Tail Light Complete Resto

[seabee]

Hi Gang,

One of my many current projects is going to be restoring my 66 tail lights. Lots of pitting and fading going on. So far I have ran all the parts through the ultrasonic cleaner and removed all of the old gaskets. I ordered new lenses and gaskets and about to start sanding/prepping to get chromed. Any advice regarding getting plastic prepared and chromed would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Seabee

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x287/illkron/Tail%20Lights/IMG_0273_zps875c6a00.jpg[/IMG

[IMG]http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x287/illkron/Tail%20Lights/IMG_0274_zps5b8172ee.jpg

 

[slantsixdan]

What plastic are you planning on chroming? The housings and reflectors are metal, as is the (stainless) trim ring on the reversing lamp/reflex lens. See here for practical info on refurbishing tail lamps, but note there is an update to the bulb suggestions. Instead of the 3496 and 3497 bulbs described in that post, use

Use these for the brake/tail lights, and these for the reversing lights. They work better, last much longer, consume much less power, and unlike the original bulbs, they won't melt the upper lenses over time. To run them correctly you'll need to swap in this turn signal flasher. Also note these recommendations are very specific -- they are the only legitimate LED retrofit bulbs. There's a mountain of garbage on the market, too, so use only these specific LED bulbs. (And no, there's not one available for the front park/turns).

 

[seabee]

Awesome Dan thanks! It feels like plastic, glad I asked.