33 replies to this topic

[Ormes]

We know its hard to get headlights other than second hand or 800+ each. I know others have tried to track down the original OE manufacturer and enquired about sourcing to no avail. Has anybody tried one of those manufacturers who make aftermarket re-styled headlights for the likes of corsa's etc., and begged them to make a Bi-Xenon version, looking as close to OE as possible for the VX? What do you think the total market would be, annually? The market *could* extend beyond crash repair and replacement of broken units if they offered more, like the built in Bi-Xenon, or maybe an angel eye option for those that like that kind of thing? Market could still be way too small for China to tool another mold? Just a thought.

[alanoo]

I guess no one will make Bi Xenons as they are illegal without cleaning jets and ride height automatic adjustement...

[Mangham54]

At the rate that they change hands on fleabay the base Market would be 20-30 units per annum. However the option for a replacement part for me (especially at a reasonable price) would interest me... Especially if the lights were easier to adjust and keep better sealed. It's certainly worth asking those manufacturers.

[Ormes]

I guess no one will make Bi Xenons as they are illegal without cleaning jets and ride height automatic adjustement...

They should built them in too

[Ormes]

However the option for a replacement part for me (especially at a reasonable price) would interest me... Especially if the lights were easier to adjust and keep better sealed.

My thoughts exactly. These aftermarket corsa things with R8 fiary lights are about £200 the pair. ...and I'm not even asking for fairy lights

[slindborg]

as an aftermarket fit, which ALL will be now, HID/Xenons require NO additional stuff other than being able to pass an MOT light test (and ideally be E marked, which the chinese would do as a matter of course without testing )

[ianrm]

The numbers would be so small, even as an uprated aftermarket option, I doubt anyone would be interested in production. But you never know.

[Paulus H]

It is always worth a try. I would be looking at Taiwan rather than China, generally a better attitude toward small production runs. Believe me I could tell some stories about buying from Taiwan, they generally have a really good can-do attitude. Paul

[jonnyboy]

I think it would be pretty tricky to make. The tooling costs would make it unviable so you'd need to look into making them partially DIY. You could get a mold made of the rear and have it injection plastic made and possibly get the front lens vacformed or again a mold made and stick it on. The tricky bits will then be sorting out the lights/adjustments and sourcing some connectors that match with the cars (probably quite easy)

[Jameshs]

personally i think its a non starter for the tooling cost, plus angel eyes look horride on BMW's so why the need to chav up a lightweight sports car?!

[slindborg]

Hactually, thinking about it, I'm working on the body control system for a very small run carbon monocock electric car which has a lovely modular headlight setup... I could ask them if they might be interested in making up the assembly to take Hella lights (although I can only imagine it will be fcuking expensive but hey, can only ask.

[Ormes]

Hactually, thinking about it, I'm working on the body control system for a very small run carbon monocock electric car which has a lovely modular headlight setup... I could ask them if they might be interested in making up the assembly to take Hella lights (although I can only imagine it will be fcuking expensive but hey, can only ask.

[FLD]

Thomsons plastics that made the originals went bust a while back. Maybe the original tooling is floating around somewhere??

[cramman]

Thomsons plastics that made the originals went bust a while back. Maybe the original tooling is floating around somewhere??

There is a fair amount of info in an old post of mine, I was looking to do something similar.

http://www.vx220.org...4-light-lenses/

Basically, Wipac have all the gear to make the lights but cannot do anything with Vauxhall saying they can. Once VX say so all moulds etc will have to be destroyed.

I spoke to Mark at Autovaux as he was looking into this, both through having them made up or approaching Wipac. I know he got nowhere with Wipac though.

Personally, I think the only sensible way of doing it is to contat Vauxhall and get them to split the moulds, or even sell them. Good luck with that though.

If Wipac could be persuaded to sell the bits individually we’d be laughing.

[Mangham54]

Thomsons plastics that made the originals went bust a while back. Maybe the original tooling is floating around somewhere??

There is a fair amount of info in an old post of mine, I was looking to do something similar.

http://www.vx220.org...4-light-lenses/

Basically, Wipac have all the gear to make the lights but cannot do anything with Vauxhall saying they can. Once VX say so all moulds etc will have to be destroyed.

I spoke to Mark at Autovaux as he was looking into this, both through having them made up or approaching Wipac. I know he got nowhere with Wipac though.

Personally, I think the only sensible way of doing it is to contat Vauxhall and get them to split the moulds, or even sell them. Good luck with that though.

If Wipac could be persuaded to sell the bits individually we’d be laughing.

If anyone does ring Vauxhall ask for Crystal!!!!!

[Ormes]

Cheers for your comments

Think it must have been you that I refered to in my original post!

I will have a think about it and post my thoughts if and when...

[FLD]

Thomsons plastics that made the originals went bust a while back. Maybe the original tooling is floating around somewhere??

There is a fair amount of info in an old post of mine, I was looking to do something similar.

http://www.vx220.org...4-light-lenses/

Basically, Wipac have all the gear to make the lights but cannot do anything with Vauxhall saying they can. Once VX say so all moulds etc will have to be destroyed.

I spoke to Mark at Autovaux as he was looking into this, both through having them made up or approaching Wipac. I know he got nowhere with Wipac though.

Personally, I think the only sensible way of doing it is to contat Vauxhall and get them to split the moulds, or even sell them. Good luck with that though.

If Wipac could be persuaded to sell the bits individually we’d be laughing.

If anyone does ring Vauxhall ask for Crystal!!!!!

Would that be so they get a good / useful / positive response without having to resort to threats and shouting?

[Mangham54]

Thomsons plastics that made the originals went bust a while back. Maybe the original tooling is floating around somewhere??

There is a fair amount of info in an old post of mine, I was looking to do something similar.

http://www.vx220.org...4-light-lenses/

Basically, Wipac have all the gear to make the lights but cannot do anything with Vauxhall saying they can. Once VX say so all moulds etc will have to be destroyed.

I spoke to Mark at Autovaux as he was looking into this, both through having them made up or approaching Wipac. I know he got nowhere with Wipac though.

Personally, I think the only sensible way of doing it is to contat Vauxhall and get them to split the moulds, or even sell them. Good luck with that though.

If Wipac could be persuaded to sell the bits individually we'd be laughing.

If anyone does ring Vauxhall ask for Crystal!!!!!

Would that be so they get a good / useful / positive response without having to resort to threats and shouting?

Nah.... she is probably one of the only muppets at Vauxhall Customer Care that have even heard of a VX220... Pointless having to educate yet another member of thier staff.

[slindborg]

I shall be bringing a headlight assembly to a company we supply tomorrow.... Should see what they say at the very least.

[LY_Scott]