Vintage Temple Tips?

[birdylove]

Hi folks. I am attempting to refinish a gaggle of vintage frames, but have hit a wall. I can't find a source for old temple tips. I'm looking for the hard (acrylic?) types. They usually go on aluminum or combination frames. The opening is quite large, and the hollow core tapers down smaller. I'm kicking myself for throwing away a drawer of these in the 80's. I don't think they exist as an after-market purchase anywhere. Any leads? Have a musty old box laying around your office anywhere?

Thanks!

[FVCCHRIS]

I've got a couple dozen pairs I'd also like to refurbish, Chris.

[birdylove]

ok, I think I know why I can't find them. An old timer told me they were made in a mold. Something like a liquid resin, and it hardens around the temple tips. In some of these frames, the metal temple end is quite a bit wider than the rest. If I had thought about it, I would have realized you can't slip a cover on that. Duh!

Ok, so how do I find these molds? Can someone ask their granddad about this?
:p

Thanks

[k12311997]

this may be stupid advice, but here goes anyway, could you get blocks, sheets, whatever of the plastic melt it and dipcoat the temples ??

[birdylove]

Not stupid at all. I just don't even know where to start! The guy I talked to seemed to think it was some kind of "natural, plant derived resin". I'm afraid it might me a sticky goopy mess without the molds. I'm sure it wouldn't be very symmetrical, but its better than nothin'!

[Chris Ryser]

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