How to use alumilite for headlight restoration & antique car restoration | Alumilite

[@GimmeEd]

I maybe missed an explanation somewhere, but, If the headlight lens is impossible to find, how do you find one to make the mold from?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Mick F. If you have just one for instance this works. There’s also ways to print these lights with cad files and then have them made like this.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

It's the lenses that are unobtainable, not the cars. You can borrow one from another car owner, but if your car has two, and you break one, you use the other for making the mold, and then you can make as many as you would like to.

[@Hathorr1067]

Cars generally have 2.

[@slashnburndotcodotuk]

Just because something is not available to buy, doesn't mean it's not available to borrow. I imagine there's someone out there who has one

[@S....]

@@AlumiliteCorporation But if we have one, we need to have it in perfect condition or any imperfections, cracks, scratches etc will show.. You think it's possible?

[@MrMattDat]

Beautiful!!! In reading the comments, it seems a lot of folks have never tried to find replacement lenses for antique cars (and forget about finding diagrams!). Some of the old cars also had different lenses for right and left side!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Great point! Thanks for watching!

[@danhalfhill9169]

The real secret in this process is pulling the air out via vacuum! In mold making, I make a plaster backing to support the silicon. This greatly reduces distortion of the final product. Also, if you do it correctly, you only need a fraction of the silicon to make the mold. Nice job though. Glad to see folks keeping the classic car industry alive!👍

[@davidjacobs8558]

yes, the question is, is the labor more expensive than the silicon mold material?

[@danhalfhill9169]

David Jacobs well I guess it boils down to how valuable your time is!

[@greggv8]

For a lens with a deep shape like this I'd find some smaller hemispherical shaped item to suspend within the concave side, leaving a 1 to 1.5" space to the inside of the lens. To keep it from floating I'd use some wood paint stirring sticks and hot glue them to the insert and edge of the mold form, or fold and glue corrugated cardboard into triangular tubes to span across and support the insert. The mold then costs less, is lighter and easier to handle, and much easier to remove the casting because the inside half can be flexed away from the casting. I've been making silicone molds and resin castings for over 20 years - and have developed various methods to make better molds and make them easier. Meanwhile the companies that make the silicones and resins are still making molds the way they were 20 years ago, despite some advances in formulations of their products.

[@danhalfhill9169]

greggv8 I’ve used a similar method you describe while casting semi spherical items. We’ve always referred to them as “bungs”. It simply displaces material where it’s not needed to save weight and cost.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Great tip, Dan!

[@ErvinKrauss]

The clay and silicone should be different colors, so it's easier to distinguish between the two. Good work.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You're not wrong - just a bad coincidence the clay we sell is blue and this is our one blue silicone.

[@x-man5056]

Very cool. Modern technology to keep the old classics going.

[@mcbawangyakuznouxman9439]

Good old method! You could either replace the same materials or downgrade to a lighter ones! Let say your glass headlight is replaced with plastic headlight`s and this is not recomended for something heavier like metal since metal are replaced with metal you cant downgrade from metal to alloy ( aluminium + metal ) if downgrading mechanical parts wont make the mechanics to run normally

[@exsparky8090]

Brilliant in more ways than one, Brilliant job and a brilliantly clear lens.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@joeyalfaro2323]

I did quick eBay search they are 600 bucks for set. It's nice to be able to make parts that are needed.great video.

[@mikef.1000]

Wow, that just works so well! Great stuff.

[@hawkdsl]

Mold casting has saved my butt quite a few times, and it's easy to do at home.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You're so right! If you ever have any questions or need product suggestions, we're here to help.

[@antoniocesarandrade2930]

Muito bom . Obrigado por passar seus conhecimentos. Sou do Brasil aqui peças para automóveis antigos são difíceis e caras . Isto é uma ótima opção para nós .

[@cassiusclay7482]

Beau travail merci pour le partage (de FRANCE)

[@MikeJF355]

Fantastic job lads, well done,

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@Desertduleler_88]

Great job, I wasn't expecting it to turn out like it did.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@RV-ky1dr]

Impressed. Simply amazing.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

I am glad to know this process is available. Thanks for a very helpful video.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@lordieshepherd]

Great to see people finding ways to restore the past.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

It's a great way to restore an old vehicle!

[@stevesloan6775]

That was rad! Having a good condition part is key. 🤜🏼🤛🏼🇦🇺😎🍀🍀🍀

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You got that right!

[@OOICU812]

Wow. That's freaking cool!

[@craigpennington1251]

When Glass is no longer an option, this must be done. Thanks so much for showing how it's done. A pity that things for these elegant classics aren't being made any more.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the awesome feedback!

[@craigpennington1251]

@@AlumiliteCorporation You are welcome.

[@CoolMusicToMyEars]

Thats a very impressive job, well done chaps :)

[@supdus]

just a general thought - but it may be a good idea to use a different colour of clay from the silicon - easier removal

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

That's definitely an option - this is just the one that we had on hand!

[@ralflang5524]

Great video! Greetings from Germany.

