Polishing Headlight Reflectors With Simichrome

[carlhungness]

Just spent a few minutes on one of my LaSalle headlight reflectors using Simichrome try and bring back the gloss. I've used the product for decades on my motorcycles and it works a treat as our UK cousins say. The silver in many spots is literally gone and a re-silvering job is probably necessary, but thought some of you might like to see the difference.

[LaSalle5019]

I had the same issue on my reflectors. You end up with some polished brass spots between the silver. While not a perfect re-plating solution, I’ve used this product with some pretty good success.
Scott

https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Plating-Silverware-Medallion-Brand/dp/B002SHXJTM/ref=asc_df_B002SHXJTM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309760520871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=307687878868176484&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017120&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-571007501748&psc=1

[carlhungness]

       Seems like a pretty reasonable alternative. I think the Caswell solutions are around $60, and I've just read about a firm called UVIRA that will "re-silver" your newly nickel plated reflectors for around $75. I believe the process they use is about 80% as effective as real silver and it may be similar to what is used on many new cars.
      I sort of wish I hadn't seen the stuff for under $20, now I have to make another decision, but glad you pointed it out.

[carlhungness]

       Just spoke with Bill Atwood owner of a firm called UVIRA (uviraemail addresses not permitted) 541-474-5050 who was a laser specialist until he had a stroke and moved some equipment home. He has a process now used by the factories that applies "enhanced aluminum and silica" to our reflectors ($75 for a pair) that works as original. It doesn't tarnish, etc.
   He notes we do not want to use H-4 bulbs in the '37 style buckets. I've researched the fact and was afraid the filaments would either make the beam converge or diverge and it turns out I was correct. Bill tested the H-4 and they don't work. He suggests the halogens available from Restoration Supplies that fit our sockets. They are 40 watts and give out plenty of light.
   I just ordered an H-4 kit and will return it to Speedway motors.
   He also reams out the parking light hole to accept an H-1 bulb to be used for turn signals and or a parking light that is also ultra bright. He uses a resistor in the installation.
   Thus I initially ordered the halogens, cancelled the order, then ordered the H-4's that I'll now return. So I would have been correct with my first assessment: Getting the focal point correct is all important as I learned on my motorcycle installation years ago.

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

That is great to hear that the UVIRA is still in business.  This is the way to go.  First the stock bulb with this reflective material seems to be as good a headlight as a standard 6 volt sealed beam.  The finish will never tarnish.  Have used it on every car that was pre 1940.

[carlhungness]

       You can buy 6 or 12 volt halogen bulbs to fit the stock socket from Restoration Supply Company. I bought the 12 volt ones and am replacing the stock pilot light with an H-1 to use as a turn signal. It appears as though you have to remove the pilot light holder with a cut-off wheel, but I'm trying to file the plot to fit the H-1 first and will let you know of my progress. If filing doesn't work I can remove the ferrule shaped holder and I know the H-1 will then fit.