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how best to store & clean headlights
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DenGal



Joined: 21 Dec 2008
Posts: 1
Location: Perth west australia

PostPosted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 1:18 am    Post subject: how best to store & clean headlights Reply with quote

Having just had my mid 30s car headlights restored I need to find a way of keeping them safe and sound from the humid weather we sometimes get here in Perth West Oz. A year or so ago I had a set of headlights and spotlights from my Rover P2 re-chromed and silvered. I stored these wrapped in tissue paper then newspaper only to check them last week to find the silver had succumbed to moisture and now has darken areas that will need a polish. Talking about cleaning the silver what method or cleaner would you recommend? regards Den.
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ukdave2002



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4100
Location: South Cheshire

PostPosted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 9:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Firstly welcome to the forum

The discolouring sound odd.....
I have some NOS complete headlamp units for a Morris 8 SE, made in 1947. They are in the original "opened" cardboard box and both the chrome and silvering is perfect, and that's after 65 years!

Dave
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IanAl



Joined: 15 Jan 2013
Posts: 60

PostPosted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 10:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The way you wrapped your previous headlights sounds ok but try putting some sachets of Silica crystals in the box with them. (These are the little packets that come with new products to absorb any moisture whilst in storage) I would also store them in your house if at all possible. Garages can be terrible places for storing long term without a dehumidifier or central heating etc
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Phil - Nottingham



Joined: 01 Jan 2008
Posts: 1252
Location: Nottingham

PostPosted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 10:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good idea about the Silica crystals but check/change them regularly.

I thought silvered lights were laquered to prevent tarnishing.

I would use the jeweller silver dip solution which is non-abrasive followed by the lightest polishing with a very soft and clean cloth
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ukdave2002



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4100
Location: South Cheshire

PostPosted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 11:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Phil - Nottingham wrote:
Good idea about the Silica crystals but check/change them regularly.


A blast in the oven will rejuvenate silica gel crystals, take them out of the bag first ! Very Happy

Dave
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