Dennis Tapp

Thinking about using the FIA head lights on my 80 project. I think they really look good on the C2 but have not seen enough good pictures to know what I think on the late model C3's. Does anyone have pictures of these lights on your 80-82 Corvette? If so please send to dtapp1716@gmail.com or post here. Would like to see better examples than what the manufactures are showing on their web site. Thanks, Dennis

TimAT

Here you go C3's with FIA headlights x2

The13Bats

I dont care for them because they stick up like a frogs eyes, look tacked on and ruin the flow,

I love them for what they represent like L88 hood, flares etc, side pipes, race car cool,

Here is a net find on an 80 style and how if i ran them i would have to paint them so they looked less tacky to me,

Dennis Tapp

The comments that The13Bats made (he might be correct) is why I was asking for pictures of the 80-82 cars with FIA lights. I am building my Corvette street rod (not worried about anything being original) with crate 383, L88 hood and side pipes. Thinking of the lights but wanted better pictures of complete car. The frog eyes I like but the mounting would have to be improved to get rid of the tack on look. I have my ideas if I move forward. I have seen the cut up pictures.

theandies

You have to keep in mind they were installed on race cars and really not meant for the street. Race teams don't car about looks only functionality. Notice how the front is held on by a strip of metal and the rear with just a few screws. This was so the pit crew could take the cover off and on quickly during the race in case one of the lights go out. They were probably Dzus fasteners as well. This is why they look "tacked on" which essentially they were. You could take that look and modify it to look better.
Personally I like them but I've never seen them in person so I don't know 100% that I would do it to my car until then.
The cars in the second post is one of my absolute favorite C3 race car look.

Dennis Tapp

I have my ideas of how I would mount to clean up the look. But wanted to see what others have done. Never bothered me to copy a good idea. Would hate to do it and then see a great idea to mount.

The13Bats

Yep, it was a racers answer to needing headlights and scared the weight and poor aerodynamics of the stock ones might cost them a race so someone tossed these so called fias together and they are history, very cool history,

In my case im doing flares, l88 hood, an oldschool rode race look but i just cant do the fias and went this way,




Im well aware a lot of people find them uglier than i find the fia, but i have to wonder, if the 4 x 6 sealed beams existed what the early racers would have come up with since they only had the 5" round lights to work with,

With the plexi covers aerodynamics is not in question,

To each their own...;-)

84rzv500r

in my case i had no headlights... Not exactly a 80-82... but i get my fitted covers for those years

Dennis Tapp

I like the looks of your body. What body kit is that?

The13Bats

Trust me i am jealous of and would love to own your wide body ( ecklers kit with there rear hatch ) its the ca 2 i liked best with the must have hatch,

I admit i do find the fia lights detracting on it as they are, they look unfinished to me on a stunning car, stick out,

I wouldnt change them but i would have to detail them, paint the aluminum bar and part of the covers,

To me it would really make it work for me,

I will also toss out there i feel the fia only look good on a car that has a race vibe to it,
On an otherwise stock car to me they are a sore thumb,

The13Bats

I like this kit so much its a good thing it basically never pops up,
I wouldnt have the hatch my 69 is convettible but i would change plans and do the panels,