Painting reflectors
- Thread starter 1930artdeco
- Start date
Dobie Gillis
Well-known member
I pained mine with chrome silver rattle can paint. Works great.
50fordcoupeman
Well-known member
I too use gloss white.
Daves55Sedan
Well-known member
The only reflector I ever had to paint was the '55 Ford round front parking light reflectors. They were factory painted with the same Argent Silver that is used on the front splash pan and oil-bath air cleaner housing. I just duplicated what they did.
My guess would be that the bulb would reflect a little better if they had been painted white, but who cares. It's not shining a path in the foggy darkness. It's only function is to let oncoming drivers know they are there.
On '50's Fords, the taillight housings are chrome-plated, so that takes care of that, and these have sealed beam headlights where the reflector is an integral part of the lamp.
My guess would be that the bulb would reflect a little better if they had been painted white, but who cares. It's not shining a path in the foggy darkness. It's only function is to let oncoming drivers know they are there.
On '50's Fords, the taillight housings are chrome-plated, so that takes care of that, and these have sealed beam headlights where the reflector is an integral part of the lamp.
Daves55Sedan
Well-known member
That is actually a great and economical way to renew an old set of reflectors, particularly if the reflector is completely sealed with a gasket and plastic lens (as is the case with most '50's Ford front parking lights.
Cheap brand X silver spray cans applied to metal and left exposed to the elements would make you regret your selection because the silver wears off quickly and even worse if the surface is washed. But once the metal is sealed in by the lens, it should retain it's beauty almost indefinitely.
I would have chosen to do the same had I not had plenty of Ford Argent Silver left from painting my front splash pan and oil-bath air-cleaner housing. Still have one full spray can leftover. It's one tough paint and keeps it's shiny sheen as good as clearcoat.
