Jack Worstell Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 We need to clean up and brighten the headlight reflectors on our 1937 Special. What is a good polish to use for this ? Jack Worstell jlwmaster@aol.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ply33 Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 One of the old (1930 era) automotive trade magazines talks about using lampblack. I excerpted a bit from that article as a block quote on my page about headlights at http://www.ply33.com/Repair/lights Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCHinson Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 If they don't polish up well enough, look for an article in the next issue of the Torque Tube II on converting to sealed beam bulbs hidden behind the original headlight lenses. I think you might enjoy it. It gives you better illumination but keeps the original look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
27donb Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 (edited) Are they silvered? Silver polish? That's all I used on my 24-45. They were discolored enough to actually look 2 different colors with the lenses installed. Silver polish cleaned them right up! Edited August 5, 2016 by 27donb (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLYER15015 Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 Best polish I have ever found is "Semichrome". Works on chrome, nickel, and aluminum. Wife uses it on her silver plated tea pot too. Looks pink and comes in a tube. I get it at the local bike shop. Mike in Colorado Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Carl Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 Simichrome is great for chrome. I have been advised against it for routine polishing of nickel. A top end restorer told me it is acidic , hard on nickel. Old timers (plural) have recommended lampblack and kerosene or turpentine. Wipe radially as per ply33's excellent referenced article. As implied , you want to be very gentle , as the silver is very thin. - Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeke01 Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 I had mine re-coated by Uvira several years ago. The result was fantastic. Google them. Zeke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Worstell Posted August 6, 2016 Author Share Posted August 6, 2016 Thanks everyone. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 3 hours ago, 27donb said: Are they silvered? Silver polish? That's all I used on my 24-45. They were discolored enough to actually look 2 different colors with the lenses installed. Silver polish cleaned them right up! My truck lights looked like this and I used silver polish and they cleaned up great also. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 Just be sure to use a soft cloth rag to polish reflectors. Paper towels are too abrasive and can wear through the plating. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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