headlamp silver

[painter]

My offside headlamp is beginning to show the effects of moisture ingress over the years, (1996 XK8) as the silver is slightly stained in several places. Doesn't sem to affect the lights at present but is it possible to recoat the silver rather than renew? Don't want to get involved in the crazy prices quoted for new headlamps.
(Also just in case anybody is ordering +90% extreme brilliance bulbs from Halfords, their main beam bulbs are advertised as dip beam and vice versa).

[GEOFFL]

Hi Painter, can't help with the silvering I'm afraid, but am considering the Halfrauds bulbs, have you had them fitted or bought them and fitted them yourself?

[painter]

Hi Geoffl,
no, just purchased and will be fitted next week along with some other work. Hope they make a difference.

[Nik]

Hi Painter ,
Re-coating is a problem as it's a special finish , the finish doesn't affect the dipped beam as it's a projector type , indeed with the HID lamp they are black but it will effect the non projector main beam.

Hope this helps

Nik

[painter]

Hi Nik,
fortunately the main beam silver seems ok. In an attempt to keep the headlamps dry I have drilled a couple of holes in each the plastic headlamp 'caps', (16mm dia.) cut off the feet from a pair of my wifes stockings (I think they were old ones ) and wrapped these around each cover before replacing. Seems to be working so far and hopefully won't get any spiders inside.

[GrandTourer]

In the past I tried some 50%-increase Phillips bulbs, but saw very little effect.
Now I have Halfords Extreme Brilliance (90%increase) fitted to all our cars for the last 3 years and found them excellent.
I also noticed that Halfords now also sell 120%increase bulbs (I forget the name of the range ('something like super extra brilliance' or something like that for near £30. Where the 90% extra bulbs were about £23, if I recall).

During the winter months Halfords have always had these on a 2 for 1 offer so I only ever paid for one and got the pair. That also seems to apply to the new 120% types.

My verdict: Excellent for the price.

[Nik]

In the past I tried some 50%-increase Phillips bulbs, but saw very little effect.

Told you that you needed to go to Specsavers Karl

All the best and see you soon ,

Nik

[paul999]

Hi Painter,most of us seem to have problems with these headlamps.I believe that for about £150 just the front section with the silvered surface can be purchased aftermarket.This clips to the main body but you need to make sure that the seal is good.I had water in mine but the burner for the HID lamp had failed too so having no luck sourcing a used unit had to pay £905 for a complete unit.Thats my gearbox oil change cash gone (ouch).Paul

[Nik]

Hi Painter,most of us seem to have problems with these headlamps.I believe that for about £150 just the front section with the silvered surface can be purchased aftermarket.This clips to the main body but you need to make sure that the seal is good.I had water in mine but the burner for the HID lamp had failed too so having no luck sourcing a used unit had to pay £905 for a complete unit.Thats my gearbox oil change cash gone (ouch).Paul

Hi ,
The genuine Jaguar lens/reflectors come complete with the seal as standard
I wish you had posted that you needed a HID lamp burner , we have a JEC club member that has them in stock for a lot less money
If you ever need another PM me and I'll put you in touch ,

All the best

Nik

[skeltz]

i have the same problem with 1 headlamp silver lifted/ discouloring due to moisture , i have seen chrome aerosol paint available has anybody tried this as a repair ? Will the heat affect it ?

[DougX]

Further to your message, I know that the moisture ingress into the lights was a known fault with the XK8 and Jaguar issued a service bulletin about it. I have been in communication with Jaguar over this problem recently - and still ongoing - and their response is as follows: "Having spoken again with Jaguar's Technical Engineers, they have advised that a Technical Service Bulletin is an aid to provide technical support to assist authorised repairers to diagnose and resolve a concern. It is not a Service or Recall Action and the cost of any such work is the responsibility of the owner/driver and not Jaguar. If this concern had have been the result of a manufacturing defect, it would have manifested itself much earlier in the vehicle's life. Our records do not show any history of this concern during the warranty period. I would assure you that as a responsible manufacturer we do make every effort to ensure that all our components are tested so they meet the highest standard at the time of production. Sadly, it is not possible to pre-empt or offer an absolute guarantee on any vehicle's component and it is for this reason that we offer such a comprehensive warranty and the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty. As a proactive manufacturer, we do empower our dealer network to offer support to loyal customers who may have concerns, once the manufacturer’s warranty has ended. This support is not without limitation and subject to criteria as we must be mindful to those customers who have chosen to take out an extended warranty."
My response has to be, that the mere fact they have had to issue a service bulletin, indicates they are aware of a problem with the moisture entering the lights, which must be a manufacturering defect. I am awaiting their response.

[painter]

Hello Doug X,
In all the cars I have driven over the years I cannot recall one that has suffered from this problem. I am sure we would all expect Jaguar to provide superior quality to their customers.
This has to be considered a manufacturing fault, whether or not within warranty, in the same way as the somewhat fragile ZF gearboxes.

[DougX]

Just spoken to three members of the local JEC club who have XK8/R's and all have suffered with this complaint, so I consider it to be a manufacturing fault!