[1750GT]

The chroming or silvering on my tailight lens is ruined and I would like to have this restored if possible.

I know new lens are available, but has anyone had success in restoring these or in finding a shop that can do this?

These are painted (or silvered perhaps?) on the back side and I have actually attempted to do this myself...but the results just did not produce the mirror like finish that's req'd. The best I was able to achieve was a stainless steel like finish using "ALCLADII Chrome for Lexan" modelling paint.

 

[Alex]

These are actually vacuum metallized (with a preserving paint layer on top) and the process of selectively applying this finish is one that only the Italians have ever truly mastered.

I have one NOS red/red lens, although I cannot remember which side. Realistically, this may be your only option.

 

[1750GT]

These are actually vacuum metallized (with a preserving paint layer on top) and the process of selectively applying this finish is one that only the Italians have ever truly mastered.

I have one NOS red/red lens, although I cannot remember which side. Realistically, this may be your only option.

Alex, I see similar finishes on many different modern vehicle lenses as well so I don't think Italians have a lock on the technology. I realize that new reproductions are available as well as NOS.....however I purchased one a few years back only to notice now that the shade of red is not matching the opposite side one....:crying2:...so I'm not quite ready to go there again....at least not till I exhaust the possibility of finding someone who might have had some luck refinishing these.

 

[Joseph M.]

Would this do the job? We Chrome Plastic!

 

[1750GT]

Would this do the job? We Chrome Plastic!

Possibly....I guess I'm hoping someone has actually gone down this road before and would share their experience.

 

[1750GT]

I copied the following post from my GTV restoration thread..

With tail light lenses as they are coloured you can use the chrome effect paint which is available here and I`m sure is available where you reside. That is what I have used and is very effective in brightening the light emitted. You cannot tell that it is different from original. I have also used white enamel which is fine also but does give a slightly different and to me a slightly artificial modern look to the light emitted but when not on if the lenses themselves are not too faded it doesn`t look any different.

Richard, the chrome effect I was referring to is on the lens itself and not the assembly. However what you mention was going to be another topic I was thinking about and as the photo below shows ...

View attachment 776345

So Richard, you've found that painting the white plastic housing in a chrome plastic paint provides a brighter light....interesting.

Have others found the same to be the case?

 

[1750GT]

I copied the following post from my GTV restoration thread..

How would one remove the chrome/paint without dulling the plastic? Polishing edges of the lenses from inside can damage old plastic, leaving cracks...

Why would it leave cracks? I used wet sand paper in the 2000 grit range. I was going to then finish it with headlight polishing compound for plastic lenses.

 

[bellagt]

What about Top Flight Monokote in chrome trim sheets? Cut a single, seamless piece, a bit oversized to cover the desired trim area and use a heat gun to shrink fit it... Then use an X-Acto knife to trim away the excess.

I've used the Monokote to "chrome" some custom plastic grill trim I made for my Milano Euro grill, but the pieces were flat and straight without any curves. It's inexpensive and should be easy to remove if it doesn't pan out, so maybe worth a try if there isn't a better alternative.