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Topic: Metal headlight reflectors (Read 3284 times) previous topic - next topic

Metal headlight reflectors

I don't know what percentage of cars come with actual metal headlight reflectors instead of paint, but I'm curious if places would custom make a headlight housing out of something such as aluminum for a fair price. I have no idea what goes into making certain shapes with metal and how expensive it is. I figure this - something such as aluminum that doesn't rust should be long-lasting, be more reflective when polished than the "chrome paint" like current reflectors, and it'd allow brighter/hotter bulbs without melting the housing. It wouldn't cost too much to make, would it (one piece or having the joined edges blended well)?

My headlights still suck after making the lenses clear again and I used the two reflectors that have the most undamaged paint (had 2 sets). On empty/dark roads, they light up the road just fine, but if there's any streetlights or other cars, I don't see any of my own light. I'm still trying to figure out why a 2001 saturn and a 99 escort (which has horribly yellowed/clouded up lights) both light up the road so much more than my bird. I'm thinking about just pointing the headlights downward more and using the highbeams for now.

In front of a garage, they light up the garage and surroundings extremely well, yet on the open road, they're...well  :barf: Yes, they're adjusted properly right now. Being that its getting dark extremely early now (with the time change), I figure its time to get back to improving night safety.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #1 –
i'd also be interested if somebody could make lenses out of glass for us, that would forever remove the yellowing...

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #2 –
i know what you mean...my mom's Sonata low beams are far more effective (with yellowing) than my high beams are. Hack!!! her high beams are too much. They make the road all white and stuff. Hurts my eyes.

lol. i was passing some car with Xenon lights and all i could see was the shadow of my car in front of me. lmao. i accidentally rode around all night with my high beams on and didn't get flashed...not once.

i was hoping the 87-88 front comversion would help out some, but from what you say it doesn't appear to. *sigh*
2005 Subaru WRX STi|daily driver

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #3 –
Nah, you don't want 87-88 lights.  They turn yellow like mad.

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #4 –
what about aluminizing the entire reflector, minus the bottom side to prevent the light from straying upwards? I don't know what type of place would do this type of thing though. The yellow pages are pretty useless

I'm trying just a metallic (krylon "chrome") spray and want to see if i can polish the flakes up enough to give a decent reflection. It should be possible byt from what I've read for months, its impossible to get a semi-mirror finish from off the shelf spraycans.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #5 –
I have this chrome rocker panel trim tape that I am going to try out.  Only thing is, I don't know how long it will stay chrome and if it will melt from the heat.  I'm going to try it anyway.

I sprayed Dupli-Color's chrome on my tail lights and it sure as hell didn't turn out like the cap.  I emailed Dupli-Color and their reply is below my question:

To:        duplicolor@sherwin.com
Subject:        Duplicolor Web Info Request

How can I get the chrome paint, CS101, to come out like the chrome-colored cap on the can?  All I get is an aluminum-color.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Karl M.

----- Original Message -----
From: Duplicolor@sherwin.com
To: Karl
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2004 10:10 AM
Subject: Re: Duplicolor Web Info Request

SUBJECT:  Instant Chrome

While the Dupli-Color Instant Chrome is similar to OEM chrome, it is not exact.  The caps used on the Dupli-Color Instant Chrome are produced through a vacuum metalized system.  The paint inside the aerosol cans is made to approximate this color.  Unfortunately we are not able to match these colors exactly.  The Dupli-Color Instant Chrome is the closest color we offer to a "true chrome" color.  Believe me, we have been trying to emulate the vacuum metalized and mold injected plastic appearance in a paint formula for some time now.  On the flip side, regardless of the manufacturer, a true chrome color is very difficult to emulate in an aerosol paint coating.  Unless the manufacturer is using some type of liquid metal, they will come no closer than the Dupli-Color Instant Chrome.

Depending upon the surface you are coating, you may want to consider using the Dupli-Color Metal Flake Paint - Silver CC 1606 or Heavy Duty Wheel Coating - Silver WP 101 in place of the Krylon Metallic Silver.  These coatings are much more durable and have a higher gloss level. 

Sincerely,
Dupli-Color Technical Service
"lol.. because not too many people care for that style of car"
[size=-2]Click on paw print \/[/size]

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #6 –
Alsa's Mirra Chrome is the only thing that supposedly works really well. The downside is that its $15-20 per ounce and has to be airbrushed on.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #7 –
Wonder how alum foil would work?

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #8 –
People have used foil with good results but I don't know how well the stuff holds up to heat. It doesn't get too bad in ovens so it should work fine in headlights. The important thing is in getting it flat and somehow getting it to stick to the plastic. I guess I could test the stuff out with one of my spare headlights but I'd need ideas on what to make it stick with

Its also extremeley thin making polishing near impossible (which would help a LOT)
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #9 –
how about getting a piece of thin sheat metal bending it to shape, then chromeing it? even take one step further, bend up a houseing, put a lip around it and some clips or somthing, then get a glass person to  make a smooth glass lense. maybe use what coug2 go has for reflectors and just go glass lense???

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #10 –
I know the problem with sheet metal is that the reflectors bend both horizontally and vertically - good luck getting a piece of metal to do that (I tried with some I had laying around. I think it was 1/32")
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #11 –
the problem with a smooth glass lense is that the light would not reflect to the sides at all, plus they would not pass gov. regulations

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #12 –
hm.... i say we beat up cougars 2 go and take his lights, then mass produce them :) lol

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Manson
hm.... i say we beat up cougars 2 go and take his lights, then mass produce them :) lol


I second this
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Re: Metal headlight reflectors

Reply #14 –
Count me in.