bmans vette

Searched but could not find an answer to this.
I like the fixed headlights look and have been searching for the Lemans/Road Race style lights.
But I saw the fixed headlights of the C5 on several C5s.
Anyone ever mod a C3 to make these fit?

If so could you post them up with pics and numbers?

Txs
Bman (Dennis)

VetteHalen

I've been keeping my eyes open for cool-looking fixed headlights for a while.

Well, there are these FIA-style lights:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=320775303497

They ARE pricey, but hard to compare to anything when no one else makes anything similar. I believe these are the same kind Guldstrand Motosports was installing a few years ago.

That price is too high to justify me spending on headlight mods, so I just keep looking. My goal is to 1) create a custom look for my C3 and 2) to upgrade to modern/brighter/clearer lamps.

themetalman03886

Look for the celica head light mod, it is a different approach but I don't think it looks to shabby. I personally decided to mold in my headlights and put HID's in the grill. The lights are super bright and I think it looks very good, I am pretty sure there is a thread about it on here as well by a guy with the user name Smokedtires

rdroe

I agree. But I don't like the bulges that these have. I want the square recessed headlights with a clear lucite panel where it looks flush with the body. Not sure, maybe even dark smoke color that lets the light out. It needs to be something special for sure. I have seen folks take the fenders and mold the C5 lights into them. Not bad looking, but, as you say, not exactly right.

666WMD

Those FIA-style lights look hideous. Looks like some one with a lack of imagination designed the cover. Who would want to screw a strip of metal to the focal area of their Vette? They could have easily moulded the acrylic/plexi into the housing they've designed and improved the look 1000%. I could do a better job than that with a few lengths of wood, some spray foam, a heat gun and a household vacuum. Bar the head light mounting bracket, the housing wouldn't be too hard to fabricate either.

And I would wager there would be a 20 foot area directly in front of the car that is poorly illuminated due to the beam reflection being blocked by the lights sitting so low opening. I had that same problem in a lot of tractor units with large bullbars on them. But hey, I was in a truck with bullbars so it didn't bother me much if I hit small animals.

Clams Canino

I would hope so!

I trust we are really talking about C6 headlights for this whole thread - right?

-W

Corey_68

No I think he means the aftermarket fixed lights for a C5.

http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...-409-8147.html

VetteHalen

I hear what you're saying (and I mostly agree) but I think in this case it's a purpose-built design for FIA racing where the headlights need to be easily accessible for swapping out bad bulbs during a race and for replacing the Plexiglas covers as they wear. Plus, I don't think they're worried too much about making it pretty if they're doing racing, especially if they're racing at night!

But yes, it would be great if one of the companies out there designed a good-looking, modern fixed headlight option. (Ecklers sells a fixed, LeMans-style option for C5's and C4's, but no C3's!!) I mean, c'mon! How many years have they been selling the rectangular Camaro-style assemblies without a modern update?!?!

Clams Canino

I don't think you'll see it.
With the C3's fading into "collectable" status, more and more people will be looking to go original.
Not only that but the popup headlamps are still considered "cool" even today.

I personally was dissapointed that the C6 didn't have revolving headlamps in those fenders.

-W

bmans vette

Exactly Corey

Txs

Bman

bmans vette

Thanks to everyone who posted so far.

Anybody have any pics of customized fixed lights in a C3?

I have seen the FIA and the recessed rectangular ones (like Eckler's Corvette).

For the kind of money that some of these people want, I thought a fixed set from a junk yard molded in would look unique. Especially for those of us doing other body mods anyway.
I have an 78-82 front and rear dam/scoop already to replace my existing bumpers on my 75.
Now would be the time to do the lights also.

So keep the ideas (pics?) coming.

Txs
Bman (Dennis)

bmans vette

Txs for the suggestion.
I'll look for it.

PeteZO6

While I appreciate the C3s pop-up headlights, as a C6ZO6 owner I am damn glad it has the lights it does. Modern cars don't have pop-up lights for many reasons; lighter weight, less complicated, more aerodynamic, better looking, etc., etc.


Pete

Mewn

I have been working on a set of HID's with the Hella modules. I built some custom powdercoated mounting brackets and used 10k hid bulbs + ballast, and plan to make some fiberglass covers similar to the Spectre Werks Frog Eye setup I have on my C5.
I should have them done by this time next year! Haha...

bmans vette

That is what I am talking about!
Got any pics of the brackets from when you were first making the setup?
Thanks
Bman

BTW - nice looking stable of vettes you have there.

rdroe

Sweet!

Mewn

Thanks, they are so much brighter then stock you would not believe the difference. One of my best mods.
You can see them better in this pic:

81C3Owner

i was considering doing a c5 fixed headlight mod on my 81 like you were talking about, but now I think I'm going to just go ahead with a c6 headlight on my c3. Anyone have any pictures of something like that? I think most of the c3 fixed headlight mods get most of it right and then f up the plastic cover.

bmans vette

Keep me posted on your C6 idea.
I am a good year away from this stage so time is not important as much as creativity.
Good luck with your project
Bman

baja216

Absolutely Awesome car!