How to replicate HELLA's smoked ellipsoid technique:

[JasonC]

? So when the steering is on the left hand side it should be at R/D right?

Ooopps, i got it backwards, didn't I? I'll fix the post.

[maxel]

It's for the cut off. R/D = __/__/ for right hand drive cars. L/G = \__\__ for left hand drive cars.

? So when the steering is on the left hand side it should be at R/D right?

[Jordan]

Yup, a simple twist changes the uptick from LHD to RHD.

[JasonC]

another question. what does the R/D and L/G stand for?

It's for the cut off. R/D = __/__/ for left hand drive cars. L/G = \__\__ for right hand drive cars.

[///M42 sport]

another question. what does the R/D and L/G stand for?

[Jordan]

Approximate it. Thats what I did and it turned out just fine. A very slight amount off wont really show as once the lense is on it sort of distorts everything coming through anyhow.

[///M42 sport]

I guess I meant what I as a reference on the headlight assembly so that my crossbeams appear EXACTLY + when installed on the car. Seems like there is a slight degree of rotation between the headlight assembly and the metal cap that covers the bulb. They are not exactly perpendicular to each other.

[Jordan]

Use your finished crosshairs as reference. Place them where they go and make a mark on the reflector with a knife or something of the sort.

[///M42 sport]

whats my reference for cutting the holes on the cross beams? I noticed the high beam housing is at a slight angle in comparison to the metal cap that covers the bulb.

[So Live]

James e30, any pics of the hellas done? im curious to see as these are the lights im rockin

[Jordan]

The pattern might not fit... but the rest should give you a direction.

[maxel]

can i use this for any other bmws?

[///M42 sport]

Ok i just wanted to add some input on the baking process. I put my metal assembly in and heated the oven to 350 and waited for 6-8 minutes. I found this softened the glue just enough so I could slowly wedge the glass off. A little smoke should appear from the headlights.

I think it would take less time for my low beam assembly since its plastic. I'll post when I get to them.

To update, since my lowbeams were plastic, I went ahead and boiled them so I didn't risk melting them. I soaked them in rubbing alcohol. Put some cushion on the bottom of the pot so you dont have the glass in direct contact with pot. (Like aluminum foil crushed up.) Then just boil for 15-20 minutes. This softens the glue enough to pop the glass off. Simple enough.

[Joe318is]

I did this using jordos pdf about 3 years ago. still going strong

[JamesE30]

Any experience with early euro lights? The non-ellipsoid ones? I'm thinking 4 crosshairs should do the job for that.

Yes, I have tried this.

It took me for ever to make a template for the cross hairs on the low beams,
(the reflector is not symmetrical) and once done and mocked up, there was almost no effect because of the lens over the lights.

The groves/moldings/engravings or whatever on the actual lens itself (the vertical lines)
are so thick and deep that they themselves reflect back white light. you can barely see the reflector behind them... Not worth the time,

The (hella) high beams however are identical in shape the the late model lights as far as i know.
I have made cross hairs for mine according to the template, and they fit perfectly.
However they do not quite have the effect i had hoped for, i assume because my lenses are quite pitted.
But i feel as though there is too much room left around the globe,
allot of white light is reflected out.


These are the cross hairs I made out of 0.5mm Aluminium.
They are cut out exactly as the templates indicate.

I may consider making more to sell if there is any interest in them?





They are cut on a band saw and disk/bobbin sanded, and they take time to make accurately, so the price would need to be right, if theres any interest, make an offer.

*edit*

I just used rustoleum satin black for mine, holding up fine to the heat so far.
Just drove 300km's a couple of nights ago, with the high beams allmost permanently on, and they're fine.