New headlights for 2005/6MY Ford GT

[2112]

Can you speak to the issues of the Outer U.V. protecting clear coat and the inner anti-fog coatings mentioned above?

I have restored a few original lenses now and have been using catalyzed clear coat on the outside. Nothing on the inside....because I don't have anything for that.

 

[nota4re]

I think every owner here appreciates the effort, enthusiasm and expertise that you bring to the table in a quest to try to produce headlights for the GT. Undoubtedly, the devil is in the details for which there are likely many. That said, I'm wondering if you have fully explored 3D printing as a primary means to mitigate upfront tooling costs. Like others I see the objective for 100 deposits to be a potential showstopper and that's why I am suggesting exploring advanced 3D printing. I remain optimistic that there can be an attainable solution without having to reach the 100 deposit minimum.

 

[The Lighting Guru]

Can you speak to the issues of the Outer U.V. protecting clear coat and the inner anti-fog coatings mentioned above?

I have restored a few original lenses now and have been using catalyzed clear coat on the outside. Nothing on the inside....because I don't have anything for that.

The new headlights will have a UV-Shield Hard coating on the outside. Generally inside fogging is due to off-gassing of internal components or failure of the headlight vent. Most all headlights have venting for the inside of to expel moisture. We can ask if there is any special treatment for the inside that will be applied.

 

[jammer]

@The Lighting Guru Thanks for your replies and for making the effort to reproduce the headlights. My reference to the Ferrari connection was related to the 100 commitment required to initiate production. It appears that the manufacturer was willing to produce the Ferrari lights without having 100 committed perorders. Appreciate your clariffication of that part. Thank you.

 

[The Lighting Guru]

Can they proceed with 50-set deposits for say 8k per set? Still a lot but it can be easier achieved than 100-set deposits.

Hello all,

We have talked with the manufacturer and they have agreed to reduce the minimum production order quantity to 50 sets, with a final cost of $8000 per set, but the pre-order terms will change. For this to happen, all pre-order participants will be required to pay $1000 up front, instead of the original $149.99. If everyone who currently has a pre-order agrees, then we will charge the additional pre-order amount and set the new final price.

 

[2112]

 

[roketman]

Hello all,

We have talked with the manufacturer and they have agreed to reduce the minimum production order quantity to 50 sets, with a final cost of $8000 per set, but the pre-order terms will change. For this to happen, all pre-order participants will be required to pay $1000 up front, instead of the original $149.99. If everyone who currently has a pre-order agrees, then we will charge the additional pre-order amount and set the new final price.

Can you post a link so I can make the additional deposit payment please?

 

[69b302]

Another link, but basically the same info.

Founders Headlights: Ford GT (05-06)

Pre-Order: These lights are currently in development with an estimated release in Q4 2025. A refundable deposit secures your place in line and will be applied toward the final purchase price of $6,000 per set. If the product does not ship, your deposit will be fully refunded. Lucky Day: Sure...

www.foundersparts.com

 

[The Lighting Guru]

Can you post a link so I can make the additional deposit payment please?

We can send you an additional invoice on your current pre-order for the new deposit amount.

We are looking for the rest of the pre-order group here to confirm making the switch to the new price. We currently have 7 pre-orders and believe they are all members here.

 

[Submoose]

7 pre-orders is still a very long way from the 50 target. I think we need some additional clarity around your company; a 1k deposit is just money in the wind without more details and while I have wasted more, I’d prefer not to do so.
Perhaps sell us a bit more on why we should think this could become a product and why there is another site with different branding using the same renders?

 

[The Lighting Guru]

7 pre-orders is still a very long way from the 50 target. I think we need some additional clarity around your company; a 1k deposit is just money in the wind without more details and while I have wasted more, I’d prefer not to do so.
Perhaps sell us a bit more on why we should think this could become a product and why there is another site with different branding using the same renders?

No problem. The other website is the manufacturer, Founders Parts. The owner of Founders Parts also owns a GT and was the original founder for some of the most popular aftermarket lighting brands that currently exist. He has now left the mainstream popular vehicle make space to work on his own low-volume passion projects. The Ford GT headlight project is one of many bespoke projects Founders has started developing. We are a vendor that has close ties to Founders and have used their marketing material to get the word out about this great project we hope comes to fruition and to offer the highest level of support.

The down payment goes straight to tooling cost for Founders and is fully refundable if the project does not meet the minimum order quantity threshold. A question was asked to reduce the minimum order quantity, which can be done, but at a higher initial investment to pay for the tooling. In a world of mass production, this project sets a different tone that would really create an awesome product.

Not to talk about another make, but Founders has successfully completed a couple Ferrari headlight projects that look fantastic. The GT project would be no different.

 

[twobjshelbys]

At first blush they seem ok. They seem to make units for other similar types of vehicles. So the GT is another, but there are fixed tooling costs for a new product and with the limited exposure here the total market penetration is small the price per unit is high...

I'd just drive during the day...

 

[2112]

Will the FGT lens say Founders parts on it?

 

[extrap]

I don't know the materials that would be used in these new lights; for someone who doesn't need them right now, will they have a limited shelf life?

 

[The Lighting Guru]

Will the FGT lens say Founders parts on it?

Normally it will only say "Founders", but the design isn't frozen yet, to our knowledge. We could ask for it to be removed with enough interested. The other text will stay though since they are DOT required markings.

 

[The Lighting Guru]

I don't know the materials that would be used in these new lights; for someone who doesn't need them right now, will they have a limited shelf life?

They will not have a limited shelf life. The housings will be made to automotive grade ABS plastic on the housings and polycarbonate for the lens. It should be no problem to store them for an extended amount of time.

 

[Shark01]

I'd just drive during the day...

Alot of us need functioning headlights for state inspections.....so once a year, mine gets turned on.

And once I was caught out after dark once picking my car up from service.

Having said that, for a 9-5 grunt like myself, a $150 deposit for future product development for something I won't buy until I need them (I don't want to have $8,000 sitting on a shelf for years (I already have a full interior carbon fiber kit doing that, LOL) is one thing, but $1,000 is quite another.

 

[The Lighting Guru]

Alot of us need functioning headlights for state inspections.....so once a year, mine gets turned on.

And once I was caught out after dark once picking my car up from service.

Having said that, for a 9-5 grunt like myself, a $150 deposit for future product development for something I won't buy until I need them (I don't want to have $8,000 sitting on a shelf for years (I already have a full interior carbon fiber kit doing that, LOL) is one thing, but $1,000 is quite another.

This makes sense. It really comes down to the amount of pre-orders we can get.

 

[Gene Cassone]

Since original style no longer available. These with exposed CF are beautiful, but different appearance and lighting therefore need to be replaced as a pair. Considering installing them immediately, keep originals for future.
Question, will originals still deteriorate over time in storage ?

 

[Art138]

Since original style no longer available. These with exposed CF are beautiful, but different appearance and lighting therefore need to be replaced as a pair. Considering installing them immediately, keep originals for future.
Question, will originals still deteriorate over time in storage ?

I have a new one in it’s original box which I occasionally take out to inspect; no deterioration whatsoever (I do store inside the house).