#1 Headlamp Chrome Finisher Beading Tip BD35729 & BD35730
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 7:16 pm
Originally the rubber/vinyl bead that sits under the chrome trim on late S1.5, S2 and S3 cars was handed hence the odd and even numbered part numbers BD35729 and BD35730. Try as I might I couldn't find a supplier that sold a rubber beading that was pre shaped to the curve of the headlight bowl. The only beading that is available is straight and comes off a roll hence the one part number does both sides and you see "superceded by" notes on suppliers websites. For superceded by, read original no longer available so we've found something that looks a bit like it. 
Anyone who has tried to make this straight beading fit round the sharp radius of the headlamp bowl without ruching up and refusing to lay flat, will tell you it is nigh on impossible.
Several destroyed lengths of beading later I decided to make a former that would allow me to heat up and shape the beading to the correct curvature and still have it remaining flat. The first few attempts ended in Salvador Dali clock like beading and burnt fingers but with a few more goes I managed to get it right. In the end I found that a 4mm aluminium former acting as a heat soak on a 2mm metal sheet provided the best results.
Below are a few pics that might help others......
Anyone who has tried to make this straight beading fit round the sharp radius of the headlamp bowl without ruching up and refusing to lay flat, will tell you it is nigh on impossible.
Several destroyed lengths of beading later I decided to make a former that would allow me to heat up and shape the beading to the correct curvature and still have it remaining flat. The first few attempts ended in Salvador Dali clock like beading and burnt fingers but with a few more goes I managed to get it right. In the end I found that a 4mm aluminium former acting as a heat soak on a 2mm metal sheet provided the best results.
Below are a few pics that might help others......
