Hello everyone,

I would like to let you all know of replacement bushings for the headlight actuator arms.
I made a set for my 1st gen and they work like a charm. Direct replacement and very inexpensive. I would like to get it out in the forum for every 1st gen owner to have a set and replace theirs. No more listening to the headlights clanking when you lower them.
These bushings are 3D printed which is why they are an inexpensive.
I have posted them up on ebay, please search 79-85 1st gen RX7 headlight bushings + 2 spares. The forum rules dont allow me to post a link.
Take a look at the posting and if you want to give them a try you wont regret it.
Let me know if any questions arise.

Thank you.

 

That is pretty sweet! Thanks for taking the time to design - and SHARE!

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Thank you very much. I am working on the windshield wiper mechanism ones as well. These work for the wipers, but don't provide protection to the elements. I am working on ones that do provide this feature. They should be up sometime this month. I appreciate the support.

 

These are installed photos.

 

Those of you that have already bought a set, thank you very much.

 

These look really good kuku, but I need to know, are they as good as the originals?

The originals were made of some kind of teflon plastic, which gave then great frictional properties and endurance, most are still functional after 30 years.

Would you be willing to submit a set for a quality test?

Thanks
Ray

 

I just ordered a set. Even if they don't last as long as the real thing, how can you go wrong for $15?

 

The price is right for sure, but it would be nice to have some sense of their quality. Let us know!

 

Nice work! Can you give us a sense of the plastic that is used in the 3d printer? Like Ray
mentioned, the originals are nylon of some kind and very tough and these look good but can
the plastic hold up to dirt, water, grease and heat extremes?

I've never replaced mine yet but these would certainly work in a pinch. Its worth having them
for emergency fixes at least.

 

Ray, you make a very good point. These are currently pla. I am working on improving them further and making them from abs for higher heat resistance. The pla ones can take up to 60 Celsius before they begin to deform. Abs can take up to 105 Celsius with lower friction coefficient. With my instructions I do mention that lithium grease should be used on the ball joint to reduce the friction. I am also working on a rig to do reliability testing on the bushings.
There are other 3d printable materials but usually the more slippery they are the lower the glass transition temp is. A compromise needs to be reached between the desired properties.
I will keep everyone updated as I get reliability testing going.

Thank you all for the support and great response.

 

As mentioned to Ray a compromise between the properties is needed. Abs has lower friction properties but pla has a higher chemical resistance since is organic biodegradable material unlike abs which is oil derived. In terms of holding up to dirt as the reliability testing comes to fruition some redesigns will happen to avoid dirt from getting in between the ball joint and bushing. I agree that the originals are very robust and it would be difficult to match the reliability of the original with 3d printing with the current filament in the market.

 

Update: I have found a material that might be a suitable candidate.
PET+ Filament Opaque | MadeSolid

I will be working with it to get it fine tuned, consistent prints and will update everyone as i progress.

All of you that have bought a set, feedback is appreciated. if you see an area to improve feel free to inform me and i will work it into improvements. thank you all.

 

Nice work kuku!

 

Hello again.
I have received the new material and its great. Its alot more robust and strong, the tabs are stronger and it gives more precise dimensions when printing. I have posted a video bushings installed and the set up were i tested them numerous time very successfully.
I am also working on the windshield wiper ones, which i have to test, but will be coming soon. Picture attached as a sneak peek.

Thank you all for the great support.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v...type=3&theater

P.S the headlight motor looks sluggish going up because i was using a small 1amp power supply.

 

This is very cool.

 

Thank you.
This is the thread for the wiper mechanism bushings if you would like to check them out.

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/windshield-wiper-bushings-replacement-1080807/


Thanks

 

i could really use a set of these, i searched Ebay but they do not appear to be listed anymore. Are they still available?

 

I am sorry, the listing just ended. I am going on travel until monday and did not want to restart the post before i got back. Please, search again on monday and the post will be back up.

Again, thank you all for the great support.

 

Finneybl, the bushings are back up online.
Please look them up again.

Thanks.

 

Just ordered. Thanks!

 

ordered! Thanks

 

Thank you all for the support and great response.
NV02 and Finney, your order is going out today.
Thanks again.

 

Are you still making these? I can't find them on eBay.

 

Yes i am. I had to take them off for a bit due to some software issues i was having with the printer. They are back up on ebay.
Thanks.

 

Any bushings for the wiper arms?