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#1
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Euro headlight bulb
It looks like the bumper has to be loosened to remove the fixture in order to replace the bulb. Good thing I'm not on the side of the road.
It would be nice to re-chrome the reflector on one fixture. Can those be replaced? I'm wondering if there is a paint that would do. I'm toying with the idea of Silvering to a mirror finish but I'm not sure how that would work out as it needs a protective clear coat paint over it, plus it may be too reflective. Maybe MB has the reflector available. |
#2
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No clue what model you have, but every euro I ever had had the bulbs snap in from the back side.
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#3
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280SL R107. My signature did not show from the phone post. They do snap in like others, but the fixture has to come out for that and the pesky bumper and fender are in the way. There is no access to the headlights through the chassis.
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Chris 84 280sl 82 300d euro |
#4
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The bumper did get unbolted in the front. That allowed for a half inch of extra clearance to get the fixture out. There are not many solutions to the corroded reflector so the easiest one was chosen. A mylar sticker intended for auto trim was used. Strips were cut out and bends cut like upholstery with triangle slices to reduce wrinkles. Bubbles were popped with a blade tip. A clear coat over the sticker was considered but declined.
The Silvering experiment is the second best option, the best being new reflectors. The classic world has taken to this technique in order to recreate chrome parts that no longer exist. Angel Gilding(Gold)is the original technique, and it has been used in the old days for making mirrors(Silver). On the web they sell expensive spray kits for 3D objects. The kits go for thousands of dollars and resemble an automobile painters setup.Here, it will be on a DIY low budget. The chemistry involves reducing Silver Nitrate to elemental Silver with Ammonia , Sodium Hydroxide, and Dextrose(sugar). If one is savvy, it is possible to make the experiment with stuff from the hardware and ceramic supply store. The Silver has to have a protective layer or it will scratch and tarnish. There is a hazard if the mixed chemicals are left unused, so if this is attempted, have a safe vented workplace away from kids and pets. Follow all directions carefully and always use proper PPE.
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Chris 84 280sl 82 300d euro Last edited by C.Doner; 01-02-2021 at 11:25 AM. |
#5
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You should not have to loosen the bumper to remove the headlight. Removal procedure is in the owners manual.
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#6
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Interesting, that is the only way I could get it done. The fixture would not come out otherwise. The light fixture vacuum adjuster was in the way. It is possible the bumper sits in a little far. This one definitely had a minor crash at one point. The fenders and hood have newer paint. That makes me suspect about the bumper. The light looks nice with the aluminized mylar . It is brighter than the good one, and the tape is hard to notice. I will be happy if it lasts a year. I should have a work station with venthilation at some point. Then the Silvering will be attempted.
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Chris 84 280sl 82 300d euro |
#7
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Here is the result. The driver side light is the one with the foil. I used an 8 inch mylar tape sold at the auto parts place that is intended for body trim. Sort of a stick on chrome sheet. I could have done a better job cleaning up the reflector of the flaking off metal, but that will be done when the Silvering is attempted. If you look close during the day with the lights off you can see the tape but it fits with the 10 footer look I have going anyway. The Idea came from another Mercedes forum.
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Chris 84 280sl 82 300d euro |
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