Front Parking lights?

Stefan - any chance you could make a drawing showing the dimension of all the faces of this prism? I would like to try and reproduce this piece. I have always wondered about the logic of how the light was supposed to illuminate the center console. Now it is crystal clear.

Thanks.
 
Sure. I could try it out to see how effective it actually is (ie, is it worth even pursuing) and get some measurements. I have not quite figured out how to make one - I have some ideas.
 
Here are a couple file photos of that prism - might be of some help?

Ian
 

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Sven said:
Sure. I could try it out to see how effective it actually is (ie, is it worth even pursuing) and get some measurements. I have not quite figured out how to make one - I have some ideas.
Click to expand...

Hi Sven!

I think you need this piece in your hand before you consider going to production.. :)

I did a quick amateur test and the prisma actually "bends" mostly (50-75%) of the light in a 45degree angle.

Before we get to serious about this little issue, like the young German designer did about 40 years ago...
 
What it Looks Like in the Dark

Amazing what information you pick up here. During my first night time drive I thought it was kind of odd that there were no lights for the center
dash controls. Thought I would need to have a little penlight flashlight handy if I needed to make an adjustment to air flow or temperature.

Surprised to find out that there was indeed a light provided, though somewhat dissappointed mine wasn't working. Upon closer inspection
though, when the steering column was repainted or touched up, the little clear plastic piece was painted over. 2nd issue I found was the the bulb was blown. Fixed both issues and now I have light, here's what it looks
like:

A_0019.jpg


A_0013.jpg


Interesting way to light up the controls.
 
now I know what that light is for......

good pics!
interesting..... in RHD car (mine anyway), that light is still on the right side of the column.
for the LHD cars, it makes perfect sense for the design of that little prism and light to illuminate the centre console switches.
... but for the RHD car, it illuminates the right door. I always wonder why we need a light on the door? for quicker emergency exit in case of fire????
At first, I thought maybe its for the ignition but then its not exactly shining onto it.
Maybe it was too much for them to re-engineer the light/prism onto the left side of the column for RHD cars?

.. and yes.. thankfully, I found the little prism there but in need of some proper cleaning...
 
Incredable!

Yes, the things we learn here. I always wondered how the heater controls were seen in the dark!

I'll take a prism if somebody makes one
 
Sven said:
Sure. I could try it out to see how effective it actually is (ie, is it worth even pursuing) and get some measurements. I have not quite figured out how to make one - I have some ideas.
Click to expand...


What material was used? Lucite? Some sort of acrylic?
I wonder if a stock piece could be bought, them use a router type tool to make the V.
After that, just slice off segments like cutting sausage!!
 
Stan - I like that idea. I suppose you could make the shape from a long piece of plexiglass, or similar material, cut on table saw. Then polish the two opposite edges (where the light enters and exits, then slice. One idea I have been thinking of is to make a simple mould out of steel flat bar and find some liquid acrylic to pour in and set. Not sure how clear/smooth the edges would turn out.
 
Wow, the console illumination in the pictures is almost as romantic as candlelights.
Personally why would I want to see heater control when the weather here is better than
in paradise. For RHD the light still points right as a a reminder that it is you who are driving on the wrong side of the road, not us.
 
The 74 and later coupes had illuminated HVAC panels (in English and German), definitely a really nice feature to have. Bought one on ebay a while back, still waiting to get it installed.

The small prism falls out way too easily if the lower steering column cover is removed. Can see how they can get lost. They are just friction installed with no adhesive to hold them in place.
 
bert35csi said:
The 74 and later coupes had illuminated HVAC panels (in English and German), definitely a really nice feature to have. Bought one on ebay a while back, still waiting to get it installed.
Click to expand...

My 1976 3.0 Si has backlit HVAC controls but still has "The Prism"...
 
The light appears to be "white" and possibly a bit of a glare to it. Possibly a red dye/acrylic/bulb for night vision like the modern BMW's?
 
My 73 also has a tiny bulb on each corner of the HVAC panel as Bert states. Hard to get to for replacement but worth doing.
 
Prism reproduction status

Stan is in discussions with a fabricator to get an idea on costs / feasibility. I met with the potential fabricator last week in San Diego to give him a sample prism to work with. Once we have some cost info then we can determine interest and quantities to make (if any). Hopefully we should know more by the end of September.
 
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