Phew! What a relief! I always have the impression that the reflectors were chromed as well, and was about to undertake this project anytime soon! Hey guys, thanks for the timely note.

Meanwhile, I'll try to get my pic thru. And while we're at this, it does seem to make better sense using tape than spray since tape is more durable. Maybe I'll open them up again for chroming......

Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

I have now added Tech 2 on my site which includes a full description of how my Raybrig Metal white H4's look and how they compare to the Raybrig Magnum bulbs. Thought it would be usefull if someone is thinking of buying these bulbs. The site is: http://www.geocities.com/scotty-c_2000/ Thanks guys, Scott

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Scott Chaffin
Homepage devoted to my 190E:
http://www.scotty-c.com

Now you got me worried.... I just had an accident wich took out my headlight. I got the replacment lense allready.
Before i put it on I had to whipe the reflector. It was covered in dust an probably glass. I wiped it off clean. Did this hirt the finsih? It looked just like a simple chromed surface. Exept for the tiney scratch I did not see any difference.

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Dmitry
90' 300CE
17" Intra Signums
Brulen mufler
Euro Headlights/Clear Blinkers
White gouges (made my own)

Hmmm, someone probably knows this better than me, but I think the best test for seeing if anything is wrong would be to simply put it back together and turn the headlight on. If it looks normal, it's fine. I hear there is a special coating on the reflector itself, but I just don't know how fragile it is. Hopefully someone can chime in with more knowledge than me. Later, Scott

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Scott Chaffin
Homepage devoted to my 190E:
http://www.scotty-c.com

Do not use rubbing alcohol and it isn't adviseable to wipe the reflector but, if you do. Long as you do not have scratches. It is ok. The problem is when you rub down. It causes the reflector to scratch. Rubbing alcohol will cause the surface to be dull. Someone did this on a fog light and could never get the reflector to come back to the original condition. I think he couldn't get a replacement reflector and wound up losing one light. It is not necessary to clena the reflector but, if you choose to do it. Make sure there are no scratches afterwards or it will amplify when you use the lights. I bought the chrome tape. It is about $5 and comes in a roll. Going to put it on this weekend. The chrome tape is in the sticker, body shop materials, or pinstripping section of any parts store. Be careful, there were 4 types that I saw at Pep Boys. The difference was some were more dull than others. Make sure you get the one that is the most reflective. It should be like a mirror-like finish.

Its best to wipe the reflectors with a clean soft cloth - softest ever to avoid trapping the dirt and causing a sand-paper effect when wiping down.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Hi everyone,

I just got my chrome-tape today. No, not at the auto-stores, since I can't find any there. But I got mine at a reputable arts and craft store. Please read the following, there's something interesting to note:

The store sells 2 kinds of chrome-tape. Both looked similar, just like mirror, and both are adhesive-backed. However, the price difference is by 3 fold. When I queried the staff, I was told that the more expensive tape (USD$12) is meant for outdoor uses, as it can withstand the effects of the sun and rain without losing its sheen. The cheaper tape (USD$4) is for indoor uses, and will not be as durable as the former if it comes into contact with external elements. According to him, the $12 tape is meant for signcrafts and other related uses, which thus explains the need for protection against the natural elements.

I do not know how this info will benefit anyone, but it is an interesting point somehow. Oh by the way, I bought the $12 tape. It comes in a sheet form, measuring 50cm by 92cm. I suppose being in sheet form, I can reduce the number of seams?

Gonna do the chroming tomorrow! I just cant wait.....


Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

On another note, I got my KONI Reds today at USD$195 for the complete set. And I tried RainX Glass Cleaner and Rain Repellent (I followed every single step recommended) last night, and it really works!

Now for the lowering springs......

Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

Don't ever allow your other half to read how excited you are about your W126 or they're gonna get real jealous. Man Merv - you're full of passion for the MB. All the best bud!

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Mervyn,
Did you notice any difference in the tapes? Was one thicker than the other? I hate arts and crafts stores.

I bought a paint brush to paint the needles of my tach and was charged about 4x as much as the hardware store that had something similar. The hardware store had a set which came with like 4-5 brushes. Next time, I'll try a hardware store or hobby shop.

s60 - I painted the needles of my tach with a rolled up bit of paper. Precise and free.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Hi guys, mission (possible) completed yesterday!

I've got several before and after pics here, anyone to help me post them here?

s60, the tape (adhesive-backed sheet actually) that I got is real thin, no problems with bends and corners. And it actually feels like plastic, not stretchable vinyl. If you made a taping mistake, you could pull it off again (carefully) with a "piaaakk" sound. Real cool. And for everyone's information, the tape is chrome on both sides: the outer surface as well as the adhesive side, so if you wanna use the tape on transparent surfaces, you could actually see the chrome on both sides.

I spent 6 hours doing both lamps. It wasnt too easy, but it aint impossible either. What's important is that you must give yourself lots of time, so starting out in the morning is best.

Nevertheless, the headlights are shinier now, although once the glass covers are on, the effect is not that great anymore. Anyway, its a good try, and YMsin, no worries, my other half has gotten used to my MB enthusiasm long ago.


Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

If you send them to me at slchaffin@ou.edu I'll see if I can post them for you. Glad you had good results!

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Scott Chaffin
Homepage devoted to my 190E:
http://www.scotty-c.com

I have posted Merv's great pictures of his headlights on my site. (Can't get them to work here) He has 6 great pics showing the whole process. My site is http://www.geocities.com/scotty-c_2000/ The pictures are located in the Tech 1 section. Later, Scott

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Scott Chaffin
Homepage devoted to my 190E:
http://www.scotty-c.com

Scott,

You've been great! This is what makes MBshop tick, great forum with great members. Cool.....

Well guys, hope you enjoy the pics.

Best Regards,
Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)