[@JSwan-bd1tc]

Wow, this is a great way to make NLA parts! Thanks for sharing.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@pcpatel01]

Thank you for the informative video, helped me to replicate one of my product

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment :)

[@Predikant]

A simple way to prevent the silicon mold from over compression would be to install dowels around the circumference.

[@urdulearner8221]

Thanks for sharing. I believe in the same way one could reproduce a more sophisticated lens like in headlight lenses of modern cars

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

It certainly would be worth trying!

[@sachsenleipzig3889]

Wow!!! Cool!!!

[@keithnoneya]

Loved it. Super job guys. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks Keith!

[@DrStrange1000]

Mannnnnnnnn that was an AWESOME video. Thank you!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thank YOU!

[@paulbradford8240]

What a skill to be able to replicate those parts.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Yes, it's pretty fascinating! Thanks for watching!

[@chargermopar]

Wow what an amazing process! I have a lot of failed plastic parts on my old Mopars which I can buy used or reproduction but it would be interesting to mold my own. If the clear resin was not so expensive I would consider it to replace the broken Holophane glass on the lights around my home.

[@stivi739]

awesome stuff guys

[@martinjp1]

I could listen t Ed all day.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@miguelcarter1949]

I made a batch of Magnitogorsk caps for vintage rare Harley Davidson race bikes with this product They looked perfect and amazingly enough they worked since I inserted the brass spark plug connectors into the mold Excellent product

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

That's super cool to hear and sounds like a fun project! Thanks for the feedback!

[@gavanwhatever8196]

Wouldn't it help to have the clay base a different colour to the silicone?

[@lennym1273]

That's what I kept thinking, it would be SO much easier to clean if they were different color...

[@GrimmGhost]

Ditto.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You're not wrong, it's just the color clay we sell, ha!

[@timhofstetter5654]

@@AlumiliteCorporation Wull, then... seems t' me that ya learned something, then, di'n't ya? Start carrying two or three alternative colors of clay. Right?

[@SquirrelsForAll]

Beautifully done! WOW!

[@TheHelado36]

I would love to do this !

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

give it a try!

[@jorgerostagnol3602]

Exellent. Muy bueno. Desde colonia uruguay.!!!!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@javedsahibzada4069]

Sir exceptionally good wood

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@brian.d.mobley]

Thats amazing!

[@D3Sshooter]

amazing, something I need to do for the lotus lenses

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@1959Berre]

The result is amazing.

[@hazyhaul5720]

Thanks exactly the knowledge i needed

[@bugwuggy]

That is awesome thanks for sharing that didn't know that could be done

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thank you for watching!

[@patpatpat999]

I would hope you would make many extra sets and make available to the community.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Although we don't provide pre-made sets we do offer the resources and the products for you to learn to make your own!

[@FranciscoAngelini]

Amazing work ❤😮

[@cocolumberwearenotalike2677]

Now im going to make clear motorcycle panel😍😍 thanks

[@tisoy909]

How strong is this water clear resin once hardened? My original headlight lens is held to its housing with metal spring clamp fasteners and I'm concerned the tension can distort or break a molding as it is not rigid as glass. Or I would tend to assume. Are these molds uv resistant? Thank you.

[@peteacher52]

Interesting, as I own a 1950 vehicle and one never knows what glass or bakelite part will break. This is one of only a few ads on Yt that I do not object to because it shows what is available and how to use it.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the feedback! This is a great way to stock up on back up pieces that can't be professionally manufactured any more!

[@shyamyelamarti3113]

Great work. Great Skills.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the positive feedback and thanks for watching!

[@KallePihlajasaari]

This is a great video with 382 comments, how about people give it a few thumbs-up so it gets more exposure.

[@kencohagen4967]

Cool stuff!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching Ken!

[@chuahyucheng9896]

How to cast tail lights with different color tone? Could you guys do a video on it? It would be really helpful. Thank you in advance! 👍👍

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Awesome idea! In short, you would follow this same process, but add a tiny bit of our flow dye to your resin before pouring!

[@tedfort1698]

Wouldn't it be easier to use a clay that's a different color than the silicone, so you can see it more easily when removing it?

[@c2757]

Just watched your video about "The Science Behind Yellowing Epoxy" which explains why epoxy castings yellow and some suggested ideas to minimise the yellowing. Will the headlamp lens you made in this video, yellow over time and if so what sort of time period would it be? I've also just watched Epoxy Heat Resistance vs Heat Deflection Temperature. I need to make some lenses with similar usage to the one in this video. What effect does the bulb inside the headlamp have on the casting, or more specifically, how do I work out whether my headlamp lens is going to melt or burst into flames the first time I turn the headlights on?

[@corail53]

There is UV resistant epoxy out there that won't yellow. As for your second question - it won't be an issue.

[@yourselfdotcomlol]

Pretty impressive

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@WatchRichRebuildsChannel]

Is the guy still happy with his light covers to this day?

[@zorans5200]

Amazing!

[@Chaosghostrider666]

Maravilloso. Ahora va salir una ley o una normativa que va a impedir que hagas esas copias y te van a multar. por que a las grandes empresas no les conviene que repares. Grandioso trabajo.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thank you for watching!

