Thoughts on cleaning my headlight actuators?

[Rick T.]

Here are some pics of my headlight actuators. I'm pretty sure they are original to my 1972 sb. I would like to get them cleaned up and bring back some of their original shiny finish.....like what is seen in the pic of the back of the actuator. The previous owner, (my dad) had the car painted and lots of interior work done long ago and that all looks great. The engine compartment however, has been neglected, and I'm in the process of trying to make the engine compartment match what the rest of the car looks like. There is some paint overspray on the actuators and the rest is just age I guess.

Any thoughts?

Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: Thoughts on cleaning my headlight actuators?

Here are some pics of my headlight actuators. I'm pretty sure they are original to my 1972 sb. I would like to get them cleaned up and bring back some of their original shiny finish.....like what is seen in the pic of the back of the actuator. The previous owner, (my dad) had the car painted and lots of interior work done long ago and that all looks great. The engine compartment however, has been neglected, and I'm in the process of trying to make the engine compartment match what the rest of the car looks like. There is some paint overspray on the actuators and the rest is just age I guess.

Any thoughts?

Rick

Rick------


I highly doubt that you'll be able to clean these actuators and preserve the original finish. The chromate over-plate ("gold") is quite "fragile". Anything even slightly abrasive or acidic will remove it.

[Mark E.]

Re: Thoughts on cleaning my headlight actuators?

If they work, wash them with dish soap, warm water and a soft bristle brush to remove the dirt. Consider the result original patina and evidence the front end hasn't been messed with very much. If they're not frozen on, you might replace the rusty eyelet and install new boots.

I twisted off the arm trying to adjust an eyelet on one of my original, dull actuators. Now my car features two shiny new Chinese units.

[Joe L.]

Re: Thoughts on cleaning my headlight actuators?

If they work, wash them with dish soap, warm water and a soft bristle brush to remove the dirt. Consider the result original patina and evidence the front end hasn't been messed with very much. If they're not frozen on, you might replace the rusty eyelet and install new boots.

I twisted off the arm trying to adjust an eyelet on one of my original, dull actuators. Now my car features two shiny new Chinese units.

Mark------


I highly doubt that the soap, water, and bristle brush are going to remove the paint on the front of these actuators.

[Terry M.]

Re: Thoughts on cleaning my headlight actuators?

Here are some pics of my headlight actuators. I'm pretty sure they are original to my 1972 sb. I would like to get them cleaned up and bring back some of their original shiny finish.....like what is seen in the pic of the back of the actuator. The previous owner, (my dad) had the car painted and lots of interior work done long ago and that all looks great. The engine compartment however, has been neglected, and I'm in the process of trying to make the engine compartment match what the rest of the car looks like. There is some paint overspray on the actuators and the rest is just age I guess.

Any thoughts?

Rick

Don't waste your time and effort. Send them to Bob Demmel (See member list in drop-down "COMMUNITY" to contact him). While you are at it, send him your windshield wiper door actuator as well. They will come back looking like jewelry.

[Mark E.]

Re: Thoughts on cleaning my headlight actuators?

Mark------


I highly doubt that the soap, water, and bristle brush are going to remove the paint on the front of these actuators.

No, probably not.

Another experience: I cleaned as above then applied ACF-50 to my original wiper door actuator. It started out looking like a rust covered can, but now looks like old but decent silver chromate.

[Rick T.]

Re: Thoughts on cleaning my headlight actuators?

Ok, thanks for all the info and here is an update......
I totally ruined it and now I'm going to call Bob Demmel.