Has anyone had any experience with reflectors that have been re-plated using the the aluminum oxide process done by the Ulvira Company in Oregon? The reflectors have to be sent to them already nickel plated and polished. I need 1913 sidelights redone and am having difficulty finding any one who does silver plating. I am specifically wondering how the results compare to silver. I have a local source for the nickel plating.
Can't help with aluminum oxide finish...but...
Any reputable clock shop will probably have a source for silver plating, that's what they redo the mantel clock faces with...
As soon as my reflectors get back from the nickel plater, I am going to send them out to Uvira. I will try to take some Before and After pics and post them.
Use the Keyword Search link at the top of each page to search for the actual name of uvira and you will get back lots of reading material.
Garnet
CIS is in Louisville KY and re-silvers headlamp reflectors
http://thesilverpeople.com/index.htm
On the home page the left column scroll to silver plating costs, and antique car reflectors are $87 ea.
Have used too a source in St. Louis and they did a good job on T headlamp reflectors, at the same cost.
I silverplate at home, and could do it for less, I think. I should look into it. I have a couple I need to redo, so I'll post the results.
I use a cyanide bath that is left over from wet plate, and I plate Daguerreotype plates with it, should work well for headlamps.
We have used Uvira plated reflectors with great results. Some of them done many years ago and the lighting is very good, even with 6 volt lights. Don't touch the plated surface and make sure all gaskets and seals are in place to keep them protected.
Erik
I had the reflectors in my '29 Nash headlights done by them in '86 or '87. They are still like new sealed beams.
I have never removed the lenses sense.
It was my understanding that Ford reflectors could not be done by Uvira. Or that was then, maybe he is doing new things now. There was something about some being silver plated over steel and others were made from brass, one type he couldn't do.
I need the kerosene sidelight reflectors done, primarily for appearance. Does the Uvira process result in a similar appearance to silver? I understand that just nickel plating won't "pass" for silver.
They are selling Model A reflectors with the aluminum coating and have had good reviews.
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/5736
It would be great if we could get the same thing for Model T's at that price (Snyders). I had thought about getting some done for my Model T but not at the cost talked about above.
I have them on my Model A and they are great !! However I think a lot of the improvement is due to the fact that unlike the repops we have used for years they are actually built to the Ford pattern and hence have the correct profile and are able to be focused.
Walt at Brattons did a good job getting them made not only shape but the placement of the hole for the light socket.
I have a set on my 37 Ford that I had done by U many years ago and they are still brite.