Headlight Refurbs

[element]

My main headlights are suffering from corrosion:



I know there are adverts in the classic car magazines and bike mags for re-chroming - but I wonder if this is too far gone for a re-plating? The rust has eaten into the bowls and although I don't think it is all the way through, its certainly deep and not just surface blemishes... The other option is just replace the bowl & front ring - or the whole light assembly.

What have you done - and or what would you do? I'm not in a hurry and have a few months to go through the list of works...

[dcunn]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

I would replace with new chrome or s/steel units, but do go for the more expensive ones....I have 3 yr old "Chinese" cheaper ones on the Hunter and whilst not as bad as your pics they are getting that way !

PM sent to you about something else
Rgds DC

[davidmartin720]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

I asked the price for re-chroming my headlamps at the Shepton Mallet Show last November and was quoted around £50 for the bowls and the rims were extra, also a 6 week turn-around. This was from two local firms. Buy new good quality ones. David.

[stevejgreen]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

Re chrome only worthwhile if the substrate is in good condition. In my motorcycle days I used to get stuff rechromed for free at a local plater whose apprentice went to the same college as me. They were always put through as test pieces. It's surprising how much stuff he got through, most of us college apprentices had either chrome or stainless parts courtesy of my bosses.

[element]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

Ok, I thought as much - I'll probably go for stainless new - but are there such parts readily available or would I have to visit a classic car show and hunt around the tables?

[stevejgreen]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

A starting point might be

http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/

but there are several others.

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

You may wish to sit down when you see price!!!

[wiggiesworld]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

I have dealt with Holden before, not cheap but as ever you get what you pay for. I'd definitely shop there again, currently looking for more period round mirrors for my Cabrio.

http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproducts.asp?sg=1&pgCode=010&sgName=Electrical&pgName=Lighting&agCode=0010&agName=Headlamp+%2D+Freestanding

[andyf]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

I would upgrade to led lights they are really effective

[Mike]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

If you do go for new headlights, give a thought to the type of bulbs you wish to use.

I enquired about the possibility of fitting LED bulbs into my SVC chrome headlights. The assistant there very politely suggested it would not be a good idea, as the lenses are designed to project light from a conventional bulb, not from an LED which throws a very different beam.
He suggested looking for headlights designed from the outset for LED.

I have no idea whether these are available, (my headlights are in very good condition and I could not justify a new set!), but given you will be buying new, it could be worth consideration.

[Mike]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

I would upgrade to led lights they are really effective

Andy
Did you buy new cases, or have you fitted LED bulbs into an old lense/case?
(see my previous comment)

[scott h]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

The chrome headlights on my Berli were very rusty, mind you they are over 20 years old. I recently bought stainless ones from S-V-C.

[peterboat]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

Hi Mike I fitted quality LED bulbs in Hunter {£50.00] and yes they have made a difference a very defined pattern now and much brighter on dip and mainbeam dont think I would go back

[Alan B Gloucester]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

Same problem on my Berli , last year at Stoneleigh i bought two new headlamps but was still unable to get the (rusty chrome rims that retain them,unless I bought the complete shells), so all singing and dancing Sat in rusty trims, bummer. Any ideas if they alone are available to acquire somewhere.??????

[Peterx]

Re: Headlight Refurbs

I fitted quality LED bulbs in Hunter {£50.00] and yes they have made a difference a very defined pattern now and much brighter on dip and mainbeam dont think I would go back

You may wish to check yourself but, I've read that fitting LED headlamp bulbs in existing headlamps is not legal in the UK.