I recommend you start with the 5 and 7 style. These seem to be the most common aftermarket "American Assemblies". They are $100/pair, vs. $300/pair for the "European Assemblies" . I'm modifying mine like the "European" ones based on a tip I got from aircooled.net -- bust the fluted glass out of H4 lamp holder and use 911 fluted lenses. The light output is great with this combo, plus you get a stealth running light. I'll post this setup when it's finished in a couple weeks...

The 2 and 7 style would be needed for those with OEM assemblies from 63-67 or the aftermarket "European" headlight assemblies. Is anyone interested in this style trim ring?

You probably can rule out making the 9 and 12 style since it's so old and odd-ball.

We need to get a good OEM ring for your mold. The aftermarket ones are aren't worthy of carbon fiber -- oval shape is off, rim doesn't go tangent to lens, etc. Does anyone have a good OEM 5 and 7 ring to donate? I'll start looking.

So much for a simple answer...

[Bill K.]

Joe, do you need a perfect finish (chrome) on the master part to make a good mold?

[SilverBullet]

Kataplun, thoses headlamps are from CSP.

[Carbon Joe]

Good job Bill!!
That really breaks it down, I guess I'll be making two molds, one for the 5 and 7 style and one for the 2 and 7 style. I have a nice and clean stock 2 and 7 style, now I need a 5 and 7. Yes the cleaner the better, the chrome finish will transfer to the mold and save some polishing time.

Thanks Bill!

[Bill K.]

Originally Posted by Carbon Joe

I guess I'll be making two molds, one for the 5 and 7 style and one for the 2 and 7 style. I have a nice and clean stock 2 and 7 style, now I need a 5 and 7. Yes the cleaner the better, the chrome finish will transfer to the mold and save some polishing time.

I got a good OEM 5&7 ring off the Samba coming your way. Let me know if it's good enough.

[Carbon Joe]

Thanks Bill,
I'll let you know when I get it.

[Carbon Joe]

Well I finely got the mold done for the early head lamp rings, the first set is going to Bill, let me know what you think.
I kind of got a kick out of the the first one I made, I think they would make cool picture frames too!!

[Kataplun]

Originally Posted by SilverBullet

Kataplun, thoses headlamps are from CSP.

CSP ??? dude give me a web site or something im barelly starting to order stuff for Lola online.

[Bill K.]

google works pretty good for me http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=csp+beetle

[Kataplun]

ouch 150 euros at custom & speed parts site, that will take a huge bite out of my job :P