348 Fog Lens Protector Prototype is done!

Well, it just came in this afternoon. The first prototype of the form fitting, impact resistant fog lens cover. Its a little late, I promised myself I would have something back in March . It fits perfectly around the lens. It has a 3/16 gap between the lens and the inside of the cover and an 1/8 gap at the sides. The back edge rides the lip at the back of the fog lens for a snug fit. It is made of high impact optical acrylic and is able to take a huge hit. The material is also polishable and easy to clean. I have decided on Velcro at the top and sides on the inside to attach the cover. It can't be seen there and it is next to impossible to pull the lens cover off with it on due to the limited space around the sides. I had the same aircraft company that made the replacement lenses for my 348 do these. No more worries about smashing fogs that cost a huge amount to replace. The tooling for these is not cheap however and I have not yet decided on having it made and doing a production run. There would have to be a lot of interest. Here are some pictures I took earlier tonight on my friends 348SS. I have one picture that shows the cover on the drivers lens and no cover on the passengers for comparison. Let me know what you think and if you would be in for a set if I do a run. Also any questions you have would be fine. Figure the price would be around $375.00 - $425.00 a set depending.

--Mike
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The rash helps illustrate the impacts our cars take and the dyer need for such a product . Your paint is no worse than mine, lol. Thanks again for letting me test fit them on your SS and for giving me an excuse to leave the house for a couple hours. Have a great weekend.

 

Thanks Goth,
I like them this way too, no drilling into the bumper. I think with this shape they would look great smoked as well.

--Mike

 

Thanks, I think it's a needed part. I love doing this kind of thing. I have another interesting project set for the near future I think you guys will like it. If I can get 10-15 348 owners to say they would buy a set then I will do the production run. Only thing holding me back now is getting the tooling cost covered.

--Mike

 

All good points, however.... I broke my drivers lens which had the 40mil film on it. I took a large rock thrown from the rear tire of the car I was following on the Foxwoods run last year. These covers will take a large rock hit without cracking, I can even see them being used on competition cars they are so strong. The hard lenses won't need to be replaced and can be cleaned on both sides as compared to film which will delaminate over time. They also don't peel like mine did leaving loose dirty edges. The air gap is a secondary protective device for extra large rocks and is there by design. If you get hit by a large rock, big enough to flex the plastic, you still don't touch the glass lens. Also there should not be a condensation problem do to airflow behind the lens either. As for rain, I will be honest, hard to say. Basing my conclusions on how often a 348 sees rain and the fact I do not think much rain if any would get behind the cover, I would say it is not an issue. The primary use of this cover is too protect the glass lens from expensive breakage. Just my opinion, but having to keep changing film over time or buying something with better protection that does not need replacement sounds better .

--Mike

 

The gap can be adjusted, these are just the prototypes. I'm sure an 1/8 gap would be fine and move the cover in nicely. The pictures don't do it justice, I really looks good, far better than the Challenge covers which must be drilled into the front end. I can have them done in any color I choose and it might be a nice option. I will have to see if there is a minimum on color orders. I think amber would look great after looking at Daniels (Ricambi's) 348 with the yellow fogs. I was thinking smoked would look good on a black car too.

--Mike

 

Will do. I like the idea of amber as well.

--Mike

 

*If* I decided to make these, need 15 people to say they want a set so I can cover my tooling then....

They are very easy to install and the kit comes with everything you need including written instructions. It will take you about 15 minutes a side to install each side. The covers are easily removable and are attached with hidden strips of velcro so they can be reattached.

If someone puts together a group buy for these and gets me 15 people that will take sets I can produce these. $375.00 per set (includes shipping in the U.S. I will have to charge shipping for out of country orders) I will just barely cover the tooling at that price.

Thanks,

Mike