phase3 headlights

[n0v0s]

I'm assuming that under the chrome, the reflectors are just black plastic...

How shit/stupid would it be to just dechrome the reflectors and leave the plastics 'natural' black finish? This is also assuming the chrome comes off easy so there isn't a need to really scrub/scratch the plastic finish..

Basically, got some crystals but the bulb cover on one was missing and it's dirty inside so hence the reason for wanting to split, masking is just a 'might as well' thing.. Cheers

[Connor]

Think about it... removing the reflective material from a headlight, I know people black mask them, but they dont paint the reflective part for a reason. If you removed all the reflective material, I bet there would be next to no light output

[mark_airey]

What? you mean like this


which is just the normal black mask, or do you mean the actual reflector behind the bulb, if you mean the reflector behind the bulb maybe think about it a bit and realise that your not going to be able to see anything at night really if you do that

There will be some light output from the bulb (the bits facing forward anyway) but all the other light will be lost making it really f*cking dark

[n0v0s]

no no, the usual outer chrome part, as in the picture! I got these so that i can upgrade from the candle like bullshit h4s so would be quite retarded to mask the inner chrome

What do we think? Its pissing me off really everytime i look at them as the o/s is yellowish compared to the clean n/s and so i'm gona cook them up in the oven to calm myself

So what do we reckon? Just try it anyway?


I am aware that the main reflective part is the inner chrome surround the bulbs - and that the outer chrome that is usually masked is just decorative. Is that right? So it has NO effect at all on light out? Cheers

[Connor]

Yes the outer part has no bearing on light output, might as well give it a try and see what happens, if it looks shit, then paint it

[mark_airey]

no no, the usual outer chrome part, as in the picture! I got these so that i can upgrade from the candle like bullshit h4s so would be quite retarded to mask the inner chrome

What do we think? Its pissing me off really everytime i look at them as the o/s is yellowish compared to the clean n/s and so i'm gona cook them up in the oven to calm myself

So what do we reckon? Just try it anyway?


I am aware that the main reflective part is the inner chrome surround the bulbs - and that the outer chrome that is usually masked is just decorative. Is that right? So it has NO effect at all on light out? Cheers

This is correct mate Although why remove the chrome?? just blitz it with sandpaper to key the surface and spray it black..............

[n0v0s]

no no, the usual outer chrome part, as in the picture! I got these so that i can upgrade from the candle like bullshit h4s so would be quite retarded to mask the inner chrome

What do we think? Its pissing me off really everytime i look at them as the o/s is yellowish compared to the clean n/s and so i'm gona cook them up in the oven to calm myself

So what do we reckon? Just try it anyway?


I am aware that the main reflective part is the inner chrome surround the bulbs - and that the outer chrome that is usually masked is just decorative. Is that right? So it has NO effect at all on light out? Cheers

This is correct mate Although why remove the chrome?? just blitz it with sandpaper to key the surface and spray it black..............

'Cos i'm a being a tit, is the honest answer.. Should really pay a visit to halfrauds but as i didn't really set about wanting to mask them... doing it 'properly' would be effort can you see the logic? Crystal clear (haa geddit?! )
:roll:

Connor - shall do. Think my mates got a little bit of matt black lying around i'll try to steal.

[4WayDiablo]

Black masks ftw
Good luck getting into them theyre notoriously tough and need to be put in the oven

[n0v0s]

Black masks ftw
Good luck getting into them theyre notoriously tough and need to be put in the oven

They actually look quite sweet man. Think they'd look orite on a nile blue. Tempted to do the bonnet badge too now Ones in the oven atm, under gas mark 1 .. they're starting to cook and are stinking the kitchen out

Look really really tough to crack so might just wack up the temp a bit more

[4WayDiablo]

Id just use half a million flat head screwdrivers to slowly encourage it out

[n0v0s]

The outter black casing seems to be deforming if i use a screw driver to gently prise it, so i think its hot enough but theres little movement from the lense :/

OH joy ...Naaaght!

[Daniel306]

I dont even sand them, just use the autosmart mat black for mine, but if you put brake cleaner on the chrome and wipe it with a cloth it takes the chrome off and just leaves the yellow plastic

[WiNgNuTz]

Are these best sprayed Matt black? was toying with doing mine Gloss, but would that mess with the light output?

[mark_airey]

Are these best sprayed Matt black? was toying with doing mine Gloss, but would that mess with the light output?

TBH it's personal preference - Won't change the light output as they are normally chrome remember

Matt black tends to make them look darker when not in use as it absorbs more light though

[WiNgNuTz]

TBH it's personal preference - Won't change the light output as they are normally chrome remember

Matt black tends to make them look darker when not in use as it absorbs more light though

That sir, is a very good point. Maybe ill just stick with matt then

[Dan!]

Matt is also easier to get looking good. gloss will show up any imperfections/orange peel etc more.

[mark_airey]

Matt is also easier to get looking good. gloss will show up any imperfections/orange peel etc more.

Also true, but then if you can't get a good finish on a smooth, flat bit of chromed plastic then there isn't much hope for you really is there

[Dan!]

Did you see wingnutz attempt at spraying his bonnet badge?

No offence mate, just pulling your leg

[n0v0s]

I HAVE ONE APART! WOOOOOOOOOO!!! F U YOU VALEO SEALING GLUEEEEE!!!!!

(if you have ever done this, you will understand)


Any tips on what to use to clean the inner (important) reflector with? It's really dusty, Daniel306 mentions brake cleaner will strip the chrome so how about white spirit? I don't think i have any though ... Water and cloth suffice?

[Daniel306]

just a cloth, and possibly water, 100% no chemicals

[n0v0s]

just a cloth, and possibly water, 100% no chemicals

nice one mate,

so if i brake cleaner off the chrome, wouldn't it be wise to key the surface lightly or does it not matter? Suppose its not exactly expose to environment so it shouldn't need keying.. I've managed to nab some high temp matt black spray, yay!

[Daniel306]

i just sprayed it straight on to the crome

[WiNgNuTz]

Did you see wingnutz attempt at spraying his bonnet badge?

No offence mate, just pulling your leg

I think you meant my boot badge, and I was just being impatient more than anything! Bonnet badge came out fine after a coat of lacquer