VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Re-Silvering Headlight Reflector

I need to re-silver several headlight refectors off 1931 Chevrolet. Does anyone have a good vendor recommendation?

Thanks

You might want to do a search on this subject. Having the reflectors nickel plated and then aluminum vacuum sealed seems to be the preferred method for restoring. They will be brighter and last longer.

For the address of UVIRA, the company that does the vacuum sealed aluminum process...go here:

http://www.industrynet.com/listing/1837323/uvira-inc

I used this service was very pleased with the results. They recommend adding additional ground wire to chassis.

I used this company and the cost was more than reasonable and they did an excellent job. The lights are bright and I am very satisfied with the results.

Did you have them nickel plated first? I'm curious what the total cost was as I'm considering doing mine and I'm estimating it will be a little over $300.00 with freight. You can send me a PM if you prefer.

I had mine done while doing other chroming. The process is to 1st plate with copper then 2nd nickel and final 3rd is the chrome. I asked the chromer to stop at the nickel phase for my headlight reflectors. So the cost was part of an overall package for me with other items. If I remember correctly the aluminizing cost $80 that included return to Canada.

I think that doing a lot at once is the only way to get a half decent price on chroming. Seems as if the plating shops don't want the small single items so they charge an arm and a leg for them.

I would be interested in having a set done also. Did you stop at the nickel phase to maintain an accurate look to the lights?

I have taken my reflectors to a shop to be nickel plated and polished. Once that is done I will send them out to be vacuum sealed as that is the process recommended by others so the reflector will retain its reflective capacity. Once I get the reflectors back from nickel plating I will post the results as the plater I am using is considerably less than the $85.00 each quoted from another plater.

The vacuum sealed aluminum process requires that the reflectors have a nickel plating for their process to be done.

Dropped my reflectors off at the platers on Monday and he called on Friday to say they were ready to pick up. I got them today and they look great. The cost was a little less for both than what I was quoted elsewhere for one. Unfortunately the shop is down to a barebones staff (owner only) and I don't know how long he will continue, otherwise I would post the business name. I am very pleased with the results and will now send them out to be al. vacuum sealed. Photos added to members photos.

Hi Guys,
Slighly off the subject if you dont mind.
I am busy assembling my headlights with new cord seals. My question, where do they go? Behind the glass or in front of the glass? Are there any other seals except for one corky each?
Regards
Chris

What year is your car?

JY Dog,
1929

Your headlights use wide, flat, heavy cardboard gaskets for the headlight lens. You can find a lot more information regarding the 1929-30 headlight lens gaskets by doing a search on Chevy Chatter since we had a discussion on this subject just a few weeks ago.

Tks again, I'll have look