I'm looking at the fiber optics in my S3 and besides pulling the bulb holder out of the end of the reflector, I twisted the reflector off the main housing. Glad I did, half the chrome inside bubbled and peeled off. I'm going to upgrade the bulb to LED, but the half black insides has got to hinder the light transmission. Has anyone had this problem or know how I might get it re-chromed? I have tried "chrome paint" from Lowe's and it looks like buffed aluminum, not chrome.

Having retired from the telephone industry, I had some experience with fiber optic cable. I put my LED pocket flashlight to the ends of some of the fibers (after I removed them all) and had a heck of a time discovering what was being lit up. So I thought I would polish the ends of the fiber because they were pretty dull looking. Here is a so-so picture of two polished/unpolished ends. Held the flashlight to the end of one after polishing and the difference was very noticeable, could see what was being lit even with the work light on. I used .5 micron film abrasive, which works out to 46,000 grit.

Dave

 

you can cover the inside with stick-on aluminium or "silver" film. It reflects as good as any other coating.

I have used it in the Map light housing and the Glovebox light housing in my '84 XJ-6, and the light reflection or "output" improved by a good 25%.

In the Map lamp of my '65 S type I glued a piece of mirror glass behind the lamp improving light output by 100%.

but any reflective film will work, even aluminium foil.

you can find reflective stick-on sheets at Craft places like Michael's.

 

here's an example:

a camp lamp. As lame as it can be.

I added aluminum foil to the inside of the lid and light output increased by about 25%.

 

Thanks Jose, I think with the fiber polishing and the LED bulb that the foil or even my "chrome paint" may be ok after all.

Dave

 

I have two spare opticell housings, I will look at them to see if they are any good. All I need is to find them!

 

Dave,
One of the most useful upgrades I made in my car was an LED in the Opticell.

Has 5 elements. I can even see the light switch with this.



https://www.ledlight.com/ba9s-5-ultr...led-light.aspx
(';')

 

The LED I'm going to try is very similar. I'm sure that replacing the old style bulb is the way to go.


Dave

 

Elinor - do you remember which color you ordered? There's "white" and "warm white"?

Bill

 

I ordered White because the filters are already Green and I thought White would transmit better
Warm White is really sort of a dull yellow.
(';')

 

WOW! Shipping is $4.87 for a $1.69 item. I think I'll figure out what other LED lights I need and order all at once.

Many thanks, Bill

 

That's what I did, Bill, and got a whole box of assorted LEDs at once.
(';')

 

If it's just a click away, can you provide me with a list?