Don't give up just yet!

[buki]

Like everyone else I have a concern about parts availability.

That's why I have begun a project that MAY build your confidence.

I have made an agreement with a significant institution to bypass Cadillac patents. Not illegally mind you. We are researching one-off solutions. If it all goes as planned I will notify you of the next step.

It is actually quite simple.

They have a top of the line 3D printing system. And I have an XLR.

I have given them a headlight unit that they are disassembling currently. Every component (except the electronics) they are sure can be reproduced.

We'll see. Stay tuned. I am very excited about the possibilities.

 

[Tjxlr]

Great! By all means give them a taillight as well..i will get involved if needed...

Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk

 

[graytoad]

Like everyone else I have a concern about parts availability.

That's why I have begun a project that MAY build your confidence.

I have made an agreement with a significant institution to bypass Cadillac patents. Not illegally mind you. We are researching one-off solutions. If it all goes as planned I will notify you of the next step.

It is actually quite simple.

They have a top of the line 3D printing system. And I have an XLR.

I have given them a headlight unit that they are disassembling currently. Every component (except the electronics) they are sure can be reproduced.

We'll see. Stay tuned. I am very excited about the possibilities.

Sorry if I am behind the times and therefore dumb as a stump : I thought stuff off of 3D printers came out opaque off white: are they able to reproduce clear itmes no too?

 

[buki]

Sorry if I am behind the times and therefore dumb as a stump : I thought stuff off of 3D printers came out opaque off white: are they able to reproduce clear itmes no too?

I asked about that and was told they can produce clear items. If they can't do it efficiently they will use the lens enclosure to print a perfect mold that can be cast with anything I want.

 

[Smoothran]

High hopes. This would be a step in the right direction in my opinion. Keep us updated.

Sent from my SM-N930P using Tapatalk

 

[JW7]

Do't give up yet

Sounds like a excellent plan ...would change everything...have to see it to believe it...Thanks for the effort

 

[catcottf]

HI All,
Good afternoon. Sunny and 79 in Paradise. That sounds great!! So many parts that are not available from Cadillac... I am sure to support this effort..
Have a great day and keep us updated.
Fred

 

[David XLR-V]

I'm interested...

Can't wait to hear the result...

 

[David_B]

Not illegal to copy a party unless they have a patent for it somehow, which I doubt this headlight has one.

The bigger problem is your reproduction won't be street legal. And I'm smelling a $3000 a unit price.

I think we probably need to get the address of all junk yards in states with a high number of XLRs and send them all a snail mail telling them how valuable XLR parts are becoming so they don't just crush them.

I applaud your attempt!

What you might be able to do, is make a headlight carrier that would hold a DOT approved light, something like this.

LED Headlights – Model 90

Good luck!

(btw, note at the end of the video where they are talking about your potential legal responsibility in event of an accident with a non-dot approved light.)

 

[rexster314]

Not illegal to copy a party unless they have a patent for it somehow, which I doubt this headlight has one.

Since looking at patents on the US Patent Office website is a non starter for me, I can tell you with a fair certainty that 99% of the parts that make up an XLR are patented. The other 1% are probably patented by another party and GM has a license to use that patent.