Burnt strobe reflector?

[Richard P]

I recently picked up a set of 4 linear strobe heads for my excalibur. 2 were a little crispy, the other 2 pretty useable. The charcoaled ones significantly reduced the light output. So instead of buying new reflectors, i touched them up with some aluminum foil tape.


I cut the tape to a rough shape of the reflector (keeping the backing on the tape), set them in place and did final trimming.


Once I was happy with the shape, I stuck it on.


I had some difficulties with the tape sticking in the cold, but most of you wont have that problem. I got some before and after pictures, Unfortunately, my video camera can barely capture the flashes, let alone the intensity of the volcanic ash reflector and the re-finished version, but believe me, the different is night and day! Its well worth the $20 roll of tape and 20 mins of working, even working out int eh cold! my fingers were frozen cock stiff after, but my strobes look new!

 

[TritonBoulder47]

Neat trick Rich... Even off, they looks LOADS better. I'm sure the output is atleast 2-fold+ better...

 

[slash9dotnet]

Nice! Brilliant idea, too! Thank you!

 

[Ultimate D]

Looks like that worked very well. Great idea.

 

[SireLite]

I've have done this on 500 series halogens and also in the rear lights on my old land rover. It's a great way of bring old lights back to life. Works good on rotators too.

 

[rwo978]

Did this to some Whelen strobes, 52 and 500 series. Before/after pics.


[Broken External Image]:[URL]http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/rwo978/Sales%20warning/th_Whelen52strobes.jpg[/URL][Broken External Image]:[URL]http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/rwo978/Sales%20warning/th_Whelen52strobesfoil.jpg[/URL][Broken External Image]:[URL]http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/rwo978/Sales%20warning/th_Whelen500strobes.jpg[/URL][Broken External Image]:[URL]http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/rwo978/Sales%20warning/th_Whelen500strobesfoil.jpg[/URL]

 

[doccj]

Stainless Steel or Aluminum tape work also, it is IMPORTANT to keep it clear of the strobe tube connections as it can short out the tube or shock you. There is also a chrome reflector spray for restoring tail light from eastwood company.


here is the links to 2 different products


Almost Chrome Aerosol Paint


Eastwood Liquid Chrome & Clear Kit


Here is another product you would have to find someone that does it in your area,


Advanced "Spray-On" Chrome Technology


adhesion1preview


Just check out the site and watch the video on this page and check out the gallery. dont forget to look it up on youtube.


just remember to keep the contacts / wires on the strobe tube clear of any product you use to less the likely hood of getting shocked or causing a short.

 

[rwo978]

Did this to some Whelen strobes, 52 and 500 series. Before/after pics.

Apparently I had deleted the pics from photobucket. Before, followed by after. 500 first, 52 next.

 

[JazzDad]

... There is also a chrome reflector spray for restoring tail light from eastwood company.
here is the links to 2 different products


Almost Chrome Aerosol Paint


Eastwood Liquid Chrome & Clear Kit ...

Their products didn't get an overall good review.


I might try the Krylon Premium Metallic spray, as suggested. (Interior use only.) Surface preparation could be tedious. Anyone have experience with any of these products? How do they hold up to the heat generated by the strobes?

 

[JohnMarcson]

Before, followed by after. 500 first, 52 next.

That's pretty impressive. I assume as far as light output there was no perceivable difference at all. That would fool me lens on for sure.

 

[Phoenix_Rising]

Their products didn't get an overall good review.

I might try the Krylon Premium Metallic spray, as suggested. (Interior use only.) Surface preparation could be tedious. Anyone have experience with any of these products? How do they hold up to the heat generated by the strobes?

I echo that, and for the tapes as well. Especially with the tapes being adhesive backed, Id be interested to know how long they hold up

 

[chief1562]

been doing that for awhile on a few projects myself.

 

[Shawn L]

I have also gotten some OK results using the same foil products on mx7000 rotators, they didnt look as good due to the convex shape of the rotators but they were better than what they had in service and no money for replacement parts or bars.

 

[SireLite]

I echo that, and for the tapes as well. Especially with the tapes being adhesive backed, Id be interested to know how long they hold up

The tape should last a pretty long time as most of it is made for quick repairs on vehicle exhaust pipes.