Cast Aluminum Tailights

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I have the optional "cast aluminum tailights". But, only the houseings are cast Aluminum, not the bezels around the lights; These bezels are chromed plastic. I was somewhat dissapointed when I first found out about the plastic bezels. Does anyone know of someone who has the equiptment or foundry to recast these bezels out of Aluminum? I would think about $25.00 each and / or $100.00 for a set of four would be a reasonable retail price for these made from real cast Aluminum. I'm curious, what's your opinion on this subject.

[dwightdi]

There are small aluminum foundaries around major manufacturing cities. You might try the Tomas Register to find one in your area. Thomas Registers are published on CDrom disks for various regions for free. They also may be available on line in your area. Try Google to see. They will need to use your parts as patterns and not all alloys polish up well, so be sure to ask. Have them polished by them and there also may need to be some secondary machining as well. I found a foundary about 15 miles from my house that was cooperative but not cheap.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I have the optional "cast aluminum tailights". But, only the houseings are cast Aluminum, not the bezels around the lights; These bezels are chromed plastic. I was somewhat dissapointed when I first found out about the plastic bezels. Does anyone know of someone who has the equiptment or foundry to recast these bezels out of Aluminum? I would think about $25.00 each and / or $100.00 for a set of four would be a reasonable retail price for these made from real cast Aluminum. I'm curious, what's your opinion on this subject.

I tried that route a few years ago to have a simple tank badge for a motorcycle reproduced in cast aluminum. The price of the castings wasn't bad and the polishing prices were acceptable, but the mold and set-up charges were out of sight.......IIRC over $3500! Needeless to say that it killed the project.

[Thealt]

Good luck at that price. I've tried to have a simple guide for a bandsaw cast. Checked around my area and the cheapest for that part was around 80 bucks. It was a simple cast, but most foundaries are expensive. Maybe there a school in the area that does odd projects cheaper. You could have someone with a CNC router do it too, but it would also not be cheap.
Alt

[klattu]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I have the optional "cast aluminum tailights". But, only the houseings are cast Aluminum, not the bezels around the lights; These bezels are chromed plastic. I was somewhat dissapointed when I first found out about the plastic bezels. Does anyone know of someone who has the equiptment or foundry to recast these bezels out of Aluminum? I would think about $25.00 each and / or $100.00 for a set of four would be a reasonable retail price for these made from real cast Aluminum. I'm curious, what's your opinion on this subject.

Try the large truck stops.
Many lights have chrome 'armor' trim around them.

[Silvertwinkie]

I have seen a great number of the cast alum tail lights you speak of corrode, particularly around the edges and screw mounts. I've had two sets and both have it. Looking at it from this persepective, the plastic might not be such a bad thing......

[Excella3287]

I'm currenty thinking about doing some bakyard sandcasting on parts no longer available, reminds me of day's in high school ,the complete kit is available for about $200.00. Know that is a kittle more than you thought however there my be more out there thinking like you to get you ROI. Just a thought.

[lewster]

I've been a goldsmith for 30+ years and do most of my custom work from original waxes and lost wax casting. The results are fabulous, but the size is limited by the available flask sizes. I'll measure my tail light bezels from my CCD, but I think that they will be too large for my burn out oven.

How about a set in sterling silver....no corrosion there!!!!!

Don't laugh so hard! I've done custom door knobs, boot heels and shift knobs in silver!

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Excella3287

I'm currenty thinking about doing some bakyard sandcasting on parts no longer available, reminds me of day's in high school ,the complete kit is available for about $200.00. Know that is a kittle more than you thought however there my be more out there thinking like you to get you ROI. Just a thought.

The problem with sand casting is the very rough surface finish. You'll spend hours grinding and polishing. Then you'll have to have it triple chromed (copper, nickel, chrome) in order to have a lasting shiney finish. Way too much work to be commercially viable at a price you could sell....but as a project for yourself.......GO FOR IT! Just be sure that you get the very finest sand that you can find.