Hydro dipping headlight reflectors?

[holdover]

I have seen some wonderful wood grain and other patterns created by hydro dipping. Has anyone used this process to put a chrome shine to old reflectors. Seems like this should be an economical and easy project. It is also something that would have a functional application and not affect the originality of an A, being hidden within the headlight.

just a thought

[J Franklin]

That is an interesting idea if it can be done.

[Barber31]

Of all the samples and videos I've seen, I've never seen a chrome film used. It could be that it is actually out there and I've just never came upon it. But it sounds like it would work. Or even maybe a chrome wrap if that's available too.

[Mike V. Florida]

You would still only have the reflectivity of chrome at best about 60%.

While aluminum gives over 90%.

Chrome

Aluminium

[SkipShift]

I do a little hobby hydro dipping. It has to be done over new paint. Have not seen a chrome film but that doesn't mean it's not out there. I also do some gold leaf. Would be easier to apply aluminum or silver leaf on a headlight reflector.

[Floats]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Hi Guys,
Chrome wrap is available.

[Big hammer]

Some have used shiny white paint on tail lights, how would that work on head light?

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Worth a Google search!
http://www.justdipit.net/liquid-chrome/

[MikeK]

I think I'll have my reflectors done in wood grain.
I always wanted a pair of Woodlite headlamps.

[1931 flamingo]

I think you'll find hydro-dipping is EXPENSIVE. Cheaper way out would be to buy NEW reflectors that are shaped CORRECTLY. JMO
Paul in CT

[holdover]

"I think you'll find hydro-dipping is EXPENSIVE. Cheaper way out would be to buy NEW reflectors that are shaped CORRECTLY. JMO" Just checked Snyders cost is from $30-46 for repros, I priced out the film and the chemical activator ( I have clear by the gallons) and it would cost about 40.00 shipped to do a few of them, and using originals they would be correct shape. looking into which film would give the best results. There is chrome, silver and alum. Three of my four As could use a re-plate, so that would make it cost effective in a big way, if it works. Considering giving it a try, but I think I'll pass on wood grain reflectors.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by holdover

"I think you'll find hydro-dipping is EXPENSIVE. Cheaper way out would be to buy NEW reflectors that are shaped CORRECTLY. JMO" Just checked Snyders cost is from $30-46 for repros, I priced out the film and the chemical activator ( I have clear by the gallons) and it would cost about 40.00 shipped to do a few of them, and using originals they would be correct shape. looking into which film would give the best results. There is chrome, silver and alum. Three of my four As could use a re-plate, so that would make it cost effective in a big way, if it works. Considering giving it a try, but I think I'll pass on wood grain reflectors.

And if it dies not work, a big waste. Buy the new ones instead of doing a Mickey Mouse job. Wayne

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Y'know, a set of woodgrain headlight buckets might look pretty good. Certainly a conversation piece! "Fine Point Judging not included."

[Charlie Stephens]

I would get the reproductions from Bratton's. Search the archives and you will see that their new reflectors are the correct shape and the plating they use is better than silver in the long run. This is not a place to cut corners. I don't think you would be happy with hydro-dipping in the long run if you intend to use the lights to see with (if you want to park the car in a museum then maybe).

Charlie Stephens

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker

Y'know, a set of woodgrain headlight buckets might look pretty good. Certainly a conversation piece! "Fine Point Judging not included."

Ooooh wood grain cowl band!

[diomed]

Adding to your point, the awesome Bratton's reflectors are $90. That is so cheap that I can't imagine anyone could think there's a better solution. The guys at Bratton's must see posts like this and wonder "Why even bother??"

https://www.brattons.com/newly-re-to...eflectors.html

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

I would get the reproductions from Bratton's. Search the archives and you will see that their new reflectors are the correct shape and the plating they use is better than silver in the long run. This is not a place to cut corners. I don't think you would be happy with hydro-dipping in the long run if you intend to use the lights to see with (if you want to park the car in a museum then maybe).

Charlie Stephens

[redmodelt]

Chrome is illegal to use as reflector plating in head lights. The only reason they get away with selling it because most people do not use their head lights for driving.