Headlamp reflectors

[Dalamar]

Thought I'd share my headlamp restoration pictures. After deciding to get the originals refurbished after an MOT advisory I went with Silchrome in Leeds and they did a great job for £150+VAT. I could have gone for new LHD reflectors and re-drilled them but wanted to keep the original ones. A bit silly in some respects but I decided on the refurbishment route.

Before:



After:



Apparently, it's a silver electroplate they do and not chrome as I thought. The new reflectors have a slight yellow tinge as compared to chrome but the plating must be quite tough and thick as with all the manoeuvring I did to get them back in there were no scratches on the sides when I'd finished. I was just careful to wear gloves to avoid fingerprints on the bowls.

I'd also found the previous owner of my car had used 100/80W off road headlights (illegal?) to get more brightness out of the worn reflectors which must have stressed the wiring a bit.

Anyway, just with standard Philips headlight bulbs the headlights are now spot on. Another job done!

[Dalamar]

dogbucket said:

they look a bit dull/matt or is that just the photo?

They aren't as shiny as compared to a modern chrome type. I was a bit surprised at that but they do the trick. I also sent pictures to Silchrome beforehand to get an accurate quote so the prices must have gone up over the years.

So long as the plating is thick and it last and lasts then I'm happy.