Anybody want Bright Lights? (Pics Added!), Lens Reflector Refinishing (Gauging interest) Options

[SchantzMD]

So I'm down to my last quarter at Cal Poly Pomona and the last thing I have to do to get my degree is finish one class and complete a Senior design project. Therefore over the next 12 weeks I'll be building a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) machine which will be capable of creating a very high vacuum, heating & vaporizing aluminum, and depositing it as a super shiny/reflective coating on a substrate.

In order to recoup some of my project cost (I've spent almost $2k already, damn this school thing is expensive! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) ) I'm hoping to redo some fog light reflectors, front turn signal buckets, and maybe even some tail/brake/reverse light reflectors (Note: there may be a heat transfer issue on the rear reflectors since they're plastic, so I may not be able to coat them).

So the question for you guys:

Would you be interested in freshly coated reflectors for your lights and if so would $75-$100 for a reconditioned set seem reasonable? Keep in mind this will be dependent on being able to recreate a 98%-100% factory finish and that there will be a fair amount of material cost & prep time associated with each set of 2 reflectors done. Also, this will most likely have to be based on an "exchange" basis. To be honest I don't even know if I'll mess with this endevour yet or if I'll just sell the PVD machine when I'm done, so as of right now this is just a feeler.


Thanks in advance for the input!
Mike

[Mr.242]

I also have to decide if I'm going to leave the reflectors coated or un-coated. If I don't coat them they will be 100% identical to the factory finish and will be completely fine if sealed with good lens gaskets, but if the gaskets leak the reflectors will be susceptible to oxidation and the coating will disintegrate if scrubbed clean (this is because the aluminum coating is only about 600 Angstroms thick). If I do top coat them with a clear coat the durability will increase, but the trade off is that the reflectivity properties may decrease.[u]

I have to say...compared to the amount of reflectivity that a majority of us have RIGHT NOW, the reduced with a clear coat and the durability gained would be a monumental increase. I've got two sets and niether are much to jump up and down for joy. I would offer a set of donors to be done and understand that a clear over them would reduce. However, I also look at it as getting a set of "limited edition" models or 1st editions.

Let me know if you need donors or volunteers as you work on experimental sets. I'll ship you my extra set. Knowing that it might not be up to final specs.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif) MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU