I recently ordered several sets of SKP Model lenses for a large vehicle project I am currently working on. I thought I might share the love regarding a unique and relatively new model product. The lenses really bring a new dimension to these areas of any model.



As you can see the set includes headlights, complete taillight assemblies, enough red reflectors to do a complete CCKW load box, clear lenses for those very tiny convoy front lights (WOW) and, AND a bonus set of very nice generic windshield wipers!

My only complaint regarding the SKP set for the GMC Deuce and a Half is that two of the safety reflectors (parts # 7 ) should be amber and NOT red. The forward facing reflectors on the front corners of the load box are generally Amber and not red. (By US automotive standards there should be no forward facing red lights or reflectors on anything other than emergency vehicles.)

A fairly nice detail shot of how the SKP headlight lenses look installed. Here I am using them on the HobbyBoss White 666 truck:



As you can see they are much more realistic looking than just a clear smooth lens glued over a painted silver reflector behind.

As far as I can tell these unique headlight lenses start with a disk of etched metal with a grid pattern imposed upon then. Then they are chrome plated and finally a perfect drop of clear resin is allowed to harden on them to form the "glass" lens.

I agree completely and do not know of any other product that comes close.

You don't necessarily have to use the etched metal base that comes with the SKP reflector. You can simply super glue the SKP lens right over the existing reflector base cast on the model.



In the above photo the reflector on top has been glued directly onto the reflector base cast into the model. The lower reflector in the photo used the etched metal base that comes with the SKP set.

Here is another example of using the SKP reflectors in the reflector base already cast into the model. In this case I also used the SKP red brake light lens in the existing model brake light fixture.

As I say the set is missing the necessary amber lenses for the forward facing reflectors. I therefore took two of the SKP reflector lenses and first painted them white. Later I painted them with transparent orange to make the required amber reflectors. A less than perfect solution but acceptable.

If you are after a coloured lens of set sizes that are not offered by SKP look at the lenses from Little Cars. They do not have the detail at the rear of the lense, but they will meet your needs perfectly.

Little Cars

Good to know but I really like those SKP background textures. They really make a big difference! Their lenses look so much more real.

Found one solution to the amber lens problem:

Order the lens set for the Dana. (SKP #169) You get a boat load of Amber lenses, IN TWO SIZES!

The folks at SKP don't seem to believe me about the forward facing amber reflectors on the CCKW.

PLEASE NOTE: That redish/orange side marker is actually a modern day running light added (for some unknown reason) by the guy who restored the vehicle.

Mike it is a common issue today that certain things have to be altered to allow it on the road. UK is quite strict on this.

Yes, that I can accept, however this vehicle is sitting in a museum in New Orleans, LA.