Rechroming of headlamp bezels???

[jenksndubs]

Hi folks,

I was wondering if anyone can help me on a problem we have with a 'classic' coach we have that needs to go through the tough VOSA mot!

Both headlamps ( which I think are from an old Toyota Crown? ) bezels have rusted and the chrome is not as effective so it may look like it will fail on its headlamps.

Obviously purchasing replacement headlamps is going to be an issue, (the coach itself is an 1986 Volvo Caetano Algarve) so has anyone been in a similar situation of removing rust/worn chrome and managed to re chrome the bezel itself?

Please see pictures attached:

Drivers side:


Side light part is rusty and main driving light has a red rust around the bezel.

Passenger side

Not as bad here but side light needs attention.

Thanks in advance!

[droopsnoot]

I've had similar issues with the headlamps on my Firenza - also used on one type of Renault Alpine (or Alpine Renault, I'm never sure), early Peugeot 504 coupe/cabriolet and almost nothing else. I stripped and gently blasted the reflectors and sent them off to Dual Metallising in the Midlands (Bromsgrove, I think) and they came back lovely and shiny. Obviously the highly polished coat shows up any imperfections, so if they're pitted you might need to get that repaired, or they might be able to help on that too.

I must say one of mine has started showing signs of more rust at the edge, probably already in the metal as they are about 35 years old, so you might want to look around for something with a similar-shaped reflector that you can get new. I can't tell the size of those lamps so it's impossible to suggest anything.

[droopsnoot]

Also note, very few headlamps are actually chromed, it's usually a molten aluminium surface used on the reflector.

[john2443]

I've had some of mine done although I think the guy who did it has now given up? Keith Ardley.

Resilvering is the term you are looking for, Google for people who can do it.

[tog]

john2443 said:

Resilvering is the term you are looking for, Google for people who can do it.

And those are reflectors, not bezels.

[droopsnoot]

I know someone who has used Keith quite recently for some lamps, I think he's semi-retired rather than totally, though "recently" in this case could be 2-3 years ago.

[lowdrag]

Went through the same problem last year with a friend's car, an Audi GT 1986. Failed the MOT on rusty reflectors and no new or second hand headlamp units were available. We bought a chrome rattle can, cleaned up the reflectors carefully and then sprayed. Nice shiny MOT was forthcoming! Only cost £10 too.

[Astacus]

I'd go along with Lowdrag. I know that Frosts do a suitable spray can. I would also dip the reflector in an acid derusting solution like "DeOx C" form Bilt Hamber, This will probably strip the remaining chrome, but will kill the rust dead and stop it coming straight back through the "chrome paint"

[droopsnoot]

I tried a variety of so-called "chrome-effect" paints but wasn't really happy with the reflective-ness (sorry, not a word). I didn't get anywhere near this finish, though it might have been sufficient to get it through an MOT test:



Edited: Also meant to add that I didn't actually try the Frost/VHT product, those I tried were from Halfords, B&Q and one other I forget now.

How does the paint stand up to the prolonged heat it would get inside a headlamp?

Edited by droopsnoot on Wednesday 29th August 10:40

[jenksndubs]

Thanks for the input folks, unfortunately using frosts products (which I have used in the past and have found them to be of good quality ) is a bit of a risk for us as the PSV/HGV MOT's are very strict, I cant risk it failing on a headlight alignment so I have contacted Dual Metallising and I'm awaiting a quote. Shocked there isnt anyone more local to me in Edinburgh or Central Scotland though!