So, a friend from Stovebolt sent me this info, it was in the August 2012 Vintage Truck Magazine.
Headlight Reflector Re-silvering:
Mix 1 ounce silver chloride, 2 ounces of cream of tartar, and 2 ounces of salt while dry. Wet with water to a medium paste, and using a damp cloth, lightly rub the paste on a clean reflector. After all areas are re-plated, wipe until clean. Use a polyurethane or lacquer spray to keep the reflectors from tarnishing.
So, my question is this: Does this work? I don't know enough about chemistry to know the answer!
i used to be a chemist but that was a long long time ago but i am guessing if it is correct that the cream of tartar & salt reduce the chlorine from the silver somehow.
Hmm. I guess I'll just have to try when I'm ready to work on the TT headlights. It does sound like fun!
My question would be why coat with poly or lacquer? Looks like that would dull the shine. KB
Where would you buy silver chloride?
Yes, it will work... But since this is not electroplating, the chemical disposition of silver is going to stop the instant no more brass is visible to the plating solution. You won't be able to add any silver to the existing plating and any added metal will be thin and easy to polish off.
There are a few commercial solutions that do the same thing.
Sounds like its not really a viable option for me then!
Thanks for the info.
Christopher,
I am going to try http://www.caswellcanada.ca/shop/plug-n-plate-silver-kit.html
I'll let you know in two months as to the results
Steve