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Topic: 87 T-bird headlights: reflective coating (Read 1661 times) previous topic - next topic

87 T-bird headlights: reflective coating

I'm restoring a couple sets of headlights that I have here and I noticed that the bottom portion inside the headlights don't have any reflective coating on them.
Do they come like that or has it just came off?
I'm planning to use some of that mirror like tape that jcassidy used and was wondering if I should put some of this stuff on the bottom of the headlight bucket
1987 T-Bird TC: 5-Spd, 5-lug conv., CHE Rear CAs, '04 Cobra wheels and 13" Brakes, Vac Assist conv: '93 Cobra BB/MC & Wilwood PV, Gutted/Knived Intakes, T3 turbo, RFE6 Mani, Stinger 3" Exhaust & Oil Feed, 255HP Walbro, Kirban AFPR, RR Cam, Esslinger Cam gear and Round Tooth Conv., Gillis Boost Valve, Speedway Dual Valve Spring,  K&N, 130a 3g Alt conv., 140mph Speedo
Running Better Than Ever :burnout:

87 T-bird headlights: reflective coating

Reply #1 –
I'm on the same situation myself. I have a few sets of turbo coupe headlight boxes. I wanna try the "wrap" material in chrome. It reflects wonderfully when put on cars
41 Dodge Luxury Liner Sedan
78 F-100 2wd flareside
84Turbo Coupe
84 Thunderbird Élan
85 Thunderbird 3.8
88 Turbo Coupe
88 Mustang GT
90 Stang LX 5.0 5spd
93 F-150 4x4 ext cab
96 Mustang GT
98 Mustang GT
99 SVT Cobra
06 Fusion SEL
14 Fusion Sport

87 T-bird headlights: reflective coating

Reply #2 –
The Bottoms Are Not Coated From Factory.
...and there was light!

87 T-bird headlights: reflective coating

Reply #3 –
Would it be a bad idea to put some of the mirror tape on the bottom?
I'm thinking it might conflict with the light beam but I know the headlights would nicer if all the white would be shiny instead
1987 T-Bird TC: 5-Spd, 5-lug conv., CHE Rear CAs, '04 Cobra wheels and 13" Brakes, Vac Assist conv: '93 Cobra BB/MC & Wilwood PV, Gutted/Knived Intakes, T3 turbo, RFE6 Mani, Stinger 3" Exhaust & Oil Feed, 255HP Walbro, Kirban AFPR, RR Cam, Esslinger Cam gear and Round Tooth Conv., Gillis Boost Valve, Speedway Dual Valve Spring,  K&N, 130a 3g Alt conv., 140mph Speedo
Running Better Than Ever :burnout:

87 T-bird headlights: reflective coating

Reply #4 –
The buckets are designed to reflect and focus the light a certain way. I would think if you put mirror tape on the bottom, you risk scattering the beam.
I guess you can try it and report the results. Worst case, you can remove the tape.
TC#1- 2.5T- 10.14@134....9.76@138 with a 50shot
TC#2- Turbo BBF project
TC#3- parts car
 

87 T-bird headlights: reflective coating

Reply #5 –
Putting anything on the bottom will greatly increase the amount of light aimed upward/glare. It might not be so bad adding something to the very rear of the headlight housing, but anything in front of the bulb will bounce the light upward. This is useless for lighting up the street, and just causes additional glare for oncoming drivers. Since there is more light in areas that are NOT usable, it may also affect your pupils slightly and harm night vision.
1988 Thunderbird Sport