Anyone know how to SAFELY clean headlamp reflectors in european style headlamp assemblies? I know that the reflector surface is "soft" and scratches easily.....found out the hard way! I have a set of headlamps that the reflector got slightly dirty from condensation. Any good tips are much appreciated. Chris

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

Try a nice soft sponge?

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

I looked briefly for a link on how to get to the reflectors. If I remove the headlamp assembly will it be obvious?
Thanks

Euro reflector access should be easy if I remember correclty. It's been many years since I did this. You may have to replace them though. I remember my brothers were so deteriorated you could do nothing with them. The surface was almost powdery and there just wasn't any reflectivity left.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

The reflectors aren't bad.... while I have euro headlamps for my 240D, the ones that I want to clean are on my '55 VW. The units were brand new when I installed them some years ago. The car isn't driven in the rain.....ever. I aquired some yellow headlamp bulbs and with them installed noticed the reflectors looking dirty. Also, with 6 volt system, you want EVERY advantage to keep them bright.

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

be very careful!!!!!! i rubbed one of my used sets and ruined them, (brown areas came right through and spread) you can not get euro headlight parts..except lenses....i searched like crazy, do a search on this forum using my user name. ended up buying more on ebay and swaping parts.

spot clean very lightly with a super soft cloth, no polish (P-21S), no windex, a little distilled water mixed with alchol. you can touch up small imperfections with silver paint or reflective HVAC tape.

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1993 Mercedes Benz 300D 2.5 205K (ex wife's)
1984 Mercedes Benz 300SD 320K (SOLD)
2004 Mercedes Benz C240 75K
1995 GMC Sierra 2WD 5.7L 188K
1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD 239K (SOLD)
1987 BMW 325i 220K (SOLD FOR SALVAGE)

609 Certification

I also wiped mine a little too hard and took some reflective coating off. Very easy to do.

I'm wondering if it can be touched up with this:
http://www.alsacorp.com/products/mirrachrome/mirra_prodinfo.htm

It looks like the best mirror coating out there, but I don't know if it will stand up to the heat.

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1982 300CD Petrol/Black Leather

James, Tha alcohol and distilled water sounds like the best cleaner. I have my old ones for my bug and will experiment on one of them first. Thanks, Chris

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.