Well done Mark.......... I have ordered some Euro turn lenses so if they arrive OK I'll definitely be up for a right and left hand side set. These are the type of items you should buy when you can, not when you need them. Regards, Bob.
Mark, Thanks again for the dimensioned photos. I have measured the Mondial lens that I have and the comparison is as follows, please refer to your pictures. The first dimension in all cases will be the 328's and the Mondial's will be in parentheses. 330mm (338mm) 95mm (84/5mm) 72mm (78mm) 250mm (257/8mm) 70mm (74mm) 71mm (78) 280mm (290mm) It's apparent that indeed the Mondial's lens is overall a larger lens in all but one dimension. It seems it was sculpted specifically for the Mondial and no effort was made to make it work for both models a savings many manufacturers would have taken. But our beloved has made their uniqueness known once again. If Mondial lenses are to be made they will have to go thru the complete process you are hopefully finishing up with the 328 lens. Your end is looking good so far from here, Congrats! Ross I'll PM you.
My lenses just turned up from Squadra Nuvolari http://squadranuvolari.com/contact.htm so I'm DEFINITELY in for a right and left hand set. Please let me know when they become available. Cheers, Bob.
Red, Do you know what kind of plastic Squadra Nuvolari used to make the lenses? If not, would you mind asking them? I've heard that they were polycarbonate, but to the best of my knowledge (and according to their web site) Squadra Nuvolari only makes parts from "water clear polyurethane" resins similar to the ones I use for lenses. Inquiring minds want to know...
They replied immediately........ And this is what they said, it means nothing to me! Bob, The original production NOS pieces are Acrylic. Our polymer formulations are proprietary. The blends provide superior UV protection with deflection and dimensional acuracy. For almost 20 years we have been producing automotive lighting. Enjoy. Cheers, Brian Cunningham Lab Manager
Mark, I would be very interested in a glass rhs lens, Mine were 770 / 754 and were 1987 RHD, I've just paid an extortionate price from Maranello for plastic repro's Cheers Alan
Hi Alan, I'm expecting a batch of the first ones tomorrow both RHS and LHS - assuming they are up to snuff then I'll start getting serious details from everyone interested so you're on the list. Not sure what the "770/754" refers to...? If its the number code molded in the lens itself then thats different to mine (USA LHD '88) mine says 41754. However i can't see it makes much difference for the amount of use these lights get. Anyway, hopefully more info tomorrow. Cheers Mark
Hi Mark, They were 41754 / 41770 but as you say it would not make much difference for the use they get. Any more news ? Cheers Alan
Hi Alan, I'm still going through the process of "quality control" at the moment. I've had about 40 pieces sent to me but ended up sending back 30 of them for minor defects. I'm confident of being able to get them right but I need to iron out some of these teething problems before I can reliably offer them to the group. The numbers you gave me ie 41754 / 41770 are the same as mine so thats a match at least. Anyway you're on the list to be contacted once I have a product to send out! Cheers Mark Taiwan/UK
sure you're on! When I get closer to actually having usable pieces I'll put up the list I have which is based on previous postings etc so if there are any others that would be the time to pitch in. Thanks Mark Taiwan/UK
Hi Mark, Normaly i should be on the list too as i sent you a pm few weeks ago. If it can help you, i ordered the turn signal set and received it from Squadra. As i am not an expert i can't tell you about the material but if you need i can take pics if necessary. Cheers, Erick.
Sorry for the quiet period - I'm still working on these things - it doesn't get any easier (of course). I got the first real order back and the quality is now getting more consistent and pretty close to being acceptable - ie direct copies. Also getting the packaging and shipping sorted. The shipping is a more significant item than usual partly because of being out here and not in the mainland US but also because the last thing I want is for them to arrive broken. Anyway I hope to be able to fix a price and be ready to send out the first 20 pairs when I return from the UK first week of January. Happy New Year to everyone! Mark Taiwan/UK
Thanks for the update Mark. I've put my pennies aside so I'm ready to pull the trigger when you are accepting orders........ Regards and all the best for the New Year. Bob.
OK. Finally got a decent batch of glass lenses made for the 328. If you've been following my thread above you'll realise it has taken some time to get to this point but I have 12 pairs of these lenses reproduced and ready to go to whoever wants them. Here's the deal; I'm looking to sell these on for US$850 per pair plus the cost of shipping. (Packaging etc is included in the $850) Shipping to the US will be approx US$75 via Fed Ex. The cost has gone up quite a bit since I started and this is mainly due to the large amount of running around and adjustments needed to get these things right. The mould costs ended up much higher than anticipated and casting them without minor defects like bubbles and hair lines etc has been a bit laborious. Believe it or not I am barely covering my costs on these now but I hope to re coup a little down the line if there is sufficient interest. The pieces are pretty much exact copies of the original glass lens - left and right side. They have all the original markings and code numbers and are pretty much indistinguishable from the originals. The glass spec is the same and I know they fit because I've just finished replacing my own on the 328. These are based on my own car's original parts which is a 1988 USA model 328. As far as I know there are no significant differences to Euro versions and in any case for the amount of use these things get small differences will have no impact. For the first 12 pairs I'll throw in a 3m protective film cut to shape for each side as a little added protection to your new investment. Removal/Installation is up to you although having done it a couple of times now I have a few tips I'm happy to pass on if you need them. Priority will go to anyone who expressed an interest earlier or who pm'd me to confirm their interest. If there are not enough takers then I'll put the rest up on ebay in a couple of weeks time. I want to sell them in pairs but if you really want a single side we can talk about it - pm me on that. So, anyone interested please pm me and we'll sort out payment, shipping address etc. Enc a few pics to show what it is you're getting but if anyone wants more detail then please pm me. Cheers Mark Taiwan/UK Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'm not surprised at the price increase, as we discussed earlier, I suspected all along your initial price was too aggressive, but respected you for trying. After all, the rule of thumb for Ferrari restoration projects & parts is: Everything takes longer & costs more. They look great, can't wait till I see them!!!!
Thanks Verell - high praise indeed!! But you were right, the effort involved escalates very quickly and any thought of return goes the opposite direction even faster! But what the hell, every little helps to keep these things on the road... Cheers Mark
425 bucks each, that's not too bad compared to the original which costs almost $2K if you can find one. Maybe it's a good idea to buy a spare set.