[@divertechnology]

Great video. It may be just me, but it seems the last part when you put the content in the mold, should have some pipe to insert it. and may be another to release the air.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

That's one technique that a lot of people used but it isn't necessary!

[@rogerarseneau9728]

Great Video! Never knew this was possible... Very Interesting

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@lohikarhu734]

just thinking about the clear resin...the refractive index of the resin is undoubtedly less than that of glass, so that the "plastic" lens, although it looks perfect, will not function quite the same as the original... if it was actually used at night the beam would be different, but, given that any headlight before the 1960's was pretty horrible, it won't matter.

[@utubemutube4255]

very clever loved it

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@JBworkz]

Hi. watching this now and seeing you no longer carry plat55 what is the new version?

[@policarpiojrgonzales2349]

"Perfect!"

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@glikar1]

Very cool! Wondering if working in a dust free environment is advisable since your producing optical components?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Yes, we definitely recommend working in a clean area! You don't want any particulates settling on the surface of your project!!

[@elvago777]

EXELENTE VIDEO, ME GUSTO MUCHO Y ESTARE PENDIENTE DE LOS NUEVOS VIDEOS QUE SUBA.....SALUDOS!!!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@franchescoencinas2875]

maravilloso trabajo (y)

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thank you!

[@cherifowler137]

Wow!!

[@SadAnorak]

Think you have done an amazing job here. Shame that so many comments are from those who are armchair experts at doing it another way.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the kind words! When it comes to making, there isn't one right way to do things.

[@timhofstetter5654]

Don't read them if you have an objection to them. It's all up to you to make them completely transparent. Or do you just like going around telling people to shut up?

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Brilliant work sir. Regards 🦘🇦🇺

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@MidlandTexan]

Wow!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@GotScout]

Just a thought... is it smart using clay and silicone that are the same color?!!!!! I mean a grey clay and a blue silicone would be easy to tell which is where...

[@VayaconChupacabra]

Awesome!!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@Veyron640]

excellent work.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@albertovaldez4580]

Incredible mold ! I wonder if a lens obtained with this resin will yellow at sunlight

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Great question! Urethane resins tend to hold up way better to yellowing than your typical epoxy - which makes it perfect for making headlights!

[@radanyadak6362]

Hello thanks for the cool video. How many times can I use this silicon mold without ending up withe a cloudy resin look? would the silicon mold`s surface roughen up over time? Thanks

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Go ahead and check out our more recent video on Silicone mold care!

[@rochewijnaar5374]

wow that looks really good

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching, we appreciate it!

[@juanvazquez-torres5676]

Thank you great 👍🏼

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@mostafashokatzadeh1855]

hi..thanks..very useful but why keeping the mold horizontal and not vertically?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thank you for watching! The mold is kept that way to allow air to escape - if the lid was pressed on top as resin was being poured in, there'd be more room for error/air to be trapped within the mold.

[@igorzavaleta]

Regards from Lima, Peru. Do you have distribution in Perú?

[@arundas2267]

EXCELLENT!!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Glad you found it helpful, thank you for the feedback!

[@mtacoustic1]

How about making the clay and rubber mold material different colors so it would be easier to insure all the clay is removed?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You could always do that! This is just the clay that we had on hand!

[@quickturn66]

Impressive

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@plumbcrazy375]

Very interesting

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@elektrojen7347]

Süper!👏👏👏👏

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@spectre057]

Молодец мужик!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@Johny666EU]

woow, thats amazing

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@myoneblackfriend3151]

Beautiful.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@Amithirigalalk]

Wow clear

[@jamiecampbell3068]

Wow. That is kick*ss !!! Haven't gone to your site, yet. Typing just after viewing. Question is : Would this resin be tintable ?? As in RED, for tail lights ??? Going to website now. Thanks for posting this process. Very cool !!!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Yes! We have pigments available on our site as well!

[@NotViewed]

Transparent Aluminum (in a scottish accent)

[@timhofstetter5654]

You missed the second 'i' in "alumin(i)um"... 8)

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Awesome 👍

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks!!

[@robsonlinsalves6847]

Muito bom mesmo valeu

[@pedroalmodovar6709]

How does this reaction with the sun??? Will it haze or fade???

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Just like any plastic it will wear with time and environmental interactions.

[@pedroalmodovar6709]

@@AlumiliteCorporation so there's not something that I can add that will keep it from fading???

[@ronchabale]

Nice job

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@Leo-tt7ly]

Skills!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@MBB5658]

Is there a way to remove bubbles without vaccum chamber Or pressure pot?!!

[@1959Berre]

Insert a plastic straw and suck.

[@bara2ban]

One way is to heat up the resin but not too hot so it starts curing but it's not a perfect way. If you want 100% bubble free - gotta use vacuum chamber.

[@Sumerian_guy]

WOOW nice

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks!

[@eleazercisneros6999]

Hello I wanted to know if you can do custom work for some clear lenses for a 2009 tsx i can prove the lenses

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for reaching out but we don’t actually take commissions- we are the manufacturer and seller of the products and just provide the resources for you to do it on your own!