RE: IML: Attaching Cartier crystals to '81-83 Imperial opera lamps

I have not tried this, but remembering that the beauty of these crystals is enhanced by allowing the opera light to shine through them, I think I’d use some optically clear epoxy, such as is used to repair rock chips in windshields. It is not only optically clear, it has the same coefficient of refraction as glass (hopefully close to that of crystal), thus you should get a really gem like appearance. It is also strong and weatherproof.

Using double-back sticky tape would block most of the light, and I doubt it would resist a determined attempt to liberate the crystal for the gang-banger’s girlfriend’s necklace, which is what happened to 99.93% of them within a week of delivery of the car, at least out here in the LA area.

Dick Benjamin

From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Burton Bouwkamp
Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 8:29 PM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: Attaching Cartier crystals to '81-83 Imperial opera lamps

I am interested in your response to this recommendation. I bought replacement Cartier Crystal Pentastars on Ebay for my 1982 Imperial but I haven't glued them on because I'm afraid they will come off in an auto wash. I had planned to use Epoxy glue but I am receptive to any ideas for an adhesive that's better. I think the original crystal pentastrs were glued on with two sided tape.

I hate to admit it but I was Director of Body Engineering at Chrysler when we did the 1981-83 Imperial so on the basis that "the buck stops here (the boss' desk)" I'm responsible for the engineering of the opera light crystal pentastars that fell off within 20 years - or maybe they fell off because the application process and/or adhesive were not up to our engineering specifications. We'll never know.

Burt

----- Original Message -----

From: Chuck Houston

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 10:10 PM

Subject: IML: Attaching Cartier crystals to '81-83 Imperial opera lamps

Hello all,

My apologies....I seem to remember this question being posed once before in the last couple of months. I don't seem to remember what the consensus was.

What is the best way to attach my NOS Cartier crystals to the opera lamps of my '82 Imperial FS? Suggestions?

Thanks,

Chuck Houston

Seattle, WA