Headlight Rims

My headlight rims have a little surface rust, and I'd like to replace them.
I phoned IM, and they think they are 1948-1966 VW headlight rims.
Any suggestions on finding replacements would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dave

David, are you sure you don't want to take them to be re chromed? My experience has been real good and you don't get the same problem you had with the last ones....JMHO, but if you pay a little extra a good chromer will give you a lot better result that won't pit and rust. But maybe the ones you have are too gone?

Steven, that's a good point.
I wonder what the cost would be to re-chrome to headlight rims.
I found a site in the UK that advertises headlight rims that are "triple" chrome plated for

In recent years the EPA has made it difficult for a chromer to produce a finish as durable as chrome once was. If you can locate a chromer out of the contry that would be your best bet to get the better "older process" done. Another positive source is a Harley shop they can direct you to someone that is good but I am sure that you'll pay dearly

Think about painting them body color. I've seen that done quite a bit and on some cars it looks cool.

Try this.......steel wool your chrome and you will be amazed what comes off. The Chrome stays on and rust comes off.

Even better than steel wool is a product called "Zud" (honest-to-God, that's the name) which is made for removing rust from Chrome.

HOWEVER! IF, after all this other advise, you choose to go the "the Hell with it, I just want new headlight rims" route, then try:

Rocky Mountain Motor Works, part number 111-941-111 Headlight Rim, Chrome, 1946-1962 L or R, $15.95
Order online from www.motorworks.com

gordon

if you go the steel wool route, a light coat of poly clear coat
will make it look great and protect from further deterioration.

Although the Speedster was rust free on all chrome the Ghia needed some rubbing. Use Bull Dog steel wool and not SOS pads.... You will be amazed. It doesn't scratch the chrome at all. Never use it on a mirror though!

On 'mythbusters' they tested a number of the mythical uses of Coke. The one that proved to be true was the use of coke as a rust remover on chrome. Took the rust right off. He used tin foil as the 'applicator'. I would think OOOO steel wool with coke would be better.

The ones that didn't work; blood removal, tooth disolver, steak disolver, grease cleaner, battery terminal cleaner. Can't remember the rest.

The "tin foil" and coke / catsup is an old used car dealer trick
When there were an abundance of the huge chrome bumpers hanging foward and aft on the 50's and 60's cruisers, the chrome would rust peel and pit. The pitting could be up to and 1/8 in size. By rubbing the catsup/coke with tin foil , the foil would "fill" the pit voids ...for a few days at least...... Alan M

My Amex Platinum card does wonders for rusty bumpers. :)

Thanks for all of your replies.
Chrome polish removes the surface rust, but it reappears after a week or so.
I may just buy a set of Headlight Rims from Rocky Mountain Motor Works as Gordon suggested, unless Mike Cochrane willing to let me borrow his AMEX Platinum card to buy the "triple" chrome plated for

No problemo baby...10034503450355 expiry 06/08

Knock yourself out. Cheers mate!

Try vintagevwparts.com in Burbank, CA They've got new headlight rings for $8/ea. Just specify which headlight rings you have. There are 3 styles, all differ in the location of the adjustment screws. Early Bosch lights (Pre '52) had them at the 9 & 12 o'clock position. 1953-62 Bosch & Hella were located at the 5 & 7 o'clock positions. 1963-66 Hella were located at the 2 & 7 o'clock positions.

Thanks Glenn,
I'll check them out.

Dave

I have often wonder if anyone offered the rings in stainless steel .
I do know that Billy Thomas of White Post Restorations in VA, can make nearly anything. but you better open your wallet very wide. He is not bashful about pricing his work.

Here's ones
www.800luvbugg.com/shop?frame=2.22.4577

Tweeks is a francise of the Luv bug folks, You can also use the 66 beetle kits sold at Rocky Montain Motorworks.

Please! correct me if Im wrong, Except for the lenses they are the same. But parts quality will vary.