Tech Help: 73-89 lens reblacking

Translated and reprinted by permission from the collection of  articles by Johann Swanson “The Shade Tree Swede”

 

   Saving the rear lenses of you car may seem like a waste of time, until you realize that even if you replace them with new they will only last a year or two. Then the black starts to fail. You will then notice the cost of the lenses seems to be not such a good deal after all.

 The lenses crack easily so take great care in removing and installing.

  The first step is to clean the loose black from the groove. Use a small piece of cloth wrapped around a dull ended stick or something else not sharp, dipped in solvent (lacquer thinner or enamel reducer). Be careful not to get any on the colored part. It may remove the coating and it is very hard to fix. Try a small area first to see if there is any reaction to the plastic (dulling) Sometimes the larger pieces will even come loose with your fingernail. If you can’t remove the corners don’t worry your paint will blend in, but try to remove the black from the larger areas. Masking is the most critical part. Do one at a time then you can see where the edge is. Mask inside and outside and double check. Paint with semi-gloss enamel. Use the same as you use to paint the fading trim. Paint carefully 2-3 medium coats and let dry overnight. The next day will be a pleasant reward.

 

 

Johann Swanson  forever trying to save disappearing Porsche parts. He is also working on a fix for the earlier “chrome” edge lenses

Flaking black edges

Carefully clean edge

Precision in masking will be rewarded

Paint evenly

Better than new!