Headlamp Chrome Finisher Beading Tip BD35729 & BD35730

[288gto]

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only beading that is available is straight and comes off a roll hence the one part number does both sides and you see "superceded by" notes on suppliers websites. For superceded by, read original no longer available so we've found something that looks a bit like it.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......

[mgcjag]

Nice job Simon.....how did you heat the rubber.....flame direct onto it...or soak in hot water..... i assume flame as you have a heat soak. ......Steve

[MarekH]

Or you could just slit it longitudinally down the middle all the way and achieve the same. Once fitted, no one will know the outer edge is not connected to the inner edge.

kind regards
Marek

[288gto]

Nice job Simon.....how did you heat the rubber.....flame direct onto it...or soak in hot water..... i assume flame as you have a heat soak. ......Steve

Hot air gun Steve while gently shaping it round the former.

Or you could just slit it longitudinally down the middle all the way and achieve the same. Once fitted, no one will know the outer edge is not connected to the inner edge.

kind regards
Marek

Hi Marek, thanks. Slitting it down the middle was something I considered but was worried that the two halves would be more prone to coming out from under the chrome trim. The beading is as you probably know, a very shallow "U" section that the chrome sits in. This combined with the special rivet fasteners effectively clamp the rubber beading in place. Slitting it would I feel compromise this.
I also wanted to try to more closely replicate what Jaguar had done originally.

Simon

[Gfhug]

Simon, that looks great. As you’ve spent lots of time creating the formers and technique do you supply to order?
Put me down for a set, please