Body/Trim: How do I resilver the headlight reflectors?

[Alec Dawe]

If you get the dreaded nut and stud turning syndrome, then the nuts can be cut off using a dremel (or similar type) small hobby tool with a little disc cutter on it (I had to do this with mine). Once the headlights are out, then new bolts can be araldited into place in the 'sockets', and use lots of copperslip or similar on the bolts when reassembling.
The 'old' reflectors can be brought up pretty good with the shiny metallic silver spray paint (plasticote) available from B & Q and the like . I KNOW that people will say this won't pass an MOT, but mine did with no problem at all, not even a comment, and the light output was so much better.
When you have the lights out, talk the lenses off, and give them a good clean up with hot water and a decent detergent, using a toothbrush on the 'insides' surface, you'll be amazed at the krud that comes off.

[Checkpoint Charlie]

When changing the reflectors recently, whilst SWMBO was not looking I popped the glass fronts in the dishwasher which made a lovely job of them. Dishwashers are great for cleaning car parts just don't get caught!
Regards,
Checkpoint Charlie

[stormbird]

Originally Posted by Alec Dawe

The 'old' reflectors can be brought up pretty good with the shiny metallic silver spray paint (plasticote) available from B & Q and the like . I KNOW that people will say this won't pass an MOT, but mine did with no problem at all, not even a comment, and the light output was so much better.

Alec

Just found this life saver of a thread , been and looked in B&Q and there are 4 different plasticote silvers , do you remember iwhich one it was ?
1) small enamel silver gloss
2) larger version of silver gloss
3) a silver metalic
4) and one where the lid looks chromium plated ?

regards Paul

[240]

painting them is no good at all it is a very very short term fix and will not give you a good shine on the headlights it wont withstand the heat from the bulbs and will look nasty in a short while, i know as i tried!!! the only fix is to buy replacement reflectors they are not that expensive considering.

[honestjoe]

Hi all..I had the same problem..they never failed the mot but felt that night time winter driving..(in the countryside) was a little lampy at times..Bit the bullet and bought new reflectors..The job is by no means straight forward and there"s always one bolt that fights you to the bitter end..but glad i did it..I suppose what i"m really trying to say is..if you get this far with taking your headlamps apart you may as well make a job of it and do it so it lasts..hj.

[britishmade1975]

better off buying new it will work out expensive in the long run

[the alarming man]

i changed mine..think they were £20 each and i have got to say had no probs at all....but i did soak all the nuts and bolts in WD-40 over night