36 head light reflectors
- Thread starter 36 CS
- Start date
Bursonaw
Senior Member
I have the Vintique reflectors with halogen bulbs in my 36 roadster. They work very well. A big improvement to the originals. The lenses defuse the light as you expect on low beams. On High beams the beam could be a little better, but certainly is acceptable.
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Kurt in NJ
Well-known member
Most aftermarket reflectors are not made the correct shape to have good focused light
the original reflectors were silver placed on the brass, i suspect the "gold" color is because all the silver is gone, yes they can be re silver plated
the ones on my model a were done by a place that re did the silver plating on teapots
chrome is not good for reflectors, look on the model A side, there is a listing in the first post listing websites at the top
the original reflectors were silver placed on the brass, i suspect the "gold" color is because all the silver is gone, yes they can be re silver plated
the ones on my model a were done by a place that re did the silver plating on teapots
chrome is not good for reflectors, look on the model A side, there is a listing in the first post listing websites at the top
TerryOH
Well-known member
I purchased the 34 Dlx. reflectors from Vintique at Mac's. The outer lip was too tall this prevented the reflector gasket from even touching the glass lens, plus additional alignment problems. I brought this to the attention of Vintique they asked ME to contact their Rep. and let him know. I did so but never heard a reply. All this gave me the impression Vintique could care less. They should have contacted their own Rep. Mac's took the reflectors back for credit.
J Witt
Well-known member
The visible light reflectivity of silver is way better than chrome. Chrome is roughly 50% reflective in the middle of the visible light wavelengths, while silver is as much as 88%.
There being no free lunches, silver will tarnish faster and is much softer than chrome. My car has silver and the original reflectors, which are in very good shape and the headlights work fairly well (standard bulbs, 6V).
However since the system is positive ground the headlights collect photons instead of emitting them, which makes driving in the daytime harder.
John
There being no free lunches, silver will tarnish faster and is much softer than chrome. My car has silver and the original reflectors, which are in very good shape and the headlights work fairly well (standard bulbs, 6V).
However since the system is positive ground the headlights collect photons instead of emitting them, which makes driving in the daytime harder.
John
Detonator
Senior Member
Kurt in NJ
Well-known member
from the old "Gus" mechanic storys on popular mechanics
"You're not supposed to touch them with your fingers," agreed Gus. "But that doesn't stop you from using a piece of cotton or a soft cloth. A trick that I find works well to dip an old handkerchief in alcohol and then in lamp black. The combination makes a swell cleaner and polish. Don't rub the reflectors too hard, just enough to bring back some of the original silver finish. Of course, if they're too far gone, you can have them re-silvered in almost any large city.
rubber gaskets can cause tarnishing of silver too
"You're not supposed to touch them with your fingers," agreed Gus. "But that doesn't stop you from using a piece of cotton or a soft cloth. A trick that I find works well to dip an old handkerchief in alcohol and then in lamp black. The combination makes a swell cleaner and polish. Don't rub the reflectors too hard, just enough to bring back some of the original silver finish. Of course, if they're too far gone, you can have them re-silvered in almost any large city.
rubber gaskets can cause tarnishing of silver too
Ken/Alabama
Well-known member
Find an old pair or NOS if you can . I found NOS pair for my 39 Zephyr (same as Ford) and the first step is to have them Nickle plated. I then sent them to a company in the northwest called Uvira Inc. they do optical coatings and do antique auto reflectors also. Their coating is as good or better than silver and way more durable. Got both reflectors done for less than $100. That's not including the cost to have them Nickle plated prior to sending them. They shine bright white and I'm very pleased with the results.
J Witt
Well-known member
I use Happich Semichrome on mine, applied and polished out with a very clean flannel rag and light pressure. Do a little at a time. This stuff contains diatomaceous earth which is an extremely mild abrasive and also has a chemical compound to neutralize the tarnish.
Been using this for polishing metal for maybe 40 years.
John
Capsacto
Member
Terry, are you running 6-volt or 12-volt headlights?