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09-18-2011, 12:43 PM | #1 |
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Location: Charlotte NC
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Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Is there a paint that will work as an alternative to having the headlight reflectors re coated or chromed. The reflectors I have are down to brass. Does not have to be OEM, just work well.
Thanks, Bob |
09-18-2011, 12:56 PM | #2 |
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Location: Clinton,WA/Whidbey Island
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
You might check with Eastwood co. they have lots of paint supplies etc.
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09-18-2011, 12:58 PM | #3 |
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Location: (Old)Shasta (Redding) CA
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
I doudt that any paint will have the reflectivity needed. Your best bet to buy new ones or have your resilvered. Surprisingly chrome is not a good headlight reflector, or so I've read.
JB |
09-18-2011, 01:22 PM | #4 |
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Posts: 344
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
You can cut some triangles from this mirrorlike tape and it would work dang well on your brass reflectors I would think. Let us know how well it works our for you. http://www.identi-tape.com/deco-mirror.html
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09-18-2011, 10:31 PM | #5 |
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Re silvering is the only answer.
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09-19-2011, 12:33 AM | #6 |
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
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09-19-2011, 01:18 AM | #7 |
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Send them to "URIVA" think there in oregon. Google them. Better than even resilvering them. ken ct.
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09-19-2011, 04:48 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Rocklin, CA
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Silver makes the best reflective surface, that is why Ford used it when the car was new. We have not tested the reflectance of the firm in Oregan that was mentioned, but Silver far surpasses chrome or other materials we have seen.
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09-19-2011, 06:29 AM | #9 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 61
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Has anyone had reflectors resilvered recently? Were did you have them done and what was the cost? I had a pair done about four years ago cost was around $75.00. I have a AA that Iam working on and wouuld like to have a pair done.
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09-19-2011, 06:33 AM | #10 |
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Uriva,is supposed to be even better than resilvering and dosn't tarnish. ken ct.
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09-19-2011, 08:03 AM | #12 |
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Bob 143 was not asking about restoring reflectors to original!
He already knows that silver is best. Bob wants to know what might work as an alternative to having the headlight reflectors replated. The silver tape would be an interesting test for him to report back to us. I would predict the tape reflectivity and brightness would be very close to Aluminum plated reflectors. Again, not the best, but adequate. |
09-19-2011, 09:31 AM | #13 |
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Location: La Mesa Ca
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Heavy duty aluminum foil cut into pie shapes an glued in should work fine, just a bit tedeous.
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09-19-2011, 09:59 AM | #14 |
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Posts: 344
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
I think Bob 143 is looking for the Best inexpensive coating. You can not see your reflection in aluminum foil. With the silver tape, http://www.identi-tape.com/deco-mirror.html you do see a reflection but not as perfect as a mirror and it has a peelable backing so no glue is needed.
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09-19-2011, 10:03 AM | #15 | |
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Quote:
Brinkman Silver Plating 651-698-8577 |
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09-19-2011, 10:24 AM | #16 | |
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Location: Northeast Penna
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Quote:
I can appreciate being on a limited project budget, but I would not try taping stuff to decent original reflectors... how will your remove that stuff when it's time to re-plate, and how much will you distort the thin brass bowls trying to peel sticky tape off'n them ? One of the advantages of the OEM reflectors is that they have the correct geometry (parabolic shape), which the repros do not. I know the repros aren't perfect, with the "wrong parabola" and chrome plating, but mine have been good enough to drive with for two years / 7,000 miles, and I do a fair amount of night driving. But if we're talking about a "get-by", I'd go with repro reflectors until you can get your originals done right. ( This is what I'm doing... ) Just my two-cents... |
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09-19-2011, 10:30 AM | #17 |
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Location: Southbridge, Ma.
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
I bought my repro reflectors which are Uvira coated from Brattons. All i can say is I'm satisfied and they work well at night. The repros are shallower than originals so they just focus at a greater distance.
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09-19-2011, 10:45 AM | #18 |
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Many find it necessary to purchase repro parts for lack of having originals.
I consider myself the "caretaker" (more than an owner), of a modest collection of original parts, including buckets and reflectors. I would never alter or modify these original parts (other than restore) for future generations, when reproduction parts are available for everyday use. But, that's just me. People will do what's right for them. I vote re-silver originals.
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09-19-2011, 10:53 AM | #19 |
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Bob,
This may be a dumb question, but do you intend to drive the car? If yes, go silver or UVIRA (my preference). If the car is going into a poorly lit museum then some of the short cuts might work. Charlie Stephens |
09-19-2011, 10:59 AM | #20 |
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Location: Portland, Oregon
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Re: Headlight reflectors......Paint?
Try to avoid doing anything that someone else will have to try to undo to make it right.
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