Landing Light Lens replacement for M20F

[N7186V]

Sometime before I got my 1975 M20F, the landing light must have been left on for an extended period and the lens has a melted spot a little larger than a quarter.  While she is down for her annual, I decided to upgradeto a Parmetheus bulb and would like to put a fresh lens on, but I can't seem to find a replacement for the F-model.  Does anyone know where to find one?

 

Thanks!

 

[Marauder]

Sometime before I got my 1975 M20F, the landing light must have been left on for an extended period and the lens has a melted spot a little larger than a quarter. While she is down for her annual, I decided to upgradeto a Parmetheus bulb and would like to put a fresh lens on, but I can't seem to find a replacement for the F-model. Does anyone know where to find one? Thanks!

I too have a 1975 F. I have never seen a lens cover on a 75 or 76 model. Can you post a picture? Curious what you have.

[Ron McBride]

My 69 F does not have a lens cover either.  Did they melt the bulb itself?    Laser has a landing light lens cover available.

 

Ron

[tony]

The lens cover might be an after market mod by aero resources inc. I would give them a call

[N7186V]

After looking through some pictures on MooneySpace, I believe it is aftermarket.  The bulb didn't melt, just the lens.  Marauder, attached is a picture from her pre-purchase inspection.  Shane was testing the light.

Thanks, All!

[Marauder]

After looking through some pictures on MooneySpace, I believe it is aftermarket. The bulb didn't melt, just the lens. Marauder, attached is a picture from her pre-purchase inspection. Shane was testing the light. Thanks, All!

Nice looking F. I agree, it is aftermarket. Thought maybe it was an Lasar mod since you have the lower cowl enclosure, but I don't see it listed on their list of available mods. Post some more pictures. Love my F. Owned it 22 years.

[N7186V]

Thanks! After looking at the LASAR lower cowl mod on their site, the same lens fairing is on the pictured aircraft, so I am assuming it is LASAR.  I sent them an email requesting information.  I hope to complete my profile with pictures soon.  Need to get her out of annual first!

 

Thanks again!

[N7186V]

LASAR has the replacement lens in stock for $30 in case anyone else is looking.   p/n LLLK Lens

[Marauder]

LASAR has the replacement lens in stock for $30 in case anyone else is looking.   p/n LLLK Lens

 

 

Do you know this is offered as a mod? I did not see it on the list of mods they offered. I would expect that some sort of paperwork would be needed to install it.

[N7186V]

I happened to be on the phone with them as you posted, Marauder.  The gentleman said it is not a "mod."  No paperwork.  It is just something they make and an owner/operator can install.

[Marauder]

Interesting. Sounds like I need to check it out. I just went to the Whelen LED as well and it would be nice to  protect the lens (especially at that price). Mind posting some close-up when you get a chance? Interested in seeing how much work is involved.

[OR75]

piece of plastic - acrylic - from home depot or Tap plastics cut to dimension is what it  is 

[N7186V]

Interesting. Sounds like I need to check it out. I just went to the Whelen LED as well and it would be nice to  protect the lens (especially at that price). Mind posting some close-up when you get a chance? Interested in seeing how much work is involved.

Not a problem.  I won't be down to see her until around the 10th, but I'll take and post pictures then.

[Marauder]

piece of plastic - acrylic - from home depot or Tap plastics cut to dimension is what it is

You volunteering to make a dozen for us?

[OR75]

You volunteering to make a dozen for us?

not volunteering, but made one for my J.

[N201MKTurbo]

I made a new one for my J with a piece of Lexan from Home Depot. I shaped a block of wood with my belt sander to match the curvature of the cowl. I heated it in the oven and laid it on the block to set the shape. This was overkill ( I get carried away some times ) just cutting it out flat and screwing it down would work fine.

[DonMuncy]

How hot for how long, to get gravity to change the shape of Lexan. I have used male and female molds with tension added to get Lexan to take a shape.

[bumper]

Lexan is hell for stout and can be cold bent (not for this app of course) or hot formed. But, it is not as optically efficient as acrylic (Plexi) and more importantly, it is softer and scratches can't be polished out.

 

Acrylic can only be hot formed. It is hard and brittle as compared to Lexan, not as mechanically strong, but it optically superior, better even than glass. Also, scratches can be polished out.

 

For gentle bends like we're discussing a wood block (like MKTurbo suggests) is good, but cover the block with terrycloth or soft cotton first. Then into the oven at about 275 - 300 F - - electric oven strongly preferred. Don't leave it unattended.

 

To drill holes in Plexi requires either special drill bits, or you can grind off the relief angle on a standard bit so it cannot grab, dig in, and crack the plastic.

 

bumper

[N601RX]

Another trick for drilling in plexiglass is to take the bit and drill into concrete for about a 1/4" before using it on plexiglass.

[Bob_Belville]

I have 2 plexiglas landing light covers on my E. (Optional supplemental landing light per STC SA2513NM) "Installed landing light covers after FAA field approval on F337 received.") 

 

4 L brackets riveted inside the opening. Pretty simple. The edges of the lenses are chamfered and pull into the opening as the screws are tightened. 

 

http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/33732-2013-01-28-n943rw-close-up/