how-to modify headlamp buckets

I wanted to share a very simple way to take roll-bar style headlamp buckets (in this case Tamiya F-350) and add a bezel feature that will allow you to add them to certain on-road vintage scale applications where you want an exposed bezel. Or even add functioning lamps to lexan bodies that only have decals or solid plastic headlights. The drawing below shows the basic steps. The key is to find some very fine tape, I used some old graphic tape made by chartpack. I think Tamiya yellow thin masking tape or thin auto pin-striping tape could work also. Whatever thin tape you use, you are essentially building up the back of the headlight bezel portion and making a concentric rail. This allows you to back-fill with a soft cross section in body filler to achieve the look. Of course, once the parts are sanded smooth in the bezel areas you could paint them, or bare-metal foil them if you want. See the link at the bottom to see where I am applying this trick. Be sure to apply the tape as straight and clean as possible so the lamp will seat nicely in the hole you ream out on a lexan body set. I did the same thing on my red Shelby Cobra build from several years ago. Cheers.

scollins