C3 Fiber Optics and Headlamps - NCRS Discussion Boards

C3 Fiber Optics and Headlamps

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  • Tony Roussos

    C3 Fiber Optics and Headlamps

    Hello.

    My fiber optic system is dim on the headlamps, but work just fine on the tail and marker lamps.

    Lamps on automotive shelves seem to have a silver coating behind the glass on the back side that, for the most part, prevent any light from escaping anywhere near the connector where the fiber optics tap light.

    I noticed the Corvette catalogs offer a special "Guide T-3" 4 lamp set priced at $120.00 for 68-71 Vettes. Will a set of these (High priced) lamps correct my dim optic problem? Is this the only way to locate and buy these lamps?

    Thank you.
    Tony
  • Jack H.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • April 1, 1990
    • 9906

    #2
    Re: C3 Fiber Optics and Headlamps

    Start by trying a used original lamp (any brand) from the scrap yard. There are several reasons why a fiberoptic display can be dim:

    (1) The rubber tube that surrounded the 'tit' on back of the lamp was discarded and there's no 'pipe' to couple the fiberoptic pickup to the lamp.

    (2) The car was repainted and the painter dumbly failed to mask the lamp electrical sockets causing the fiberoptic pickup to be clouded with overspray.

    (3) The display end of the fiberoptic pipe has fallen out of its clear lucite holder on the center console causing an out of focus condition.

    (4) Prior owner repairs have been made and the fiber has been 'spliced' to effect repair with resultant transmission loss at the splice.

    (5) Bubba has been in there 'fixing' things and trimed fiber from the end of the pickup ferrule(s) causing the pickup point to be recessed from the light source.

    There are other situations for other lamps (eg. parking) but, we're talking headlights here... Bottom line, before you lay out those sheckles for repro lamps that aren't as bright as modern halogen fit-a-likes, I'd make sure there wasn't a 'cockpit' problem to start with.

    Comment

    • Tony Roussos

      #3
      Re: C3 Fiber Optics and Headlamps

      1. I'll need to check on this point.
      2. I'll double check this as well (All four low and High displays are equally dim.)
      3. Display end is A ok.
      4. No splicing evident.
      5. No "Bubba." Optic is as far in as possible.

      For point #2, how do you recommend I "clean off" the end for maximum clearity?

      Thank you.
      Tony

      Comment

      • Jack H.
        Extremely Frequent Poster
        • April 1, 1990
        • 9906

        #4
        Re: C3 Fiber Optics and Headlamps

        "For point #2, how do you recommend I "clean off" the end for maximum clearity?"

        Gently rub/scrub with lacquer thinner and if the paint is 'stubborn' you'll have to remove the existing ferrule, make a fresh cut with a razor blade to get to unpainted pickup ends and re-crimp a replacement ferrule on preserving the original length of exposed pickup ends.

        Comment

        • Tony Roussos

          #5
          Re: C3 Fiber Optics and Headlamps

          Jack,
          Would you recommend a light sanding of the tip with dremel or file?
          Thank you.
          Tony

          Comment

          • Tony Merendino

            #6
            Re: C3 Fiber Optics and Headlamps

            I don't think that the bulbs are your problem. I have used several newer headlamps from GE and Wagner and my fiber optics work fine. Actually the halogen lamps from GE are brighter than the old T3 and show brighter on the fiber optic monitors. My rears are another story but that is a future project.

            I would follow Jack's advice and check the system before buying those pricey bulbs.

            Comment

            • Tony Roussos

              #7
              Re: C3 Fiber Optics and Headlamps

              Tony,
              I'll check again. I just bought a Bright white LED flashlight. I'll shine that light on the optic and observe the cabin display.

              Although, I have difficulty understanding how the fiber optics can see through that tiny silicone gouped spot and all that silver coating on the inside of those new bulbs.

              Again, I may just have a case of painted over optics. One of the previous owners changed color from green to blue. This may be a large part of the problem.

              Tony

              Comment

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