Top Light 250 GTE

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Melchior
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Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Melchior »

Hi,

The glass of my top light is broken and I look for replacement - does anybody know where to get one?

regards, Martin
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top light 1.jpg
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top light 2.jpg
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tyang
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by tyang »

This looks like a perfect project for 3D printing! Let me know if you find a replacement, otherwise I may have a solution!

Tom
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Terry Gardiner
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Terry Gardiner »

I have the same problem and some time ago I was in contact with Aftermarket Reproductions in El Segundo CA. (310) 322-8028.
I didn't go through with a purchase as I'm 6000 miles away from seeing what I would be paying for.
Perhaps you're closer and can assure yourself the parts offered are what you need.
Other than that I completely agree with Tom, that such parts lend themselves to 3D printing.
Terry Gardiner
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Terry Gardiner
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Terry Gardiner »

Sorry, forgot to add the name of the contact - Yolanda Keh.
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Melchior
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Melchior »

Hello Terry,

I live in Austria/Europe, do not know how far that is away but I would like to give it a chance before taking the exit to 3D printing. Please let me know what CA means - is it Canada? What is the telefon number including the international pre dial of the source in El Segundo?


Other than that I am pretty sure that the same light was used in other (italian?) cars as it is hard to imagine that Ferrari used an individual solution. I will dig deeper into Fiat, Lancia and Alpha Romeo too.

@ Tom: thank you for the offer, I might come back to you in case I do not get a good after market solution.

Regards,

Martin
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Tom Wilson
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Tom Wilson »

I live about two miles from El Segundo, CA (California!). I would be happy to check it out, but not today, it's a holiday. Do they have them or do they say they can make them?
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Terry Gardiner
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Terry Gardiner »

Hello Tom - when I was in contact with Yolanda I was under the impression there was stock of recently reproduced parts but that was a while ago. You kindly offered to pick one up for me if the vendor would not ship to Europe. Aftermarket Reproductions will, I understand, ship to Europe.

Hello Melchior - CA = California. From an Alfa Parts provider list I found these contact details...

Aftermarket Reproductions
142 Nevada Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322-8028
Custom parts fabrication and restoration.
Embossed plastic inserts for Giulietta
instrument gauges or complete gauge
restoration. Early Giulietta tail light lenses,
rebuilt Berlina steering boxes, horn buttons,
101-series Veloce oil pans
... w
ill custom make
parts.

Good luck with your search and please let us know what you find, where and how much.
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Terry Gardiner »

Hello Melchior - I also found an email address for Yolanda Keh - mahchi@yahoo.com
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Melchior
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Melchior »

Thank you Terry, just send an email to Yolanda. Will inform asap when receiving an answer.
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Tom Wilson »

I have a new best friend and her name is Yolanda... Dropped by the shop today and had a great time talking to her. She reproduces plastic parts as needed for early Italian cars if you can give her a sample. Her work is excellent; great color, shape and I was very happy with how clear the tiny words were on the parts she made.

I told her I was here about the light cover that Terry wanted and she went right to a shelf and pulled out the mold she had made for him.
IMG_2386.jpg
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Unfortunately, the part she was given to reproduce had a crack and that reflected in the mold. Is a small line, but was unacceptable for her. She said she could sand out the line, but given the texture and clarity of the part, it would be a lot of time and effort for a small job and a less than perfect result. When I said I could provide a clean example, she immediately said she could have copies made in less than a week from my delivery! I have to get to San Diego to get mine, but it will be done soon. Anyone who wants one can let me know and I will have her make them. Price to follow.

We talked about the other parts she had made and the list of clients was very impressive. I am not supposed to pass along the names, but suffice it to say that we have seen her work at Pebble Beach, Cavallino and have each bought parts from well known dealers that were made by her. This is a great find and it is very cool to find such a nice person in the process.
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I also told her about an unubtanium part I was going to bring her to reproduce and she said "Oh, do you mean this one?". Yes, I drooled, as I looked at the dozen or so in the box. So, we have to walk a fine line here, but if we make a custom order, with our own examples, we can buy as many as we want. However, we cannot use another client's mold to make our own parts. I appreciated her talent and respect for her clients. I will definitely be going back to this shop.
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Terry Gardiner
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Terry Gardiner »

Good work Tom. Maybe you just appointed yourself 'Middleman'.
My interior light lens is 'cooked' and all I was able to pass to Yolanda was a couple of photographs.
Depending on price and shipping costs I might be prepared to take a chance, especially if you are helping out. Previous price I got was $25 plus $30 shipping, and maybe some customs costs.
However, I can only repeat what I wrote earlier and that is without seeing what you're buying it's always a gamble.
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Melchior
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Melchior »

Hello Tom,

thank you for checking it out - I am definately in with one piece which is in any case worth a try. I will email Yolanda directly and hope that you bring your good piece as soon as possible to her to produce a good mold. Thank you very much for your help and your report about the quality of this supplier :)

Martin
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Terry Gardiner
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Terry Gardiner »

A couple of pictures showing what happens when the wattage of the festoon bulbs is too high! So, you see, I really could use a replacement.
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WP_20161108_001.jpg
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Terry Gardiner
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Melchior
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Melchior »

Wow, that looks awkward! Thank you anyhow for the information with the bulps, I will be careful when changing them.

Mine is only broken into two parts, the crack is relatively unvisible but it needs replacement definately. As I said, I am with one piece, hopefully Yolanda can make a good mold with Toms help.
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Re: Top Light 250 GTE

Post by Tom Wilson »

I have been told that LEDs are the way to go on this fixture. Regular bulbs are just too hot. Leave your door open at a show and this plastic cover is toast.
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