ROL Foglight repair

[Dammerung]

I decided to go back for those ROL foglights that I thought were a lost cause. Turns out, they weren’t so bad as I had thought! The outer casing is really pitted and rusted, but it’s still relatively solid with no holes. Even the lenses are still solid. In all, worth it for the $9 I spent on them. I think I can handle sanding the cases and cleaning the lenses, but what do I do about the reflectors? They’re all solid, but they have this orange rust tint on them.

 

 

1988 Jeep Comanche Pioneer

4.0 Liter w/ AW4 2WD

[eaglescout526]

I think I asked this a while back when I had a set. Now I’m trying to restore some Marchals. You should be able to get away with repairing and restoring them. Someone in here recommended some sort of reflective chrome like spray paint for the reflector. 

[Dammerung]

I think I asked this a while back when I had a set. Now I’m trying to restore some Marchals. You should be able to get away with repairing and restoring them. Someone in here recommended some sort of reflective chrome like spray paint for the reflector. 

Is it some kind of plating? Like chrome or silver? Funnily enough, my mother is friends with the owner of a major plating company, so I might just go through with a chrome replating.
Oh, and speaking of Marchals, I found a set in a pick n pull way back when I bought my truck. They were absolutely pristine, but we were on a time limit and couldn’t get the bumper off to pull them. Biggest regret so far when it comes to these trucks.


1988 Jeep Comanche Pioneer
4.0 Liter w/ AW4 2WD

[eaglescout526]

I think it is a chrome plating. One of the reflectors for my Marchals for chunk is horribly degraded in a way where the reflective material is coming off in chunks. Currently running them through electrolysis to hope for the best on them. 
 

Fun fact, Jeeps weren’t the only ones with Marchals. Fords and GMs of the same time could also have them. 

[Strokermjcomanche]

Maybe try some tin foil? it would resist the heat and if you spread it evenly enough will be a good reflector

[oldmanche]

I wonder if the heat applied foil used in crafting might work using a heat gun instead of an iron?

 

 

[Dammerung]

I think it is a chrome plating. One of the reflectors for my Marchals for chunk is horribly degraded in a way where the reflective material is coming off in chunks. Currently running them through electrolysis to hope for the best on them. 
 
Fun fact, Jeeps weren’t the only ones with Marchals. Fords and GMs of the same time could also have them. 

I’ve heard about running it through a vinegar bath to help break up the rust. Do you think this would have an effect on the chrome plating? If worst comes to worst, I’ll just send them in to be re plated.


1988 Jeep Comanche Pioneer
4.0 Liter w/ AW4 2WD

[eaglescout526]

I ran one of the ROLs reflectors through a vinegar bath and I even watered the solution down to help save it, like I said they were in bad shape at the bottom so I wasn’t expecting anything great. They came out fine aside from the massive pitting that vinegar creates. But it will without a doubt take off the chrome and it made them the perfect primer grey for any paint application.  Now I will have to report back on the electrolysis when they finish up and see if that takes off the chrome or not. 

[The86manche]

12 hours ago, eaglescout526 said:

I ran one of the ROLs reflectors through a vinegar bath and I even watered the solution down to help save it, like I said they were in bad shape at the bottom so I wasn’t expecting anything great. They came out fine aside from the massive pitting that vinegar creates. But it will without a doubt take off the chrome and it made them the perfect primer grey for any paint application.  Now I will have to report back on the electrolysis when they finish up and see if that takes off the chrome or not. 

I have read that electrolysis on Chrome is dangerous. It will give off deadly chemical fumes from the plating.

I got curious about it and Google it cause I was curious if it was possible or safe.

[eaglescout526]

3 minutes ago, The86manche said:

I have read that electrolysis on Chrome is dangerous. It will give off deadly chemical fumes from the plating.

I got curious about it and Google it cause I was curious if it was possible or safe.

 

To be fair there’s not much chrome left on them. I mean one had more than the other but I haven’t seen anything abnormal going on. But do we even know if those lamp manufactures used chrome plating for the reflectors? I’m genuinely curious if that’s what is used. 

[The86manche]

23 hours ago, eaglescout526 said:

 

To be fair there’s not much chrome left on them. I mean one had more than the other but I haven’t seen anything abnormal going on. But do we even know if those lamp manufactures used chrome plating for the reflectors? I’m genuinely curious if that’s what is used. 

Honestly I really couldn't say, but you never know. I figured I'd meantion that just so that you are aware and can be cautious of potential fumes.

[eaglescout526]

1 minute ago, The86manche said:

Honestly I really couldn't say, but you never know. I figured I'd meantion that just so that you are aware and can be cautious of potential fumes.

I greatly appreciate that! Gotta look out for each other. 

[The86manche]

On 8/7/2021 at 12:56 PM, eaglescout526 said:

I greatly appreciate that! Gotta look out for each other. 

Of course! Would hate to hear something awful happen to anyone on here