Headlight Project

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Sat May 01, 2004 5:42 pm

A "mil" is a thousandth of an inch.

THAWA · Post by **THAWA** » Sat May 01, 2004 5:44 pm

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Sat May 01, 2004 5:48 pm

Thanks for that post, Steve. Yep, the "45" was a typo. HOWEVER, there are a few organizations now trying to stop that kind of advertising of what window security film will or will not do. The "results" of the test have been seen but there is some talk that, yes, perhaps the round was fired at an angle, etc. Furthermore, if a second blast was directed at the same window, will it then be able to prevent the second round of bullet(s) from penetrating?

So, even with the thickest, strongest of security films, the window film industry generally takes the position that it does not bulletproof glass, nor will it prevent someone from entering a building (but just deter a potential thief or slow them down). There is one company that, the last I checked, continues to promote their film as being able to bulletproof glass and this is the organization that is under pressure to discontinue or modify their claims. Some police cars have this kind of film on their cars, 14 mil on the side glass, and 7 mil on the entire front and back glass.

That being said, the US government has conducted extensive testing of 7 mil security film (half the thickness of the above-discussed 14 mil film). The government has, since 9/11, been retrofitting government buildings in the US and abroad, with security film. Why? They believe it adds a measurable amount of security. Anchored properly, it will hold glass together even when a bomb is detonated in a room. And, yes, there are a lot of variables involved regarding the specifics of the testings but at least it illustrates the point of how strong the security film can be.

And, to throw in another variable regarding window film versus the film to protect headlights and hoods of cars, window film is made of polyester whereas the film for hoods and headlights is urethane. So, while both are strong, they are not the same. And, I hadn't thought of asking my reps for documentation on which of the two is stronger and offers greater protection.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Sat May 01, 2004 7:25 pm

That's good to know. I did some research on this for my novels and didn't come across the films. I was looking up higher ballistic grades, though (like B7 that can take two direct grenade detonations and AK-47s). If simple film can stop a single bullet from your average weapon and buy you a second or two, that may be all you need to get the hell out.

This stuff should be standard equipment on glass headlights. How does it stand up to the sand blasting effect of bugs and road debris?

Steve

Post by **Legacy777** » Sun May 02, 2004 5:18 pm

thawa......sorry no pics of the headlights this weekend....been having a fair share of personal issues this weekend....

THAWA · Post by **THAWA** » Mon May 03, 2004 1:50 am

no rush man. take your time

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Wed May 05, 2004 6:47 am

Steve, I checked with one of my reps about the urethane film on headlights. He feels that in time it will probably have some wear on it. Bugs probably won't do the film damage, but sand, dirt, rocks, etc may, depending on intensity and velocity -- over a period of time.

I asked about the love bugs in Florida. When those bugs get spattered on your hood, it's important to wash them off before the next day or the acid from their bodies will eat right through the paint down to the metal. The urethane film should withstand the acids of those bugs, at least that's what my rep thinks. (Steve, I realize you didn't ask about the lovebugs but I thought I'd throw the above comments in for those who live in FL.)

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Wed May 05, 2004 7:08 am

I'd like to do my front if I can scratch up some money...or a jobby job.

Steve

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Wed May 05, 2004 7:38 am

That B7 stuff sounds tough! While I don't know many specifics about weaponry, it amazes me what scientists have come up with and keep on coming up with.

I recall that United Nations Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar said in his inaugural speech that some half a million scientists all over the world at that time were devoting their knowledge to the search for weaponry more sophisticated and more deadly. I keep thinking how much more advanced mankind would be if those same scientists could spend their efforts in developing technology for peaceful purposes--like the Hubble telescope that has advanced knowledge of the universe by light years, or, speaking of light, developing affordable glass headlights for our cars with outstanding lighting characteristics.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Wed May 05, 2004 7:48 am

Don't even get me started on what humanity could accomplish... However, what's just damn cool and somewhat related to the armoring, is an anti-carjacking system they sell in South Africa - its a flamethrower that shoots up from under the sills of the car by the side windows to fry a would-be attacker. Its set off by a foot pedal. I just hope ricers don't discover it and import them for shows or something.

Steve

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Wed May 05, 2004 8:21 am

Steve, if you wanted to install the ClearShield over your front of your car by yourself, I know I can get the materials for you for far less than what is charged if you took your car into a shop.

And, some day I'd like to get your thoughts on what humanity could accomplish. I don't find many giving thought to that subject and I always like to hear what others have pondered over.

That anti-carjacking system they sell in South Africa--kind of like a kinder version of James Bond's car blowing up when someone tapped on his windows, eh?

