DIY: Startec Replicas!

[Panici]

DIY Startec Replicas
Taken directly from Post 237 of my build thread.
More pictures of the finished lights will be there in future posts.



I wasn't willing to pay the $800+ for a used set of Startec lights, so I set about making my own replicas!
I've detailed the process below, so you can attempt your own set.


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Parts used:

Lenses ($110usd + shipping):
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/133053221310

Sealant ($57cad):
RetroRubber OEM Grade Butyl
https://www.amazon.ca/RetroRubber-Gr.../dp/B01N5PM29J

Bulb paint ($10cad):
Pebeo Vitrail Crimson
http://en.pebeo.com/Creative-leisure...ITRAIL/Vitrail

Two taillight housings (preferably cracked/damaged lenses).

VHT Niteshades ($22cad)


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Directions:

1. Paint inside of new lenses with VHT Niteshades.
   • This was my first time using Niteshades. Be aware it goes on quickly.
   • I achieved the pictured darkness on my first coat while only seeking to apply an even layer.
   
   
2. Heat taillight assemblies in oven @ 230f for 10 minutes.
   • I removed all of the metal studs, and placed lights on a block of wood on the bottom rack.
   
   
3. Smash out existing lenses with a hammer. Wear eye protection.
   
4. Remove bits of leftover lens from edges while lights are still warm.
   
5. Heat RetroRubber sealant in oven for a few minutes to soften.
   
6. Stretch sealant thin and apply to all edges on taillight housing. You only need a little bit to make a seal.
   • I used too much on my driver's side (first attempt) and the finished product doesn't look as good up close.
   
   
7. Place lens on top of sealant & housing.
   
8. Place in oven on top of wood. I used additional wood on top of lens to weigh down.
   • I followed Morimoto directions and went for 7min @ 270f. This melted/distored my lenses in a few spots.
   • I'd recommend starting at 230f and adding heat/time to melt the sealant if needed.
   
   
9. Paint bulbs red as needed to achieve startec colour reflective effect.
   
10. I used wiring from a spare bulb tray to wire my rear fogs in parallel with the brake lights.

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Additional notes and areas for improvement:

My taillight housings only had a reflective (chrome coated) surface on some of the internals.
Adding a reflective surface to the rear fog areas would help to improve the lens colour effect.
I'm not sure the best way to achieve this, as I've used chrome spraypaint before and it sprays out more like silver paint.

I am also converting my lamps to LED for added brightness. So far I've used the same glass/bulb paint on the LEDs with success.




















(no bulbs)

[Das Delfin]

Damn do those look good

[e30m3s54turbo]

Sweet!

[Mike36]

Thanks for that, any way to clean up the black lines between the lenses?

[Panici]

Thanks for that, any way to clean up the black lines between the lenses?

My driver's side was my first attempt ever at resealing a lens, and I used too much sealant. Passenger side lines look better.

On the car, you can't see any of the imperfections.
(Or at least they're overshadowed by all of the other faults on my car in particular.)

You could also attempt to use a different type/colour of sealant.

[Mushi]

I have 5 sets sitting in storage. This is awesome.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

[Panici]

More pictures:
Went to an LED setup which is very bright!

[Panici]

2022 Bump.

Going to try my hand at making another set over the winter.
One of mine got smashed in 2020 when I was rear-ended.

[CR325IS]

these are dope. Your car is sick!

[Panici]

these are dope. Your car is sick!

Thanks! 😁