Resilver headlight reflectors

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Joe KCMO

Why not buy new ones, they are not expensive?

Repops are cheap (poorly done) chrome plated.

[Robert Dip]

The only reflectors I appreciate & love are the silvered ones. Once in a while, I do get original silvered reflectors, and I handle them with TLC. I use a 'cotton' metal cleaner...I presently have a can of Mothers 'polish in a pad' cleaner...much like the old 'Neverdull', but much, much better. Yes this leaves your fingers very black, but it's a miracle product. Having said that, you have to be very careful as not to polish away the silver and expose the brass base. This type of cleaner seems to be no longer available from a search....in today's world, people only buy the 'quick clean & rinse' stuff....as if we know how this does not happen in our real world. There's another manufacturer that had a similar cotton pad cleaner with a pink color cotton, but the name escapes me.
On another note, I do not like having bright, chrome like look on headlights, even with the glass lens part. It looks to re-pro & phony ( my personal opinion ). The silver reflector is much like the nickel finish....a little yellow in it, and an original 'aged' glass lens does turn yellow over time due to sun and other elements...we all know that. This give the headlights character....like our 'Ole Fords' deserve. My cars have original reflectors and bulbs, and I find they are good for night driving....but then, I do not have a problem with my 'night vision'. My 2 cents....Robert

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Kube

Repops are cheap (poorly done) chrome plated.

Not all repops are cheap or chrome plated. Avoid the chrome plated ones at all costs they not only have the "chrome" look they don't reflect enough light. I think they may even be illegal in some states. Another problem with most repops is that they are the wrong shape and don't focus the light correctly even if they are silver plated. Try the ones from Bratton's. They use aluminum plating with a sealer (which although not quite as reflective as silver they will not tarnish). They are advertising they just redid all of their tooling to the correct shape. If these are not good they will really have a black eye over it. Bert's, (303) 293-3673, may have some replated (silver) originals available but be sure they are not replayed reproductions that are the wrong shape. If you have originals you can have them replated locally.

Charlie Stephens

[DavidG]

Charlie,

Judging from their online catalogue, Bratton's only offer Model A reflectors.

[Robert Dip]

I mentioned before on a cotton wadding metal polish, and it took a while, but I finally found it...because I need to get some of this miracle stuff. There is no abrasive substance, just a chemical withing the wadding. Mothers no longer have it, t I did remember the name - X-Treem - It's available at Amazon...$17.95 a jar. Similar is 'Wizzard'....sold by the motorcycle guys....same pink stuff...just a different label. Once you use it...can't live without it. Happy polishing....Robert

[Turdytoo]

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I had a pair done years ago by a guy that made artificial limbs and prostheses. I don't know why he needed the ability to silver them but he did.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Charlie,

Judging from their online catalogue, Bratton's only offer Model A reflectors.

You are 100% right Dave, as usual. I lost track of what forum I was on.

Charlie Stephens