Author Topic: Headlight Door / Inner FOG LIGHT reflector?  (Read 4789 times)

Kayvan

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Headlight Door / Inner FOG LIGHT reflector?
« on: December 29, 2015, 23:28:30 »
So do the US and EURO headlight doors share the same fog light reflectors?

Debating getting a new one..... ::) or should I stop this 'repairing' nonsense and get a used headlight door off ebay for $350-400

My original fog reflector was "restored" by me in 1991 sanding off old rust/flaking reflective and painting with Chrome Paint...gotta love being 22 and broke!

My other side has a new BOSCH headlight door and the fog is brilliant bright.

These vendors have a wide range in $:

I assume the M-B will be flawless

http://vintageeuroparts.com/100361.html

http://www.authenticclassics.com/Mercedes-113Ch-European-Foglight-refl-p/auth-003380.htm

http://www.sls-hh-shop.de/en/230-280SL-W113/82-Lighting-and-Wiper/82-a-Lighting-Units-standard/Reflector-side-fog-light-Reflector-side-fog-light.html

Tyler S

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Re: Headlight Door / Inner FOG LIGHT reflector?
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2016, 07:29:54 »
No the european fog lamp reflectors are different. Especially where the 2 parking lamps mount. The hole is not elongated for 2 bulbs on the euro. Also the tab for the adjustment screw is in a completely different place. I too have been looking for new reflectors with no luck. I have made due using that very shiny foil tape used on ductwork to line the reflector. Made a huge difference.
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

Garry

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Re: Headlight Door / Inner FOG LIGHT reflector?
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2016, 20:36:49 »
Dont chrome, they need to be silver plated to give proper light reflection.

Garry
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Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
2006 MB B200
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Tyler S

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Re: Headlight Door / Inner FOG LIGHT reflector?
« Reply #3 on: January 03, 2016, 21:27:31 »
Kayvan, Here is a place in long beach. If not just google some platers in your area and make some phone calls.
http://antique-metalfinishing.com/
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

Kayvan

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Re: Headlight Door / Inner FOG LIGHT reflector?
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2016, 00:55:26 »
Got my fog light reflector back from the re-plater (not above one)

Although this vendor came highly recommended; their work product was very poor. They bent & broke that half-dome reflector / bar and re-soldered it on and didn't tell me and gave me run-around for last 2 weeks on shipping; 8 weeks in total. Dishonest, inept, incompetent vendors are truly the worst.

It's shinier than Silver spray paint; but is clearly not mirror like; more like antique silver patina.

Would recommend others use the vapor deposition reflective vendors for $150; as this silver-plate and old-timey vendors are from another century.

Overall, glad I repaired my plastic lens and attempted this fix. It's more reflective than before; buy not same as OEM. Would not recommend others risk taking whole unit apart and mailing reflectors as risk of damage or loss will be not worth it!

Will file this project under "if it ain't too broke don't fix it". Probably got my $125 worth out of this salvage headlight-door for last 26 years.

Will probably list this on ebay (disclose flaws) and use $500 proceeds towards a flawless MB OEM from Authentic Classics !

Life is too short not to have the best.

Time for a Margarita! ;)
« Last Edit: April 07, 2016, 16:52:25 by Kayvan »

Kayvan

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Re: Headlight Door / Inner FOG LIGHT reflector?
« Reply #5 on: April 07, 2016, 02:34:54 »
Update per above