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  #1  
Old 08-02-2009, 02:23 PM
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How do I polish reflector on eurolight?

Can I use standard chrome polish?

Thx,
bigmaq

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Old 08-02-2009, 02:43 PM
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NO, DO NOT DO THIS.

This coating, which is vacuum-deposited aluminum, will come off instantly if you do this.

I've pondered this problem quite at bit. If yours are just "dirty", wash/rinse (and DO NOT TOUCH) is the only thing you should do.

If they are corroded, here are the options:
1. Replacement - to the best of my knowledge, you can't get replacements in the US.
2. Silver replating - very expensive and I was not very happy with the results.
3. HVAC Tape - through a long process I described somewhere on this board, I got very good results with a lot of technique and HVAC tape.
4. Re-Vacuum Aluminizing - this is the best option, not cheap but worth it. I found a place to do a set of mine and they are now better than new. I had to completely sand all the old crud off and two-part epoxy/resand the assemblies before sending them (most of these companies don't "restore" anything). I'm still waiting for a response from the company that did this for me if they would like to do more, or perhaps I may take on the sanding and prepping part and have them do the aluminizing part for others.

These companies also now have UV-curable hardcoat over the aluminum that is optically excellent and fairly resistant to light handling and cleaning.
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  #3  
Old 08-02-2009, 03:33 PM
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WOW, OK. I was just about to go to the garage to get the polish. I got a set of 5 eurolights, but only two have the glass and the three remaining don't have shiny reflectors. I have to move parts around to get 2 good complete sets.

I think they are just dirty, so I will try cleaning them first. I thought I just read in "Mercedes Benz Technical Companion" about the "old timers" using olive oil and lamp black to polish reflectors. Let's assume lamp black is still available, won't this still work?

Thx,
bigmaq
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Old 08-05-2009, 11:15 PM
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kerosene on a soft cloth is the only thing I'd use.
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Old 08-06-2009, 12:07 AM
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I used some windex and a lint free cloth, then some cleaner I got with my eyeglasses meant for non glare coatings, which love to show every bit of grease or oil. I used the cleaning cloth that came with the lens solution.

Even this put some very very small scratches in the silver.

-Jason
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Old 08-06-2009, 03:58 PM
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Older reflectors are silver, newer are aluminum (coated). Both are soft, aluminum will not respond well to strong cleaners and will turn white as well as scratching. A polish for plastic/glass/etc. is not necessarily good for aluminum!! The pH alone will degrade the reflective surface.
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Old 08-06-2009, 04:56 PM
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I should have some NEW (EURO W126) replacment reflectors left -PM me if interested $16 @ + shipping

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