Headlight Reflector Deterioration

[timpascoe]

Yesterday I failed an MOT as one of my headlights was not bright enough due to the inner reflector having lost all of its chrome reflecting surface.
It is worth knowing that on removing the headlight from the vehicle- 3 bolts and two multi connectors (take off the grill - 4 bolts and central clip accessible from inside), it was easy to separate the lens from the plastic body by running a Stanley knife around the joint and then gently and carefully prising the two sections apart. (I did not need to bake the unit to soften the glue as is suggested in several internet clips).

I then cleaned and sprayed the inner reflector with chrome acrylic paint- three coats and this now has the appearance of a new light.
 
Tim

[Sol]

Nice tip Tim! That will be useful to many of the folk here. Did you glue them shut again?

[timpascoe]

Nice tip Tim! That will be useful to many of the folk here. Did you glue them shut again?

Yes, I glued the lens back on with some appropriate mastic, used very sparingly, in case I need to get back in there at some stage.

[Gadgetman]

You know that most chrome paints doesn't have the required reflectivity, and that you'll be driving around with sub-standard lights?

If you absolutely have to do this, at least use Culture Hustle's 'Mirror', which is 'the world's mirroriest mirror chrome paint'

[timpascoe]

You know that most chrome paints doesn't have the required reflectivity, and that you'll be driving around with sub-standard lights?

If you absolutely have to do this, at least use Culture Hustle's 'Mirror', which is 'the world's mirroriest mirror chrome paint'

Thanks for indicating this Gadgetman. Can I ask what you might use to restore the reflector inside a headlight?

[Gadgetman]

I wouldn't bother. A new headlight isn't all that expensive.

[djewen]

Yesterday I failed an MOT as one of my headlights was not bright enough due to the inner reflector having lost all of its chrome reflecting surface.
It is worth knowing that on removing the headlight from the vehicle- 3 bolts and two multi connectors (take off the grill - 4 bolts and central clip accessible from inside), it was easy to separate the lens from the plastic body by running a Stanley knife around the joint and then gently and carefully prising the two sections apart. (I did not need to bake the unit to soften the glue as is suggested in several internet clips).

I then cleaned and sprayed the inner reflector with chrome acrylic paint- three coats and this now has the appearance of a new light.
 
Tim

Hi Tim,

Thanks for sharing this, can I ask, is your van a B9 and am I ready your post correctly by thinking you didn’t need to remove the front bumper?

TIA