Reproduction DRL lenses - 18 month report.

[WillC9303]

For the reproduction DRL lenses that are regularly advertised on eBay and 480 Facebook groups for around £70 + p&p.

I’m aware there there has been at least one other manufacturer making these, though I believe they are no longer in production - making these the only easy to find option.

If you want to replace your DRL lenses, you currently have two options. Track down and pay handsomely for some good original Hellas, or buy these.

After barely 18 months, with half of that being actual use, the pictures say it all really.





As the lenses are flat and the originals slightly convex, they never ended up fitting quite flush with the wrap anround indicator lens either. After only 3 months, they started to yellow as well.

I think the issue is down to the fact the lens plastic cannot deal with the heat of the 21w bulbs behind. I did wonder if UV damage could have been a factor at play, but considering the amount of time my car has actually been in direct sunlight, I’d say it’s unlikely.

To remedy this, LED bulbs would be the only acceptable bulb to run behind these. Unfortunately as many know, running LEDs can cause a whole set of other problems.

Overall, the quality of these lenses are not acceptable for the money they’re currently being sold for. For those with broken or missing DRL lenses on their car, I’d recommend paying a bit more to get an original DRL unit instead.

[dragonflyjewels]

The best option is to go to the boutique on the French club's website, volvo480.org.
Their reproduction lenses and complete light units are expensive for a very good reason. They were originally made by a man who supplies all the major car manufacturers lights for their prototypes. Once the design is approved for production he sends samples to whichever manufacturer is going to be mass producing them so they can make the moulds. Usually a company such as Hella. He also specifies the type of material to be used.
Since then , he has trained a member of the French club to take over manufacturing for members, using the same technique and materials. They have thrown it open to other 480 clubs including ours.
Certainly they are expensive but you will get an exact fit in modern materials which withstand heat and UV far better than the originals.
It wouldn't be the first time I've come home from their annual September meet with a parcel for someone in the UK.
See my original post titled Rear lights problem solved

[Alan 480]

For the reproduction DRL lenses that are regularly advertised on eBay and 480 Facebook groups for around £70 + p&p.

I’m aware there there has been at least one other manufacturer making these, though I believe they are no longer in production - making these the only easy to find option.

If you want to replace your DRL lenses, you currently have two options. Track down and pay handsomely for some good original Hellas, or buy these.

After barely 18 months, with half of that being actual use, the pictures say it all really.
I think the issue is down to the fact the lens plastic cannot deal with the heat of the 21w bulbs behind. I did wonder if UV damage could have been a factor at play, but considering the amount of time my car has actually been in direct sunlight, I’d say it’s unlikely.

Overall, the quality of these lenses are not acceptable for the money they’re currently being sold for. For those with broken or missing DRL lenses on their car, I’d recommend paying a bit more to get an original DRL unit instead.

Ouch, that's sair !!!!

are these 3D printed? if so that might explain it, but if 3D print then why add 'Hella', more likely these are cast from a good original using some 'poxy material, NB that can be read as 'epoxy-material' or 'poxy material, you choose . . . .