Please listen to our latest production update, given by our carbon fiber expert Doug. Thanks. Tesla Roadster Carbon Fiber Tail Lights Update 5/4/2015
Bonnie, will you be here today Tuesday or next Tuesday? We're trying to make these self-installation friendly. If you or anyone in the Bay Area would like to see progress of the tail lights in person this week please let me know and I'll arrange for a showing.
The voice recording stated "overlay" - but these are full CF tail light housing replacements, right? Not an overlay?
Sample Update 5/7/2015. The progression is from left to right / worst to best in the picture with three units. The other pictures are closeups of each unit in one location also showing progression. They'll fit onto the OEM housing with no tolerance. We found the backside of the OEM housing has extremely complex contours, holes, and placements for electrical wiring. It would've been impossible to tool the back side of the entire housing in CF and stay within budget. Our way still produces a true CF part and makes installation easy for everyone, everywhere; DIY with no tools needed.
Wow. Beautiful! Bonnie, if you are going to be in the Bay Area on Tuesday the 12th to have those CC pieces installed (do I have that right?) maybe I could join you just to meet you and see the pieces. My work schedule might not allow it but maybe it will work out. Can you PM me with the place and time?
Nice! How is the surround mounted, are you using a rubber adhesive? And is it removable without damaging the original surrounds?
I'm very-much looking forward to these getting done and ready for shipping. That being said, you had originally stated... I don't know about others, but I paid the $1,000/set for a "set of CF tail lights". Now, if the answer is "After digging deeper into the project, we've found that we can't do a full set of CF tail lights, we can only create a CF overlay." that's fine, things happen with a new product. But, what about those of us that paid the higher price for the full set of tail lights...not just an overlay? What's the difference between the $800 "Tail light overlay" and the $1,000 "True CF Tail Light"?
I am going to be in the Bay Area on the 12th, but haven't heard anything back about place/time or if the pieces will even be ready.
Bonnie, I would just pop over and see how they are doing with all our pieces. that way we all get a clearer picture when we'll get our orders hope you have a great day
Habious, the back side of the OEM tail light housing is quite complex. I've included a pic below. To tool the back side and the front, which is already the most complex surface on the outside of the Roadster, would've likely started in the $1500 range produced domestically with a larger minimum order. These are made to order carbon fiber parts and for this initial run we've accounted for less than 20 sets. Considering this is a new to market item the r&d was significantly more than estimated. To balance the expectations of how a genuine carbon fiber tail light should appear on the car, save on r&d, ease the difficulty of installation, and still deliver a niche aftermarket product we felt this outcome was fair. I really think everyone will be satisfied with the finished tail lights. If you feel the tail lights are not up to the description please feel free to contact me to resolve the matter. Thanks.
I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product, to be sure. I'm just asking questions, because it seemed like the scope of the project has evolved as it has progressed. Kofi, Can you provide us some details to answer djp's question? What's the mounting solution here?
Thanks for bringing djp's post to my attention. They'll be mounted with VHB double sided tape; the same way as the MS trunk spoiler. For a more permanent look we can offer a stronger adhesive tape and for a temporary application a less adhesive tape. As-is the tail lights actually fit pretty flush with almost no tolerance. No damage should occur installing or removing them. In reality they'd likely stay on just fine without tape but let's not find out.