Identify original headlight reflectors?

J

jimmyz80

Junior Member
What's an easy way to tell whether I have original reflectors, or repros? I'm guessing they are original, since the finish is very poor, and there is some sort of reflective plastic insert that is sitting in front of them. Was it common during 1970s restorations to put some sort of reflective insert into the headlights, instead of re-silvering?

The reason I ask, is I'd like to get the reflectors re-silvered, but only if they are original.
 
On the originals I've seen, the silvering is in very poor shape and you can see the brass coming through. Also some that I've seen on the outer lip where the cork gasket sits, I've seen a ford script but very light. I met a guy at last Hershey who does the silvering for $60 a set if your interested. Beautiful work
 
Hmm I'll pop them out tomorrow and see if I can make out a Ford script anywhere. As far as the cork gaskets go, does anyone sell replacements? I took a quick look around online and didn't turn up anything, but I may have been searching for the wrong words.

I'm thinking I may go the nickel, then Uvira/Aluminum route.
 
jimmyz80 said:
Hmm I'll pop them out tomorrow and see if I can make out a Ford script anywhere. As far as the cork gaskets go, does anyone sell replacements? I took a quick look around online and didn't turn up anything, but I may have been searching for the wrong words.

I'm thinking I may go the nickel, then Uvira/Aluminum route.
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Try Brattons or any other Model A/AA Ford parts house...see STICKY above for information.

Pluck
 
I think i have a pair of originals. On the rim where the gasket goes, there is a marking saying "Ford Two-lite"

See also other posts on re-silvering.
 
I have four reflectors that appear to have the right amount of patina but I am trying to tell if they are original. I can't find a script on any of them, did all of the originals have script. Two have notches at 12 and 6 oclock and two do not. Are the ones without the notches aftermarket? I keep hearing bad things about the shape of many of the current repros, did the replacement parts from the '30's and '40's have problem?

Charlie Stephens
 

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Steve Plucker said:
Try Brattons or any other Model A/AA Ford parts house...see STICKY above for information.

Pluck
Click to expand...

Tried... I can't find any gasket that looks like it's meant for this position in the headlight. The stickies in this forum don't help either, since they are just links to parts houses and plating companies. I already have all of that info. What I don't have, is the knowledge of how to tell an original from a repro.
 
My guess is if they had been silvered they were probably "orginals" NOS or NORS. The repros you get now are chrome plated.

Have a look at Marco's site. http://abarnyard.com/workshop/lamp_focus-2.htm to see the difference between the originals and the repops.


The part number for the gaskets at Brattons is: Part #18120.

HEADLIGHT LENS GASKETFor Year(s): 28-34

Rubberized CORK.
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Part #18120 HEADLIGHT LENS GASKET $ 3.25
 
Arlen said:
On the originals I've seen, the silvering is in very poor shape and you can see the brass coming through. Also some that I've seen on the outer lip where the cork gasket sits, I've seen a ford script but very light. I met a guy at last Hershey who does the silvering for $60 a set if your interested. Beautiful work
Click to expand...

I would like that info on the plater if you don't mind. You can PM me if you don't want to post it.
 
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