I agree the market has underestimated the demand for vintage parts of this
type. But if the molds have been lost and no one is making a replica, I will
be forced to use something else when total failure of the lenses occur.
My fixture (Bargman 99) apparently is not the original model anyway. It
seams the 1953s used rectangular I think they were Bargman #2 lights and a
previous owner replaced them with Bargman 99. I wish I knew the history as
to why but alas, that information is not available. And since the Bargman
#2 fixtures (no just lenses) are extremely hard (understatement) to find, I
will stick with what is on it till I can no longer use or repair/replace
with same or similar. Maybe I can find something current that is about the
size and shape of the bargman #2...if I get lucky that is.
Thanks Eddie. I will keep an eye on this thread. I hope your contact pans
out so I can get a few replacement lenses (depending on price will determine
if I want 2 or 4), What I have work but wont last more than a few more years
so I have some time to find them or decide to opt for something else.
--
Warren
1989 GMC R2500 HD Suburban.
1953 Airstream Cruiser Travel trailer.
Western KY
> Warren,
> There are a few stories I have heard about this and more than one reseller
> interested and clamoring to replenish stock. The prevalent story is that the
> original "lost" mold eventually was found in a garage, lenses reproduced,
> and then the mold again "lost" along with contact information. That is
> apparently the present status. I have heard several cost statements of mold
> creation. All are enormous.
>
> Apparently production is no small task either. True or not, I have been
> told the DOT reflector requirements make necessary tiny pieces of shiny
> reflective material, not visible but molded in to the little diamond shapes
> seen and felt on the inside of the lens. So it appears a mold is very
> expensive and important, but so too is the actual production process. Then
> there are different qualities of plastic for UV stabilization, color, and
> strength resistant to breakage. Apparently all lenses are truly not the same
> as we have all seen cheapies like markers, reflectors and such sold
> everywhere that seem to crumble in a short exposure. Apparently one tiny
> excess heat spot on the mold during production can cause a defect in the
> final product for an entire production run.
>
> The only thing that seems certain is that the market has underestimated the
> continued use of this Bargman 99 lens on a whole litany of trailers that
> simply will not "go away". Old Airstreams are here to stay! There are a
> whole bunch of SOB folks using the same lens. They are here to stay!
> -Eddie-
> Houston, TX