Headlight reflector paint

[Mustlust]

I’m refurbishing the headlights on my lbg 1950 80”. The glass is missing all the spring fasteners on one bulb, are these available or can I make some? Finding the right wire may be the challenge.
Also, the reflector bowls are very dull, even after a clean. Were these originally painted or coated with a reflective film? I’m not sure if they need polishing with steel wool or repainting. Is there a suitable highly reflective paint option available?
Thanks,
P

[V8Ian]

The reflective coating is silvering, there is no suitable alternative.

[JDNSW]

Yes. They are electroplated with silver, and there is no realistic alternative. There used to be companies that would replate reflectors in nearly every suburb, but I have not seen one for decades, and I don't know if any still exist - they were killed by more permanent reflectors and relatively cheap replacement ones, and increasing restrictions on the highly poisonous chemicals used for occupational safety and environmental reasons.

[B.S.F.]

If the silver coating on LBG lights is dull but still present, use 'Silvo' on a very soft rag.
.W.

[Mustlust]

The silvering is toast. I’ve chatted with Mario in the Sunshine Coast who will re-plate them.
Is the TEA-20 fergie light a direct replacement, looks very similar? I wonder if I can just swap out the lens for the original glass??

[Mustlust]

I’m thinking maybe the bowl in a new fergie light may be a practical swap. Comes with wiring and bulb as a bonus. May be that the lens springs are compatible also???

[V8Ian]

There's a good chance the Fergie lights are the same. Many other applications would be found, in that era, the lights being a generic Lucas offering.

[101RRS]

Why not just spray paint them with modern chrome paint - there are some paints just for this purpose - plenty of You Tube videos on doing it.

Garry

[JDNSW]

We are talking about a reflector that needs to form an accurate beam - no paint is even close.

The Ferguson lights, as I recall are very similar, but not identical. However, there is a very good chance the reflectors are interchangeable.

[B.S.F.]

Paint didn't work for me.
.W.