Does anyone know how to restore the reflective surface of the tail light housing after the coating has oxidized? Is there a way to remove the old chrome coating without destroying the plastic backing other than with elbow grease and fine steel wool, followed by a chrome or silver paint? Is there a solvent that will remove the old surface without destroying the plastic base?

there is a recent thread where someone found some foil lined tape and applied it to his buckets - looked good - not sure how it will hold up to the heat of the bulbs though. jim

If all else fails, tin foil works great. Back in the day of 6 volt cars we'd put tin foil in to really brighten them up.

here it is

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...ape++reflective

jim

foil tape reflective

I've used the "chrome" paint in my light housings. I like it.

Post 89 in my progress thread...

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...95219&st=80

I have one pristine bucket and one that was awful. I used the chrome paint on the crappy one. I was worried because the surface wasn't as reflective as the original chrome but when lit up at night there is absolutely no difference between the two. I took a pic but can't find it now.

Oven cleaner may/should remove the old chrome. I have an idea on how to reapply the same factory type finish...

The original is vacuum plated with aluminum. To simulate this, I plan on spraying the housing with slow drying varnish, and applying powdered aluminum. When dry, I hope that it will buff into a nice shiny finish just like the original.

On a project years ago, I used the 'chrome paint' stuff from Eastwood made for this purpose, and the results were just fine.