Headlight re-chroming

AC · 26-10-2006, 12:49 PM

When you car is almost or has started to push 30years you some little problems.

One i have at the moment is one of my headlights leaked and the inside has flaked and rusted inside, quite quickly infact.
So i can get a second hand one or maybe get re-chromed

Anyone know if headlights can be re-chromed... ?

I heard no one will do it, apparently some chemical thing happens and cyanide reaction results from the process. Not sure if theres any truth or fact to it.

BJ · 26-10-2006, 01:01 PM

Sorry to say but nop no one will do it. I tried for nearly 2 years to find some one to do the one's i have on the XC. Keep checking e-bay new one do turn up.

GTjake · 26-10-2006, 01:03 PM

They just have to strip it. Normally by sand / media blasting and re-polish before plating.

The electrolyte solution used for chroming has a cyanide compound in it.

EDIT: Sorry. My bad. I thought you meant the outside, not the glass.
NFI about that. D'oh!

Orbit · 26-10-2006, 01:15 PM

most reflectors that age are coated using a process Vapor Deposition (usually Aluminium)...your looking at ATLEAST $200USD per reflector to get them repaired, Plus postage to the states as there are no companys i'm aware of that do it in Australia.
Also depending on what material the reflector "housing" is it self and the condidition of it the process might not be suitable at any rate.

Your best option by far is to get replacements.

ORB>

joshf2 · 26-10-2006, 05:38 PM

let me see what we can custom do for you in the lab

Orbit · 26-10-2006, 08:07 PM

What lab do you work in?
post up or PM me if you can do it!
i might have some work to send you way!

rushing on acid · 26-10-2006, 10:51 PM

i had the reflectors for my spotties re chromed by a mate that used to work in lockwood 3 years ago. if he was still there no worries mate!

BJ · 26-10-2006, 10:56 PM

The problem he will have is that you cant separate the glass from the reflector on the square lamp's on the XC, believe me i tried. bj

rushing on acid · 26-10-2006, 11:44 PM

ok
i didnt know
i thought they had clips or were glued to the backing

AC · 27-10-2006, 12:50 PM

Im not really sure how the glass sits into the glass though...

But i did manage to find a guy who will rechrome the lamp, so long as i pull appart the light.
From what BJ said, ill probly not have much luck... :rolleyes:

The Dok · 27-10-2006, 02:06 PM

You can actually separate the glass on the XC (carefully), given their age the polyerethene sealer will have deteriorated immensely so the separation is actually quite simple. Using a bladed knife, retractable snap-bladed ones work best (headlight removed from vehicle obviously lol), score all around the edge of the sealer closest to the headlight base, after going around a few times you will find somewhere along the line you will have peneterated through the sealer, keep at it until the lens starts to separate from the base, (you can use a little prying if necessary). It's quite simple, I've done it many times (for desperate owners but wont do it anymore). Have the reflectors re-metalised (preperation & process is another story), then to re-attach/re-seal the glass, use either "Sikaflex" (too dear IMO) or my preference is "Bostik Gold Flex" in grey, available from Bunnings @$10. Hope this helps?? :the_finge

joshf2 · 27-10-2006, 07:56 PM

we could probably do it, but it'd be exxy as anything, most of the stuff we use are ultrapure