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02-11-2019, 10:44 AM | #1 |
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head light bucket - reflectors
I have inherited a pair of headlilght buckets. Looks new. The reflectors also look new and are very shiny. How do I tell if the reflectors are chrome or the good silver (aluminized) ? kenp
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02-11-2019, 11:30 AM | #2 |
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
Good chance if they were not replaced in maybe the last 4 or so years they are chrome. Chrome might have a blue tint to it, aluminized might be more on the warm scale.
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02-11-2019, 12:43 PM | #3 |
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
The aluminized one from Bratton's has the word 'top' stamped on it.
https://www.brattons.com/newly-re-to...eflectors.html If you measure from the throat of the socket sleeve to where it touches the rim and there is a difference of about 1/8" between top and bottom, it is either original Twolite or aluminized repro. I don't think any of the chrome ones had the 1/16" offset. On the other hand, there may be aluminized reflectors without this offset; the other vendors don't mention it. These would be appropriate for the earlier H-type lamps. |
02-11-2019, 06:51 PM | #4 |
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
If I may ask - what were the original reflectors made out of, the base material, not the reflective coating?
I took one of my headlights apart, and the reflector feels like it is plastic. In addition, the reflective coating isn't very reflective, so I'll probably be replacing them. Sorry for the sidetrack.... |
02-11-2019, 06:59 PM | #5 |
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
90% sure brass
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02-11-2019, 07:12 PM | #6 |
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
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Thanks for the replies, guys. Now for a followup. The reflectors I was refering to do have a very faint blue tint to them, thus I am going to suspect they are chrome. These were bought by the previous owner and have beeen wrapped in the original shipping newspaper since 1988. A lot of his stuff from 1985 to 1988 was supplied by Brattons. Their base material is brass. I have two other sets of original reflectors. One set is one light and the second set have two light bulbs. All four reflectors are base material of brass, but all the original silver plating is long gone. Having a hard time measuring any of them accurately, so not sure about the 1/16" offset |
02-11-2019, 07:39 PM | #7 |
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
Your chrome reflectors can be recoated with aluminum by UVIRA, look them up. The original reflecting coating was silver.
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02-11-2019, 09:05 PM | #8 | |
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
Quote:
Charlie Stephens |
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02-12-2019, 10:30 AM | #9 | ||
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
Quote:
Tap the back of the reflector - "tink-tink" is metal, "tunk-tunk" is plastic. You can also scrape the outer edge with a knife. The best (and cheapest) silver polish is vinegar and salt. Cleans it right up. Also works for other metals. Quote:
The offset (for Twolite) isn't absolutely necessary, but keeps the beam height from creeping up and down while focusing. |
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02-12-2019, 10:39 AM | #10 |
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
Somewhere here on this board are comparison pix of original reflectors and the then available reproduction reflectors. IIRC the originals are "deeper" and the difference can be measured.
I'm not finding the comparison pix - but Vince Falter has the reflector original print on his site. See http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/Aheadlampreflectors.htm Joe K
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02-12-2019, 05:36 PM | #11 | |
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
Quote:
https://modelastore.com/head-lights?product_id=4271 |
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02-13-2019, 06:32 PM | #12 |
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Re: head light bucket - reflectors
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