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#1
06-06-2010, 08:33 PM
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Junkyard Headlights. To buy, or not to buy?
When I was at the junkyard the other day I saw a set of Euro headlamps in wonderful condition. Unfortunately.. They were filled with some rusty water. Now I have read about sanding and placing tape on the reflectors.
My question is do you think this would be a cost effective way to get a nice set of Bosch headlamps? What other pieces would have to be replaced in the lamps?
__________________
1991 Mercedes 300TE (Current Girlfriend  )1994 Mazda Miata 
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#2
06-06-2010, 08:51 PM
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The aftermarket euro's are $200 a set minimum. Reflector can be sprayed or taped off. If the glass and housings are in good shape buy them for sure.
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http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-RESIZED-1.jpg 1991 300E - 212K and rising fast...
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#4
06-06-2010, 11:50 PM
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explain "Reflector can be sprayed or taped off" for me please..i'm interested...
__________________
RIP: 80 300SD RIP: 79 450SEL 2002 E430 4matic (212,000km) 2002 ML500 'sport'  ____________________________ FACEBOOK: PANZER450
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#5
06-07-2010, 12:05 AM
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I think he is referring to this method of restoring the headlamps:
107 Euro Headlight Reflectors Refinished Very Well - WITH TAPE!!! (long) Which is actually exactly what I plan to do! I read that you cannot paint the reflectors, you have to use aluminum tape. NOT shiny gaffer tape or chrome tape.
__________________
1991 Mercedes 300TE (Current Girlfriend )1994 Mazda Miata
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#6
06-07-2010, 12:18 PM
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The lights will never put out the correct amount nor pattern of light, so what's the point in changing from US lights?
However, if the lenses are perfect, they're worth the $50. So are the wiper motors and lower filler panels if it has wipers.
__________________
 Gone to the dark side - Jeff
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#7
06-07-2010, 02:24 PM
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the Lens is the determining factor in pattern.
__________________
RIP: 80 300SD RIP: 79 450SEL 2002 E430 4matic (212,000km) 2002 ML500 'sport' ____________________________ FACEBOOK: PANZER450
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#8
06-07-2010, 03:43 PM
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Not if the reflectors aren't sending the light to the correct area of the lense. The lense only changes the angle of the light hitting it, if the light is coming from a different direction (different point on the reflector), it will leave at a different (wrong) angle.
Reflectors, bulbs, and lenses are designed together. This is the problem with changing the light-source in a light assembly (EX: going from a filament bulb to an HID), it changes how the light is distributed on the reflector, the lense, and thus outside of the light. Have you noticed that many headlamps have no optics in the lenses? Clear shield only? How the reflector have no influence on the light? The reflector is the most important part of headlamps.
__________________
Gone to the dark side - Jeff
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#9
06-07-2010, 08:18 PM
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Quote:
Yes the percentage of light put out by a repaired reflector is going to be reduced, but not by any significant amount, and that can be compensated in choice of bulb. This repair idea is purely to rid the assembled headlamp of the ugly brown hue that it gets when the reflectors are corroded.
__________________
RIP: 80 300SD RIP: 79 450SEL 2002 E430 4matic (212,000km) 2002 ML500 'sport' ____________________________ FACEBOOK: PANZER450
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#10
06-07-2010, 09:29 PM
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Read the first paragraph of post 8 again, ...
It depends I guess on whether you want the Euro lights for the superior optics and light output, or for looks. If it is for the latter, go for it, paint them or whatever, ... you'll end up with light output in the range of the dismal US lights you're replacing. A couple of hours designing automotive lights with ray-tracing software and you'll "see the light".
__________________
Gone to the dark side - Jeff
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