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01-25-2014, 10:47 PM | #1 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Lexington Kentucky
Posts: 38
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Restoring headlights
I am about to begin restoring the headlights on my 30 coupe. I have read posts recommending resilvering the original reflectors while I have been advised by others to use repros. I do plan to use halogen bulbs. Does a halogen bulb work OK with silvered reflectors? I'm wondering if the higher intensity beam or possibly higher heat could possibly cause the silver to discolor or prematurely tarnish or some other adverse effect. I have also been told that in order to achieve optimum light output I should use new repro lenses. I have seen many posts recommending the use of original parts where possible. I have a pair of original lenses that I was planning on using. I had never considered that they might not be suitable but will get new ones if needed to achieve better illumination. I would appreciate any comments on these questions as well as any other advice on headlight restoration.
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01-25-2014, 10:56 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 7,031
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Re: Restoring headlights
I would resilver the originals or get the reproductions from Bratton's, (301) 829-9880, and then run the "Brite" bulbs from Ron Francis, (800) 292-1940, wire-works.com that go right into the original sockets. Check the archives for comments on the new reflectors from Bratton's.
Charlie Stephens |
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01-26-2014, 03:17 AM | #3 |
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Re: Restoring headlights
Reflectors work best when the bulb can be focused. The reflectors were designed for a two filament bulb with one filament in the center and one off center on top.
Original reflectors can be silver plated or aluminum plated like modern telescopes. It is my understanding that halogen bulbs, while bright, do not have the filament in the right place for proper focus. So you end up with a bright flood light instead of a focused one.
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What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II |
01-26-2014, 07:47 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 564
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Re: Restoring headlights
How can I tell if my reflectors are original or repro?
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01-26-2014, 07:57 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 1,909
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Re: Restoring headlights
Send them off to Craig Riker to be re-silvered as was done originally. He did mine and I was very satisfied on quality, price and quick turn around.
[email protected] Craig Riker 419-290-4442 (Ohio)
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Dave / Lincoln Nebraska |
01-26-2014, 11:05 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: on the Littlefield
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Re: Restoring headlights
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01-26-2014, 01:31 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: tucson
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Re: Restoring headlights
Dave if you don't mind what is the cost of resilvering?
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01-26-2014, 05:36 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 1,909
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Re: Restoring headlights
He did mine in April of 2012 and the cost for two was $79.00 including postage back to me.
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Dave / Lincoln Nebraska |
01-26-2014, 06:22 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 559
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Re: Restoring headlights
Dave,
Thanks for posting the contact information for plating headlamp reflectors.
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01-26-2014, 11:40 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
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Re: Restoring headlights
I know of no reproduction reflectors that were silvered. i'ts a pretty sure bet that if it's silver it's original and chrome most likely reproduction.
I don't have access to by pictures to show a side by side comparison.
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What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II |
01-26-2014, 11:40 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Dallas
Posts: 524
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Re: Restoring headlights
I agree with using Riker. Does the best work way cheaper than anybody else.
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DMAFC |
01-26-2014, 11:48 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
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Re: Restoring headlights
I have read that neoprem rubber will tarnish the silver. Only use cork and no sealer.
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What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II |
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