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Wed May 05, 2004 5:28 pm

93Leg-c wrote:...or, speaking of light, developing affordable glass headlights for our cars with outstanding lighting characteristics.

Engineers in Europe have already done that. They developed the awesome lights that Josh is preparing to install in his car, which was where this thread began. They spent lots of effort developing good automotive lighting while there was no such development going on in the United States.

The problem is that those outstanding lights are illegal in the USA because of the morons in charge at the NHTSA and DOT. The only reason European headlights are expensive here is because they have to be bought on the gray market.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Wed May 05, 2004 7:00 pm

So the glass headlights for the pre-facelift have different (better) lighting characteristics than the US? I thought they were the same, but would remain clear or maybe could use better bulbs.

Steve

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Wed May 05, 2004 7:55 pm

Steve, the European headlights are completely different from the North American one for both the pre- and post-facelift models.

In fact, for the pre-facelift models, the difference is practically night and day.

Pre-facelift BC/BF DOT-spec headlights are among the worst headlights on the planet.

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Thu May 06, 2004 6:49 am

vrg3, those European lights Josh will be putting on, will they be as good as the CSRs?

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Thu May 06, 2004 2:43 pm

CSRs?

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Fri May 21, 2004 8:43 pm

Ummm, the Cibie's from Daniel Stern Lighting. Yes, I know they are a very different lighting system but I was just thinking aloud when I asked the question -- just wondering comparing them side by side which one would have better lighting.

I guess the question entered into my mind because I did work for a guy a year or so ago that was the overall factory manager of the Subaru plant in Indiana. I thought maybe he could give me a lead as to how clear glass lenses could be made in order to design a system using the Cibie CSRs. It's a long shot but sometimes those long shots work out.

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Fri May 21, 2004 8:45 pm

But by reviewing previous posts, it seems certain that the CSRs would have the best lighting at this time. I guess I was also curious as to how outstanding the European glass lamps that Josh is installing will be. I'm sure he'll let us know . . .

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Fri May 21, 2004 9:06 pm

Ohh... complex surface reflectors. Of course.

You're right; the Cibie complex surface reflector lights are some of the best headlights on the planet.

The lights Daniel Stern is selling are sealed-beam replacements, so you could use them if you made a sealed-beam mount to fit in place of the stock headlights.

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Fri May 21, 2004 10:21 pm

I'm sure the Cibie's could be mounted in place of our factory lights but i think they'd look a little . . . well, not very aerodynamic and classy looking. But if a clear glass lens could be fabricated in place of the existing factory lens, then just about everything else could be made to fit. What do you think, just a dream?

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Fri May 21, 2004 10:33 pm

I've been thinking the same thing, but in plastic. It can be done, but I don't know how much or if the detail is incompatible with relatively affordable blow molding. Injection molding would be expensive unless I can do it. I just need to get a job and take a look at it. Glass would be better, but I think it would be the most expensive option. Does anyone know more about glass?

Steve

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Fri May 21, 2004 10:51 pm

I was at a Suby dealer a few weeks ago and the sales person said his manager was super knowledgeable and any question you could think of he would know the answer. So I asked the manager about custom fabricating glass lenses for '90-'94 Legacies. He looked at me and didn't say anything for about 10 seconds. I could see his mind was searching his databanks furiously. Finally, he said. "No one's ever asked me that question before." He understood the concept but he didn't have one single lead as to whom I could contact.

So, to echo Steve, anybody out there knows about glass or someone to contact?

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Fri May 21, 2004 11:05 pm

If not, I may be able to injection mold here provided I can get the inside mold smooth enough to not effect the optics of the substitute lighting behind it. This would be small scale, though and I'm not sure if I'll even be able to reuse the molds. If I can do this, I will of course post it, but I suggest for no one to hold their breath waiting. If you do, you'll black out and your body will automatically start breathing again, but you could fall on something and get hurt.

Steve

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Sat May 22, 2004 2:24 am

Heh heh. And when you regain consciousness, you'll see the light--it just won't be Cibie CSRs shining out from behind some wonderfully crafted lenses.

At least not yet . . .

THAWA · Post by **THAWA** » Sat May 22, 2004 4:02 am

i was actually going to buy some fiberglass and try to have at it sometime soon. I want to use these corners and they dont fit with usdm headlights lights so i was going to try and fab up something that would allow the corners to fit and provide better lighting. Someone care to remind me and inform others what's so great about the cibies over the 90mm hella's?

legacycentral bbs

A forum for 89-94 BC-BF(BJ) Legacy Owners and Fans

Headlight Project