84' Cutlass pro touring build

[Tony1968]

How about wet sanding and buff them out like you would on paint? Might not get out all the imperfections but it would be an improvement.

This was my first thought however that waffle pattern is raised on the outside. It's like 500 little raised pillow tops. Plus each one has a crack at a mounting point. I don't think anything i can do would make it better.

 

[Tony1968]

I was able to get the lenses off using a small screw driver no problem whatsoever. As you can see one reflector has most of its chrome plating remaining, however, the other is as dull as a marble. Has anyone used chrome plastic paint before successfully? I have other options but this would be easiest.

 

[Tony1968]

And moving along i have headlights completed with some relays i had laying around. Horns work well. Replacing front turn signal/ parking lights with switchback leds and GM sockets.

Pardon the clutter. Will clean up with some new loom very soon. Lol
Also used marine grade heat shrink everywhere. Is it the best? I don't know. But it gives me a fuzzy feeling watching the adhesive oozing from the ends.

 

[Texas82GP]

I've seen Hafrod use the chrome spray paint when restoring tail lights and the like. I think you'll be satisfied with the results from it.

 

[Tony1968]

Instead of using Chrome paint i decided to use some 304 stainless steel with a mirror finish. I didn't document the fabrication because I wasn't sure if it would work and look satisfactory. SS is .018" thick 'shim' material. The lens cover is 1/4" acrylic with one lite coat of VHT night shade. Now that the formula works I'm going to do the passenger side and I will take pics. Need to blacken out the screws also

 

[mclellan83]

Well done

 

[scoti]

I would think just painting the inside gloss white would get the job done when/if using LED's. The older style bulbs generate enough heat that the plating is needed & paint would discolor.
Nice solution on the SS option though.

 

[Tony1968]

Well done

Thank you.

I would think just painting the inside gloss white would get the job done when/if using LED's. The older style bulbs generate enough heat that the plating is needed & paint would discolor.
Nice solution on the SS option though.

I agree with gloss white as a reflector. It can reflect up to 80+% of light. I just wasn't sure how it would look behind the tint if that makes sense.
The SS i used is most likely a higher percentage of reflection as its a #7 or #8 grade polished surface. And one and a half square feet only cost me $17. I had the night shade from previous project. The leds inside the housing are very bright but can't really convey in my pics.
Here's some of the process not that it's rocket science. I like little projects like this. Stupid simple stuff keeps me entertained.
Templates made and cut SS and this is satin side for reference

Originally tried using a 2 part epoxy glue to secure the two but wasn't successful. So rivets and small bolts were used. Tops, bottoms and sides bent and trimmed.

 

[scoti]

Bought more stuff. I do that when funds allow and try to get it on sale. Try. sometimes I'm impatient. UMI stage 4 because their stuff made my transam a slot car. 2018 Camaro SS calipers and 18 vette z51 rotors with a bigbrakeupgradekit. Mamo ported Lsxr102. Holley ceramic 1 and 7/8 x 3 collector

Was doing some mock-up this week w/various parts & ran across something I wasn't aware of & I'm hoping you might be able to shed some insight.

I know you used the 'BigBrakeUpgrade' kit. Did you turn down OE rotors for hubs or utilize his upgraded hub kit?

 

[Tony1968]

Was doing some mock-up this week w/various parts & ran across something I wasn't aware of & I'm hoping you might be able to shed some insight.

I know you used the 'BigBrakeUpgrade' kit. Did you turn down OE rotors for hubs or utilize his upgraded hub kit?

Let me check. It's been awhile