bigcoupe.com

I’ll do the U.K. group buy if you are OK with that Ralph.

Fine by me Ron. If possible 2 sets for me and 2 sets for Sharkfan. If demand is high, just one left side for me would be great.

RichardP wrote: ↑Sat Mar 14, 2020 9:59 pm Fine by me Ron. If possible 2 sets for me and 2 sets for Sharkfan. If demand is high, just one left side for me would be great.

Very honorable to allow others the chance.

Ron, please accumulate UK order. I’ll provide up to 4 sets and maybe an additional one or two for your group. Thanks

Ralph

Thanks Ralph. I'll see what interest there is and get back to you. I'm sure we will be overwhelmed with requests!

You have PM.

All interested in these seals please PM me.

Ron: Just PMed you.

I'd be interested in 2 sets if someone can create via 3D printer. Just tried to order a set - eEuroparts website said "in stock". Unfortunately, this was not correct.

Thanks,
Mike

gray635 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 05, 2020 5:47 pm Ron: Just PMed you.

I'd be interested in 2 sets if someone can create via 3D printer. Just tried to order a set - eEuroparts website said "in stock". Unfortunately, this was not correct.

Thanks,
Mike

Mike. The seals Ron will get come from Ralph in Socal. They are used originals pulled by Ralph, not the postulated 3D printed version.

Understood. I've reached out to Ralph to see if he has more spares. Fortunately, I replaced the seals on my 1985 car several years ago when these were still available. Shoulda saved my take-off parts! Never imagined these would go NLA!

Ron,
Just to remind you I could do with a pair if any are available!
Paul.

I'm confused, what happened to the 3D printing reproduction project

While I don't need, "now", I may also be interested, as it's been duly noted that these are NLA

Please advise, Ron, Ralph, whoever

I'm not sure that they are officially NLA, just on back order and they have been for a little over 4 years. Various reasonably senior people at BMW have said that they were being made, then that they had failed quality control tests. Exactly what the current situation is I don' know. You'd not have thought it would be hard to ask Hella to make some more would you!

Hi Ralph, I would like a pair, I’m in Australia. I couldnt send you a PM for some trason.

Thanks
John

Offering my services to 3d model these. the left and right should be a mirror image of each other so if I can get my hands on one in good shape I should be able to create models of both.

Based on those models we can crate molds to begin recreating them.

I think the main issue with 3D modelling will be getting accurate measurements. They are quite floppy, you’d probably be best put only the frame, at least to get initial measurements of the surface that goes against the bodywork.

I can take a look at mine, but I am worried if I take these lights off they will never seal right.

I have a brand new, unused right side seal. If you think you can scan it to get a 3D image then I can send it to you.

I reached out to someone local to me to see if I can borrow theirs. Will keep everyone posted.

Ralph in Socal wrote: ↑Sat Mar 14, 2020 8:24 pm For now I have 5 left side and 7 right side. Could increase as hopefully I have more somewhere else

Ralph

Hi, Ralph. I need a set. I've purchased new lenses and what I believe is a set of seal #4s. I did not realize I required another interior set. If available please PM with price plus shipping to 73034. Thank you. -Chris

CCFields0107 wrote: ↑Wed May 06, 2020 11:17 pm

Ralph in Socal wrote: ↑Sat Mar 14, 2020 8:24 pm For now I have 5 left side and 7 right side. Could increase as hopefully I have more somewhere else

Ralph

Hi, Ralph. I need a set. I've purchased new lenses and what I believe is a set of seal #4s. I did not realize I required another interior set. If available please PM with price plus shipping to 73034. Thank you. -Chris

Sorry Chris. I am currently out of stock on these but I still do come across once in a while. Unfortunately I also have 3 other sets to cover before I can provide a set to you. Thanks

Ralph

Registering my interest in a set as and when they are available. Many thanks.

Hi, Interested to know if there was any progress on the subject of reproducing the seals or their availability!

Seems something of interest to many.

Hello everyone,

Sourcing the tail-light frame gaskets is proving to be EXTREMELY problematic, and I had a thought last night. I work at a college, and our digital design program might have a 3D laser scanner. If so, I should be able to scan, and model these gaskets. With a good scan, a number of options become available.

1.) I could print a solid model, and use it to cast a silicone mold that would allow me to reproduce gaskets from two-part expanding foam.

2.) With my highly modified printer, I might be able to directly print them using black, UV resistant, but soft TPU.

3.) The least preferred option would be to try and work with a Chinese supplier, and see if they would be willing to use my provided 3D model to create a mold, and do a limited run of gaskets. This option could both run afoul of patents, AND would likely result in VERY high costs per unit.

So then...

RichardP - Do you still have that NOS right side gasket, and would you be willing to send it to me for scanning? The left/right should be identical, so scanning either side should allow a mirror flip resulting in a matched pair.

Thanks.

Jose

Jose, I think you're on to something!

Considered the scanning the gasket is quite loose and floppy so I am not sure how to go about holding it in place.

I think the best option would be to take measurements and model it.

I was thinking about making a light wire perimeter frame to hold it in proper shape, which should give the best 360 scan. The bump created by the wire could be removed once scanned. Another thought was laying it face down on a surface, and make light wire frame ends to hold up the curved parts.

Although now that my brain is flipping shapes around, I wonder if you could mount all the hard parts with no gasket at all, then use tape to seal the areas where the gasket would live, and pour expanding foam in place. It would be perfectly molded to your car that way. Hmmmm.....
Jose