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Old 07-18-2023, 08:26 PM   #1
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1977 31' Sovereign
Senatobia , Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 28
77 tail light lens alternative

After much research I have come to the conclusion the Monarch 9074 lens can't be found anywhere for a reasonable price.

So my alternative I'm working on consists of a 4" round lens and an adapter plate that allows the round lens to mount to the square opening. My test adapter is made from simple hardboard as it was quick and easy. I would think the final product can be cnc cut from aluminum or maybe 3d printed. I painted it black to match the housing but might experiment with red as it might make it look a little more like stock.

Here are some pics I took to get some feedback. Also would like to hear what others have done to get around the no lens available issue. I have seen the square LED kits but not 100% sold on them and their price seems a little high.
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Old 12-02-2023, 07:18 PM   #2
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1993 25' Excella
Luthersburg , Pennsylvania
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I've been trying to find replacement alternatives. I really like this idea. Unfortunately you did not include the specifics on the round replacements you used. Please inform us as to what red light you used. Also, did you replace the 3rd with a clear or white bulb?
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Old 12-02-2023, 07:43 PM   #3
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1979 31' Excella 500
Desert , California
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I like it! I decided to completely get rid of the monarch light and build a completely new tail light assembly for my 79. I just gave away the lenses that were still in good shape. I like your solution it is really nice. The round lenses fit the trailer better I think.
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Old 12-03-2023, 01:41 PM   #4
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1993 25' Excella
Luthersburg , Pennsylvania
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Any pictures or further information would be greatly appreciated.
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Old 12-03-2023, 02:53 PM   #5
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1979 31' Excella 500
Desert , California
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kubotakid View Post
Any pictures or further information would be greatly appreciated.

Kubotakid,
I am currently redoing all the exterior lighting including tail lights markers, clearance and work lights too. It is still a work in progress.
since I am completely rebuilding my trailer I did not mind giving it a different look for the tail lights. In the pictures you can see the current light assembly that I have created using truck lights, and I am working on making the new structure on which that will be mounted. It is currently only made of foam to get the exact dimensions, but I will make it out of aluminum and also round the corners.
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Old 12-04-2023, 07:17 PM   #6
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1977 31' Sovereign
Senatobia , Mississippi
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Here is a picture of the original tail light and my updated one. I can try and post a picture of it installed on the airstream once I get home before dark.

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The links below should be to the round lens on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I can also provide the 3d gcode file if anyone would like it.

Kevin
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Old 12-04-2023, 10:13 PM   #7
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1994 25' Excella
Waukesha , Wisconsin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kscarter View Post
Here is a picture of the original tail light and my updated one. I can try and post a picture of it installed on the airstream once I get home before dark.

Attachment 439273

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The links below should be to the round lens on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I can also provide the 3d gcode file if anyone would like it.

Kevin
Have you considered using black screws instead of the chrome ones?
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Old 12-05-2023, 06:49 AM   #8
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1993 25' Excella
Luthersburg , Pennsylvania
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Thank you. I believe this is the solution I've been looking for. Great information.
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Old 12-05-2023, 09:52 AM   #9
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1993 25' Excella
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Is the 3d gcode file for 3d printed adapter plate? If so please include that as well. Thanks again for all your help.
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Old 12-05-2023, 08:10 PM   #10
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1977 31' Sovereign
Senatobia , Mississippi
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Here is a picture with the tail lights mounted back on the airstream (needs a good washing).

I also went ahead and tapped the holes in the tail light housing so I could bolt them back on instead of using pull rivets.

Richard - after looking at closer I believe black screw heads will be the way to go.

Kubotakid - Here is a link to the 3d printer .stl file on tinkercad. All you will need to do is slice it with Cura or whatever slicer you use for your 3d printer.

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/lQB...f-lens-adapter
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Old 12-05-2023, 10:57 PM   #11
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1993 25' Excella
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Thank you. They look awesome. Sorry to be a bother. The link for tinkercad says page is missing when it's trying to load.
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Old 12-06-2023, 07:34 AM   #12
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I think kscarter’s project looks really nice…and will look even better with black screws.

There’s one item that might be considered: The original square lenses appear to have reflective corners incorporated. Federal (and most states) have regulatory requirements for specific amounts of reflector material on the rear of vehicles. (This is one major difference between trailers sold in the U.S. versus Canada which requires larger reflectivity.)

If the round lenses do not contain adequate reflective material…. then one might add some reflectors to the rear of the trailer…perhaps along the bottom edge such as some other AS’s have. (adding separate dedicated reflectors is how some trailers meet standards)
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Old 12-06-2023, 07:35 PM   #13
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1977 31' Sovereign
Senatobia , Mississippi
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Kubotakid - Do you have a tinkercad account? If so you might be able to search for lens adapter. Or PM me your email address and I can try and send it direct. Looks like the fourm will not allow me to attach a .stl file.

Boxtie - these lens have a DOT certification so I would think they have the required reflective coating but it never hurts to add a little more.
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Old 12-06-2023, 09:37 PM   #14
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kscarter… they may be DOT approved…. for red lights…. yet have no reflectors incorporated….intended for vehicles which have additional reflectors. Just suggesting one checks and/or tests them.
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Old 12-07-2023, 09:31 PM   #15
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kscarter… they may be DOT approved…. for red lights…. yet have no reflectors incorporated….intended for vehicles which have additional reflectors. Just suggesting one checks and/or tests them.
Easy enough to add some reflective tape. My father insisted on adding some to each of the Airstreams he had, some across the bumper and some under the back window.
https://www.amazon.com/XFXIA-Reflect...zcF9tdGY&psc=1
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Old 12-23-2023, 02:51 PM   #16
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1993 25' Excella
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Thanks for all of the help. This was the solution I was looking for. I think they turned out awesome. 😎
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Old 03-05-2024, 08:15 AM   #17
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Related to this, for our '75 Argosy I went with the next size up square lens then slightly modded them and 3d modeled/printed new buckets to use a current 1157 socket. All new and easy to change the bulbs if needed.
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Old 09-01-2024, 07:38 PM   #18
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1987 34' Limited
Kingston , Ontario
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jum View Post
Related to this, for our '75 Argosy I went with the next size up square lens then slightly modded them and 3d modeled/printed new buckets to use a current 1157 socket. All new and easy to change the bulbs if needed.
This is great Jum,

Would you be willing to share the design for your can/buckets? This is what I’ve been looking to do.

Thanks!
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Old 09-01-2024, 08:45 PM   #19
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This is great Jum,

Would you be willing to share the design for your can/buckets? This is what I’ve been looking to do.

Thanks!
I finally uploaded it. Thanks for reminding me.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6751715
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Old 09-02-2024, 06:53 AM   #20
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I finally uploaded it. Thanks for reminding me.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6751715
That's great, thanks very much!
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