Painting behind the Lights

[B-Doon]

I've read Keith's article about painting chrome/silver behind the rear lamps to increase visibility, and I've seen several posts about it. Has anyone tried to do the same thing with the front turn signals? Mine are barely noticable when activated during daylight hours on an inka paint job... would carefully painting the space the lamp fits into in the fender do anything worthwhile?

P.S. What do you reccomend to spray on the actual lenses to clean them up after they start to look weathered??

P.S.S. Thanks Les! I got the euro lamps today, and they are perfect!

Brian

[brad_c-ville_VA]

is what has been used with good results. but i doubt it would be very helpful for the fronts.

probably the best upgrade for front turn signals are the tap-a-lites from u-haul. i got a set for my euro front turn signals and it made all the difference and for only $5 a pair.

go here: http://store.uhaul.com/product_detail.aspx?id=3286

[Senna27]

P.S. What do you reccomend to spray on the actual lenses to clean them up after they start to look weathered??

Use a good quality wax on the lenses. It will keep them from fading!

[Rob7502]

I think that if you paint everything behind the bulb it would help. I mean the brakets and the sheetmetal.

Also yeah you can make those old dull lenses shine agian. Polish them on a buffing wheel using either white or preferably blue compound and a gental touch. Make sure that you keep moving the part alot to avoid hot spots that could lead to a burn.

[Emyers]

I did in fact paint the innards to include the bulb reflector with reflective chrome paint. Prior to painting, I washed the lens inside with warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush, and polished the outer lens with a plastic polishing compound. I chose a slightly different method of modifiying the euro lens. The link is below if you would like to check it out. When I looked at the pics for the popular Tap-A-Light option it appeared to me the wires were integral to the bulb, necessitating the purchase of another unit from u-haul if it burns out. My set up allows the purchase of a bulb available anywhere if needed. I may be wrong about the tap-a-light, and someone please correct me if I am wrong.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,268960/

Earl Myers

74 2002Lux

72 Volvo 1800ES

[f1reverb]

which is available in various widths and thickness. Very reflective too. I have a bunch of sizes. The rolls Harbor Freight sells are very thin. I have other rolls that are used to mask Gulfstream exteriors when they paint. They are thick and three inches wide.

[B-Doon]

A like these Ideas....especially the aluminum tape idea...it's not permanent, and I have some around the house....I also have some special "delicate" wax/cleaner i've been using while restoring my pinball machine...it would probably work great...

Thanks for all the ideas....I'm off to uhaul in the am!

[Rob7502]

B-Doon

Is that a leak I see