john
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by john on Aug 1, 2017 13:47:16 GMT -5
I'm considering trying my hand at casting light lenses for a vehicle I'm restoring. It's a 1955 Packard Constellation, and the first lens I want to try is the backup light lens. It's clear, but has striations along part of the inside, and what appears to be a magnifying circle in the center of the lens. My big question is that the lens itself is relatively simple, but it is somewhat "V" shaped which requires a large mold. Rough measurements for the mold requirement is appx 7" from the point of the V to the rear, open end, and the open end is appx 7" across. It measures appx 3" high. According to the calculator, I would need almost 12 pounds of silicone to make the mold! My question is "Is it recommended to either use some sort of "filler" in the hollow area, or make an odd shaped mold"? I've perused this forum and watched some of the videos and was wondering what would be the recommended products to use for this project? If this works well, I will next attempt the tail light lenses. Thanks in advance, John
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Post by mike on Aug 5, 2017 20:51:06 GMT -5
please send us a picture of the lens to world(at)alumilite.com and let us take a look at it to see what we can recommend.
thx, Mike
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john
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by john on Aug 10, 2017 15:14:22 GMT -5
Thanks Mike. I have sent the email along with photos of the objects that I am considering. Also, what product would you recommend for making body mounts for antique vehicles? Basically, these would be like large, thick, washers with some having a slight "step" at the top. I'm sure the product would have to be fairly dense when cured as it would have to take the weight of the body under all sorts of road conditions. Thanks again, John
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Post by mike on Aug 14, 2017 7:21:18 GMT -5
You have some options. Vac 50 is highly filled atomized aluminum powder, Vac 25 is highly filled with crushed glass increasing abrasion and durability, Perf 80D which is an extremely durable/tough system, Regular is unfilled with a very high heat deflection and is used in many other automotive applications, or the Flex 80 (hard rubber) is more of a vibration dampener that in the right thickness/mass may work well.
Will look at your pics and see if we can help narrow down the selection.
Mike
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john
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by john on Aug 24, 2017 11:59:06 GMT -5
Mike, have you had a chance to check the photos I sent? As for the body mounts, they would definitely have to be rubber. they isolate the body from the chassis, so the Flex 80 would probably fill the bill. Thanks, John
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