Back to the Future Tail lights

bump

 

I'll get back around to this project. Have to rethink the amber lens section.

 

I am very picky and these have to be executed perfectly. Both aesthetically and performance. The shape of the 3rd gen housings makes the design a little tricky. But I will prevail.

 

In @mesojdm we trust.

 

Cool story of the original BTTF truck!

Good luck with the light build! @mesojdm

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lLycIYup764

 

Actually made a little progress this week.. still in beta mode but I have a few new ideas

 

Okay.. now we're getting somewhere. Wet Sanded off all the old orange and re sprayed, then masked off where the reverse is going;


Ready for the sandblasting cabinet


Result;



Question is... should I gloss the outside like Toyota's Retro version (would be very transparent)

Or I am leaning towards sand blasting the entire inside lens for Matte look.. similar to the real OG lens;

 

That's tough.

My first instinct was sell me the matte version right now. But on the otherhand, does matte just look like old faded tails you didn't take care of.

 

I say go with the gloss! It’ll stand out way more.

 

The ones in my picture are not done. Either way the outside will be "glossy" because there will be a clear coat over it. They Will not look faded and old.
But with the inside being bead blasted, it will give the colors more uniform look and you will not be able to see the inside. (That's 1 thing I don't like about the retro versions that were done)

 

Ah got it. Okay that could look cool then. Hard to picture. I've never seen anything like that before.

Once thing I don't like about after market lights is all of the different led bars and what not that are visible. That's why I'm liking this mat idea.

How does blasting the inside affect light output?

 

Yes, it's hard to picture. And to be honest, I have no clue how it will look..it's not everyday someone sandblastes the inside of their tail light

But maybe this will help..
Here is a test lens that I blasted a strip from the inside;

It doesn't loose the "shine" from the outside, yet makes the inside not visible.

How will this affect light output? I actually think it's going to look badass. Now with the sandblast texture, it acts as huge light diffuser spreading the light out for a more uniform/glow look.(albeit less intensity though)

Sun shinning through Unaltered red lens;


Now shining though the sand blasted section;


We'll see how it goes!

 

I like it and can't wait see these done.

 

sandblasted imo

 

Second the sandblast. In this project since your going for the retro style it makes sense. All the lights now a days show each individual led or what I call Tron lines. The sandblast makes it that much more retro imo.

 

I agree. Having it blasted will make each color look almost solid with no transparency. Just like how the OEM looked in the 80's.
It's settled.. just need to get them open now.