Looks like the reflector shell is crimped over the glass, so might be tricky getting off and on again without breaking the glass. Is the reflector chrome plated or what? Given a new H4 from AN is <£100 it might not be worth it, but I'm game to give it a try if anyone can advise how.
Is it worth restoring an old headlight?
- Thread starter GraemeH
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I had a Ducati 'Jod Duplo' headlamp re-silvered years ago, but only because they were changing hands for £500+ until some enterprising Aussies made new replicas at the bargain price of £250 each. IIRC it cost me the best part of £100, but it was a rare part (the bike has a Cibie unit fitted because I'm scared of breaking an original Jod!) otherwise I wouldn't have considered it.
New Wipac Quadroptic LHD should be available for a fair bit less than £100, and Lucas units cheaper still - check online.
New Wipac Quadroptic LHD should be available for a fair bit less than £100, and Lucas units cheaper still - check online.
NPeteN
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If it's important to you to have the original and you believe you can do it, go for it. I would.
Mark Savage
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I’ve done a few in the past, one for my Dommie when only “Foreign Glass” Lucas lensed units were available. I believe the original style now are. Wipac units are available from Paul Goff and probably elsewhere too.
I recently did a replacement lens for my Commando (pictured). To release the lens from the unit I linished the turned over metal off it. I then used a new headlamp with the glass lens removed and just fixed them back together with clear silicone.
I recently did a replacement lens for my Commando (pictured). To release the lens from the unit I linished the turned over metal off it. I then used a new headlamp with the glass lens removed and just fixed them back together with clear silicone.
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You will never ever restore a reflector !
The silvering is a fine layer of silver metal over a highly buffed and polished surface. Once it's gone dull or damaged, that's it unless you can find a specialist in vintage headlight restoration
The silvering is a fine layer of silver metal over a highly buffed and polished surface. Once it's gone dull or damaged, that's it unless you can find a specialist in vintage headlight restoration
NORTSTER1974
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/2343627599...brand=Adjure&_trksid=p4375194.c102727.m162921 Unless you are looking to keeping it more "original", I would install one of these. I put one on the Harley, I believe it was a 55/65 watt Low/High beam. With the more modernized reflector it throws a nice beam. You have to watch with the H4 bulb it does get rather warm in the headlight shell.
Mark Savage
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A decent belt sander mounted in a vice would work if you haven’t access to a linisher. I just hand held it and offered the edge up to the abrasive and revolved it slowly. It takes a while and gets warm.
I bought a motorcycle headlamp from eBay for about £20.00 and removed the lens from it. I doubt the reflector would be silver plated now.
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jimbo
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So what is the proper 7" headlight for a USA market 1974 Commando?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285458953183 ?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285458953183 ?
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