Cleaning E-Type headlight surrounds

[Jukebag]

Hi just wondering if anyone knows of a good way of scrubbing and renewing E-Type S1 headlight bezel surrounds?. On the E-Type replica I have the pair of surrounds have become tatty and worn due to deteriation, with the chrome paint becoming flaky and the chrome shine gone. I'm not really certain if these surrounds are genuine E-Type headlight surrounds or just cheap versions. Whether they can be scrubbed down easily I don't know. I have a spare can of VHT (think that's the name) chrome spray lying around in the garage which may help in getting them back to gleaming condition.

I think getting a new pair from the usual Jag parts specialists is somewhat out of the question considering how much they cost (£180 for one?), and ebay ones are just as expensive.

Edited by Jukebag on Wednesday 9th May 21:06

[anonymous-user]

Can't you just get them rechromed ?

[Jukebag]

I'm looking at a cheaper, DIY method. I think sending them off to be rechromed by a pro chrome firm would likely be quite expensive.

[Yertis]

Jukebag said:

I'm looking at a cheaper, DIY method. I think sending them off to be rechromed by a pro chrome firm would likely be quite expensive.

It wouldn't be £360 expensive, and a lot better than using chrome paint which IME is nothing like chrome.

[The Surveyor]

As a cheap and cheerful option, rather than having them re-chromed you could have a go at wrapping them with a 'chrome' effect vinyl:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mirror-Chrome-Vinyl-Wra...

[2Btoo]

Yertis said:

It wouldn't be £360 expensive, and a lot better than using chrome paint which IME is nothing like chrome.

It has to be this. You don't want to spoil the headlight surrounds of even the ropiest E-Type rep with some nasty chrome paint!

Have the old chrome stripped off and some new stuff put on. It's a dead easy process and any plating place that knows what they are doing will be able to help you. Shouldn't cost much either.

[The Surveyor]

Or buy some more in better condition:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-E-type-series-on...

[lowdrag]

I think they must be cheap knock-offs for the replica. I've had mine for over 30 years and they have not dulled at all. And rather than rechrome I'd speak to Martin Robey. His price is £266 the pair but of course first check that they are the same as you have already.