99 Interstate headlight reflector restoration

[Memor86]

Hello guys, i recently installed a set of led bulbs on my headlights, i've noticed an improvement but after looking closely on the reflectors it looked a little dull and one side was broken (no clue what happened there)

Well. i decided to go ahead and fix that. i dont have pics of the light pattern before doing this mod so i didnt care about taking after pictures since i wouldn't have a pic to compare.

once i had the glass separated from the housing i was able to see how damaged the chrome finish was. when i got the bike it had regular cheap bulbs and i replaced it with 55/50 ultra bright bulbs by philips and then i went for leds. anyway i dont know how if this bike had 100watt bulbs installed before in her life but the chrome was really gone. her are some pics.




i took the pics from different angles so you can see the bottom part (which is actually the top part when mounted, it reflects the low beam)

i had some chrome vinyl wrap that i used on my old 1200 goldwing's headlight reflector and since it lasted for like 4 years until i sold the it never came off or burnt, i was running xenon bulbs on the goldwing though. i cut some pieces to match the pattern




again, two angles so you can see how shiny it is.

and her is the final result with the vinyl pieces in place.





it really makes a difference, if you're thinking about improving your light i would suggest you do the same if your reflectors chrome is gone like it was on mine.

[Skinhead]

Where did you get the vinyl?

[Memor86]

i bought it locally at a supply store. you dont need too much so if you can find a shop that works with vinyl wrap, or sells it you may get free left overs or get a sample piece that will be enough for this fix.

[pancho]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/24-x60-SILVER-CHROME-MIRROR-Vinyl-Wrap-Sticker-Decal-Sheet-Air-Bubble-Free-/140979074958?hash=item20d301f78e:g:OH4AAOSwu1VW5J0l&vxp=mtr

Nice job on cutting out the pieces, how did you get each one such a precise fit?

[Memor86]

its not so perfect if you look real closer but does the job.. first i made the pieces overlaying blank paper on the reflector and copied the forms then transfered the pieces to the vinyl

[..]

Even though the vinyl has a slightly textured surface the light was well reflected. That's pretty cool. 

[Memor86]

Even though the vinyl has a slightly textured surface the light was well reflected. That's pretty cool. 

yes, i noticed that too but the reflection is way better than what it used to be, well on the middle part there was no reflection at all, im pretty happy with the resuls. before doing this mod i had installed a set of led driving lamps, now i dont really need them but going to keep them for visibility anyway.