Startec smoked taillights: How are they made?

[6erwebb]

So, for some time now after aquiring a dakar yellow e30 (started my build thread in the projects section) Ive been slowly switching lights out for smoked units.

The taillights are the hardest piece as startec is the best option but is so damn pricey! So, I looked into a company Ive used before, Klearz http://klearz.com/

They make a very good product that Ive used on my e24 and theyve held up extremely beautifully. So naturally Ive emailed them as to my curiosity of getting them to build a set of lenses for e30 taillights.

The problem comes in as to how the startecs have a bit of color in them... so My question is How are they colored?

Is it a thin lens on the inside of the outer lens?
Is it the housing behind the bulb is tinted?
Does anyone have a trash set they could dismantle for arguments sake?

Thanks for any help guys!

[reelizmpro]

They use color capsules for the turn, rear fog and brake lights. The parking light has a flat red inner lens. The outside is clear/smoked.

[Das Delfin]

If you can get this up and going lots of people will love you

[Allrad]

Interested in seeing where this goes.

[stonea]

Thanks for the website! Might see if they want to make some Z3 parts

[Mo Brighta]

Smoked tails, Dakar E30

Yeah, there's always interest in this conversion.

Especially important to consider higher output lights with this, to be visible through the dark lenses... as you know, many folks don't pay attention, and we'd hate to see you get tagged by a numbscull who then claimed "your lights don't work, plus they're tinted illegally" or some such drivel.

Be glad to help if you are interested... I do upgrades that look totally stock, but really boost output and reliability. I've done BMW and some aftermarket units. Almost anything you can buy, I can improve their performance with brighter and multiple lamps, safely of course!

Here's a look at late style BMW lights, modified. I also do early style.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=191231;

Good luck with your lights!

[6erwebb]

Awesome guys!!! Thanks so much, I emailed the tech rep for Klearz and she said that dealing with a whole lens is a pain and they wouldnt be apt to deal with a mold that big... but a couple years ago she said the same thing about the e24 rear lenses and look at em now.

What I may do is a little research on making a mold myself. Ive done alot of fiberglass stuff before so perhaps the mold process is similar.

And :Mo Brighta, I think I may hit you up soon just to brighten up my rear as it sits now! ha, the old girls a little dim for my taste anyway.

-Webb

[6erwebb]

***** Guys, let me add that I just found out that if I have ten or more people interested theyd be more willing to help out... That said Id just need interest. I think what Id do is buy ten sets if I had the interest then "build them up" and offer them for sale (substantially lower than a new set of startecs of course). Though at this point Im still just testing the waters

[e30onBBSs]

Got a quote for each set? I would most likely be in if around $300 or something

[6erwebb]

No earthly idea.. I just ordered a bunch of mold making materials, figured Id just do it myself. Im thinking one could offer it in stages, such as a kit that includes all the little tinted panels needed to replicate a well made taillight lens. Then offer a built up set ready for "your lighting". Then a full led lit set.

Check in here, Im getting into this now ha. In a few days Ill post up my results of making the tester lens and ill have a better idea of the time/cost involved.

[agent]

I still need to come out there and see what else you're up to...

[6erwebb]

lol, too much man.. too much

[Das Delfin]

I would be interested as well.. might be worth it to get a group buy list together depending on how you want to go about it

[dereliiict]

Early or late?

[Aufbau Principle]

^These would be for early tails. I'd be in for this too. A kit would be neat with a clear lens that lets people tint them to whatever style they like, since there's a few different colors of startecs.