After reading(and discussing) here and a lot of different places. 993 headlights for the 968 doesn't seem like the way to go.
But I still like the idea of fixed headlights. And I want to look into making my own type of headlights as I've seen some results that looks pretty good using the stock fenders.
![[Image: 2011-03-lg.jpg]](http://www.968turbo.com/image/2011-03-lg.jpg)
Anyone done something like this and got it to work good?
this is one where function and form have not yet met.
on that car, the flat piece of plastic looks wrong. that many visible screws is unacceptable. the black surrounding the headlamp should be reflective silver.
but, that's a track rat, so not all that important
I just used the image to show people what I'm talking about.
understood. it is representative though of the kinds of attempts made. there have been a few variations, but really they are all about the same. the big failing in all of them is the lack of a fluted lens, and a lack of a properly reflective surround, leaving it looking very home made.
The thing for me would be to get a proper light from Hella or something similar and fit it inside the fender. The plate that goes in front would only really be there for protection and keeping dirt and grime out.
if you think the Carrera GTS headlights for the 944, but made for a 968, that would kind of explain what I'm going for.
the problem is the size of the opening. a small light, stuck in that large opening, requires something on the inside to prevent it from looking lost in there. that is an expensive piece. the lens cover on the outside also needs to contour properly to work with the body lines.
without those things, it just looks home made.
the 944 has square edges, and the headlights are rectangular to begin with, so the covers work ok. the 968 has all rounded surfaces and contours. that makes it hard for it to look right.
if somebody were to do something like on the 996, or even the 997, it might be ok. again though, what makes it work is the reflective surround piece, effectively making the headlight look bigger.
again, if the black area were reflective silver, or if the cover were fluted so you couldn't see what was behind it, it would look less home made. the 2 small lights just look lost in that big opening
Here you go, one fixed light conversion that turned out perfecly !! LOL, too bad it's photoshopped, I'd give up my left nut if I could convert the 968 to look just like this photo .. ( including that front grill ! )
That looks pretty cool actually.
And Flash, I's say that Turbo RS has exactly the type of headlights I'm looking for. They don't look stock, but they look professionally made too.
Though I see what you mean. Aren't there someone who would make a custom reflector for a headlight?
OK...Now my mouth is watering and my wallet is starting to itch <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/popcorn.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
Btw, I did take that photo to a top notch body shop that works on many Porsches ( used by the local P dealer and highly recommended by them as well ) and asked the shop what they would estimate the cost would be to do that job where even the most trained eye would not be able to tell it's not right off the factory floor . Their educated guess was : upwards of $ 25,000 .
while the orange car is one of the better attempts, i have to add that form must follow function, and the beam projection for the low beam is compromised. that would have to be adjusted by altering the position a bit. a staggered setup would probably work, but it would cost more to make.
yes, a reflector shell could be made. the mold would be about $3000 for each side. then add the lights, relays, wiring, yada yada.
the issue at that point is the clear cover. if you use plastic, it will get very scratched up very quickly, and if you cannot remove it to polish it and then change it, you will have an unserviceable unit fairly soon. that really needs to be headlight glass. add a bunch more money for that.
i've looked into this over the years. the idea of fixed lights is fairly popular. i kicked it around for a bit. i just can't justify the expense to develop it, given that nobody would buy it, even if it were done right.
Lol, Dan I assume the work is already in progress then?
[quote name='Bulti' timestamp='1410114554' post='162005']Lol, Dan I assume the work is already in progress then?[/quote]
I might have considered it if it was less than $ 5,000 .
Should have another poll here to determine the most popular reason for the fixed lights conversion quest :
Weight savings ?
Less dated appearance ? ( not really an issue if you don't drive the car at night, LOL )
What else is there ?
And then at the other end of the spectrum there's this : you have a stunning car like the 458 and the headlights take up more than 2/3 of the entire length of the hood ! What kind of nonsense is that ?" I swear the car would look better with the 968 pop up lights on it ! :-)
Agreed - that looks pretty weird. I hope it doesn't start another supercar-driven trickle-down fad like enormous diameter wheels.
[quote name='flash' timestamp='1410146326' post='162019']???[/quote]
Sorry, j/k. It's a 993 headlight sticker on a 968 race car.