How to polish reflectors?

[Rockne33DLXRoadster]

Finaly I found a nice set head lamps for the Rockne.

 

Will send them to chrome shop next week, will restore the inside of lamps also.

How to restore/ polish the reflectors? Looks like it silver plated?

Thank you

Joe

[Guest]

My reflectors were polished for 55 years with "talcum powder" before they needed re-silvering.  The silver plating company that re-plated them said any good silver polish was better (do not use silvo because it is too abrasive) and to remember to polish straight out from the center.  Don't polish in a circular motion they said because it will diffuse the reflected light.

With 50/32 candle power bulbs I have no trouble driving 50 mph at night and being able to stop within my headlight beam.

[rbk]

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/487296.html?1413892320

Edited July 30, 2017 by rbk (see edit history)

[ply33]

Apparently they used alcohol and lamp black in the old days. I have a quote from an old magazine about it on my headlight page.

[StillOutThere]

I agree on Uvira.   They've done two cars for me.   OUTSTANDING brilliant 6V headlights were the result !

 

[C Carl]

Yes , lampblack. I have been told this by 2 extremely experienced "old timers" , mid 80s & early 90s. One said use kerosene , the other turpentine. Use as per advice above. Gentle radial , rather than circular strokes. Do not become too aggressive , or you will diminish the reflectivity. Better to do not quite enough than just a little too much.  - Carl 

[Rockne33DLXRoadster]

i am always speachless about the know how here in Forum.

Thank you Gentlemen!

[Grimy]

OK, I'll bite:  Hardware stores seem not to carry lampblack any more, and it's a pain to make your own in suitable quantity.  Where can I get some?

[ply33]

1 hour ago, Grimy said:

OK, I'll bite:  Hardware stores seem not to carry lampblack any more, and it's a pain to make your own in suitable quantity.  Where can I get some?

 

Might try an artist's supply. I think some people still mix their own colors and I believe lampblack is one of the pigments they use.

[Grimy]

2 minutes ago, ply33 said:

Might try an artist's supply. I think some people still mix their own colors and I believe lampblack is one of the pigments they use.

Thank you, ply33!

[starlightcoupe]

Buy direct from the UK,

https://www.inoxia.co.uk/products/chemicals/elements/lampblack

Or order from the same supplier through Amazon,

https://www.amazon.com/Lampblack-Carbonblack-Soot-Pigment-500g/dp/B00B0D2SEC

[1934 commander]

okay   we got a smaller amount     what type of cloth   do we use   silk ? this could be messy    any more thoughts    

 

[Gary_Ash]

Try cotton balls.  They are very soft, won't scratch.  Don't use polyester puffs, too abrasive!  If the lampblack doesn't do it, try just a little Bon Ami ["Hasn't scratched yet!" is their motto] and water with a drop or two or dish washing detergent like Dawn.  Your grocery store may have some silver wipes which can remove tarnish using mild abrasive and a little chemistry, but keep that as a last resort, as you don't want to remove too much silver.  Rinse thoroughly in warm water and pat dry with a soft cotton dish towel.  Whatever you use, go slowly and gently, and quit when it's good enough, not perfect. 

[Marty Roth]

I had very good results with UVIRA

 

Link to UVIRA

https://industrynet.com/listing/1837323/uvira-inc

 

Google UVIRA: https://www.google.com/search?q=uvira+plating&rlz=1C1YBKB_enUS506US544&oq=Uvira&aqs=chrome.4.69i57j0l5.6395j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

Ford Barn Link about UVIRA

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22089

[C Carl]

Lampblack , of course is extremely fine carbon. A perfect abrasive for the task. Old soft rags made from well-worn pure cotton T-shirts sure make good polishing laps. Uvira is a permanent fix. Cleaning if ever needed should still be done gently. As Gary says , just a very small drop or two of dishwashing detergent in a small pan of water.   - Carl