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Author Topic: Headlight reflector  (Read 896 times)

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al brown

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Headlight reflector
« on: 17 January 2010, 02:35:22 »

After seeing that my lights are not as bright as they were I bought new bulbs, which helped but they still seemed a bit dull. Turns out the reflector inside the lens (silver bit that reflects the light forward) has gone black. Is it possible to paint it again as it wont clean off. If so what with please.
Al
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Bionic

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Re: Headlight reflector
« Reply #1 on: 17 January 2010, 06:43:32 »

Firtsly it is extremely difficult to seperate the lens from the lamp unit without damage.
Sorry but they cannot be painted either. I have tried using the Chrome effect paint aerosols before and it was useless, and it still failed the mot on intensity on the one that I had done. Cost me a new unit as well cos I broke one of the old ones getting the lens off to get to the reflector.
I even priced what it would be to have them re-plated and it was more than new headlamp units would be.
Your best bet would be to either buy new or from a scrappy.
It is moisture that causes the silver effect to go black. Make sure that the drain holes are clear in the lamp unit and that the rubber caps are on the back of them too.
GudLuk
« Last Edit: 17 January 2010, 06:46:20 by its.ray »
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pedroMV6

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Re: Headlight reflector
« Reply #2 on: 17 January 2010, 08:49:30 »

I've seen reflectors on ebay - for which type of headlight I know not - but it would appear that they are available. :y
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Welung666

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Re: Headlight reflector
« Reply #3 on: 17 January 2010, 08:49:50 »

Get to your local craft shop and ask for a 2 foot square sheet of mirror film, that's enough to do both headlights. The lenses are easier to split if you warm them first, say with a hairdryer. You need to remove all the old chrome first though as the film will just peel off with the remaining chrome. With patience you can do both headlights in a day but be VERY careful of the adjuster, they can be very brittle!
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Bionic

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Re: Headlight reflector
« Reply #4 on: 17 January 2010, 09:15:06 »

Careful, the reason I did not mention the mirror film technique is because the adjuster is so brittle and so very easily damaged. If it is then it will cost a new unit anyway.
Heat is not guaranteed to seperate the lens either, mine still broke even using heat and I tried all sorts of solvents too. Yes, before anyone asks, I only used very gentle pressure too with a nylon trim removal tool. Age does tend to make any plastic type components brittle anyway, even the supposed UV light tolerant ones.
Trying a breaker may be your best bet - South West Vauxhall Spares are very good and cheap too. I usually get the parts I have paid for the next day without fail. He is on Ebay too. I use him loads. hear is his number;
(Dave Marshall 07932 075035)
and Ebay shop;
http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/South-West-Vauxhall-Spares__W0QQ_armrsZ1
GudLuk
« Last Edit: 17 January 2010, 09:22:03 by its.ray »
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al brown

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Re: Headlight reflector
« Reply #5 on: 17 January 2010, 11:35:53 »

Many thanks for the replies. I have the lights apart already, with no broken bits. May have a look for new reflectors then.
Cheers,   Al
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