Fabricating Clear Tail Lamps for TownCar

[95_Linc_TC_FLZ]

OK, this is not an advertisement ( Just wanted to make that clear) I am in the process of getting a company to fabricate clear tail lights for 1995 towncars and like models that will take the same tail lamp. I would like imput from everyone as to what they would like to see out there or examples. And what the response to this would be (meaning who would be interested in seeing this on the market)and I would appreciate any and all imput on this and if someone is interested in sketching their ideas they can send them to me for with their input. I hope everyone has a good day and look forward to hearing from everyone. smile.gif

[Desert Stallion]

Are you talking about an Altezza/Euro style light, or like the clear lens tail lights available for Mustangs?

Either way, I have one word to describe this style of lens in general on any Lincoln:

RICE!!!

I know that's not what you're looking for, but...

http://ffdet.com/altezzas/fire.jpg
http://ffdet.com/altezzas/

[95_Linc_TC_FLZ]

To clarify again, These are going to be fabricated and designed by myself and whoever wants to assist. I want to introduce something unique and different. Certainly not to look like the Euro style that is on the market already. For those of us that actually own a Lincoln Towncar, we know that there are not very many aftermarket products available and i think most would welcome something to set their ride apart from every other. Thanks for your input and interesting pic.

[Desert Stallion]

Okay, let's clarify some more. Which TC's are you designing lights for? The pre-98 models with square lenses? Post-98 with their rounded lenses? 80's vintage cars with their rectangular lenses?

How are you wanting to redesign the lens? Personally I don't see much wrong with the newer TC's lenses. They fit the car, and red is a good color. (especially on a gloss black car, damn that looks nice)

As for the previous generation with their square lenses, there's no market there. If I were to modify them or the even older generation TC lenses, I'd say make them more like the newer TC's, with a clearer plastic lens than was available with the old Lexan, and a more pronounced pixle mirror behind the lamp.

Like I said, that's just me. Economically though, these pieces are gonna be pricey to sell no matter what they look like because there's just no market out there for them, and to make up production cost the retail price is gonna go up.

[JoshMcMadMac]

quote:Originally posted by Desert Stallion:
Okay, let's clarify some more. Which TC's are you designing lights for? The pre-98 models with square lenses? Post-98 with their rounded lenses? 80's vintage cars with their rectangular lenses?

quote:Originally posted by 95_Linc_TC_FLZ:
I am in the process of getting a company to fabricate clear tail lights for 1995 towncars and like models that will take the same tail lamp.

More power to you Linc, but I don't know how well you're idea is gonna fly. Like D said, there probably isnt much market. But I hope it turns out for you! smile.gif

[pro-five-oh]

quote:Originally posted by Desert Stallion:
Okay, let's clarify some more. Which TC's are you designing lights for? The pre-98 models with square lenses? Post-98 with their rounded lenses? 80's vintage cars with their rectangular lenses?

Pay attention. They were for 1995 models, which would include 1990-97 models. tongue.gif

One question I have for you: What about the center section of reflector/taillights? Clear tails with a red stripe inbetween them is kinda silly in my book.

Best of luck with the design, 95_Linc, but I wouldn't sink too much money into this. The people who do make custom Lincoln parts have usually lost money and never seen a return on their investment. Not trying to dissuade you, just telling you what I have seen in the past.

Most of the TC people here are probably not interested in this new style of lights.A lot of our TC members are of the retired or soon-to-be retired variety. And those of us who
aren't seem to be juuuuuust as traditional.

(*cough* Desert Stallion, *cough* Josh)

[Jon90LSC]

I agree. Good luck in your endeavor, Linc. It takes a different breed to be into Lincolns. I thought I was the only one (except the AARP crowd) that was, until I found this site. I got in on a gauge pod for the Mark VII's, and that went nowhere. I think you have an even more select audience, with making parts for a Town Car. If you can make a set for yourself and not break the bank consider yourself lucky. I am with the other guys, though. Make mine red.

[hrlmk7]

fab up some mk7 tails and i'm in! ;)

[cason1]

Since mine is white I wouldn't mind having a set made. I would like mine to be like a friends that made his for a chevy beretta. They are the stock tail lights with the red reflector that covers the whole light removed and 59 Caddy style bullet tails sealed over the bulbs. Wonderful custom and still perfectly street legal. The back is chrome to reflect out the light a little better. I have seen a guy on car domain that made his stock lights into clears on his TC but you really couldn't tell how good it looked in the pics. I may try to find some TC tails in a junkyard and try the stock switch myself. Best of luck to you and if they aren't too expensive I might want to buy a set. :D

[Lone_Wolf]

if u get anywhere with it .. i'd like to know .. i saw the one on car domain that did it .. his pictures where that good but he cleared the tails and the reflectors between them .. looked pretty good to me but again the pictures weren't great .. i'd like to have a set though .. and another idea .. if anybody has an idea to clear that orange corner on the headlights as well

[cason1]

I have done the same thing as the guy on cardomain and mine look great in my opinion. I am working on getting some LED lights to replace the stock light bulbs but the regular plug in LED's available don't put out enough light. I am thinking about something like what the newer diesel trailers have. I have found a company that has clear round ones with a chrome trim around them for the mounting area but they are too wide for the TC. I have installed a set of LED's in the center section that come on with the brake and turn signals but because of the rough texture of the lens they aren't much during daylight. They look wonderful at night though. As for the orange on the front turn lamps, I am still trying to figure something out in that department myself. I took the plastic lens part off and put chrome rocker panel stuff in there to give it a brighter look where it is already clear but haven't figured out anything for the orange yet.

[maniben]

For all those who still do not know. All 1990-1997 lincolns have clear tailights on them already. For those years the tailights consists of two lenses. The outer lense is the red that we all see. the inner lense is the clear we all want. This means that you have to take a flat head screwdriver and carefully break off the red lense. Don't do this until you have acquired some red bulbs to replace the clear factory ones. I personally prefered the red LED's. So to respond to the starting thread. There is no market for fabricated clear lenses. They are already there!

[95_Linc_TC_FLZ]

You are Correct ,maniben, there is absolutely no market for these and All 1990-1997 lincolns towncars "DO" have clear tailights on them already. But however there is much more work involved for a quality looking lense, than using a screw driver to break the lense off. A Dremel tool (use eye protection)with a cutting blade works well,then you can use a model putty to fill in the areas that you will need to either touch-up or paint.Once you do remove the red lense I recommend you also use a silicone sealer of some sort because there is a crevis that would allow water into the inner clear lense around it's whole border. At this point i have removed both red lenses, sealed the clear lenses and have prepped them for a paint that will match the paint of the car (Pearl). Sylvania does make a red lense to replace the factory bulbs, they just take a while to get, due to low demand (mine are still on order 3 weeks later). I would be interested in picking your brain about where you have found the l.e.d lights that would be compatible. Please tell me more. I will be posting finished product pictures soon.

[88-lincoln]

I used to have a '89 TC, and there was absoleutly no market fot those cars. I like the idea of MK7 tailltights tho