Panzer Bosch Headlight Restoration

[skull181]

I finally got enough parts to start this restoration..

Panzer Head Light, Head Light Cover, replacement Glass Holder.

Off they went to be cleaned up, via a Electrolysis process and given a good once over .

 

[skull181]

All the parts were put in a bowl and electronically cleaned.

They were left for few hours until the rust gradually disappeared.

 

[skull181]

The Head Light itself is in poor condition, lots of holes, very rusty, fragile and dented with it's backside pushed in.

But that's what I wanted, a nice relic from one of the mighty Panzers.

The glass holder/frame has been drilled out, due to the screws being embedded into the frame, and the replacement one is shown dry fitted.

 

[skull181]

The parts have been cleaned up after their electric bath..

They have come our really well given their age, over seventy years old

 

[skull181]

Hopefully a Bosch glass lens will be with me soon, just need the housing that the Light "sits" in to, and a reflector part for the insides..

I must admit, I doubt I will get housing/base..

So far, so good roud:

 

[beihan62]

Hi Skull,you are doing a fine job there,patience and perseverance,I hope you manage to get all the parts you need and have a complete lamp to show for all your hard work,
Regards,
Don.

 

[skull181]

Some more pictures of it being broken down for restoration..

The inner spacer that sits between the glass lens and the reflector will be reused if needed.

The inner seals will be used as a template for new ones.

Work has started on the power in connector. The brass holding ring was stubborn and took some heat and persuasion before coming free.

The ceramic holder is intact, but three of the brass terminals on the back had screw rusted and will either need to be drilled and tapped or just soldered.

So, parts are still needed to proceed, but work is continuing to get it up and running for the first time in seventy years.

 

[skull181]

Bosch glass lens just arrived from Poland

Now this glass lens is rare, very rare..

 

[beihan62]

Looking good now,
Don,

 

[skull181]

Very latest with the glass lens trial fitted, and it fits perfectly arty:

Yes Don, it's starting to look good..

 

[skull181]

Finally it's starting to come together.

There's bullet damage to the outer ring, the headlight with the replacement front guard trial fitted.

The original Bosch glass Lens has been fitted, sandwiched between two new seals and the backing ring.

It's starting to look the part.. :wavey:

 

[beihan62]

Thats great,a rare piece of history resurected,(complete with bullet damage,)full marks for determination and dedication,
Regards,
Don,

 

[skull181]

Just needs the reflector part, electronics sorting and then it's getting painted..

 

[skull181]

Electronic parts are now fitted.

Because of the bullet damage, the front black out protector doesn't sit properly..

If only I could find the base/housing for it...:bawling:

 

[skull181]

Reflector part received from Romania, although a original Bosch Light, it isn't correct, but the height and diameter are perfect.

A small lip protrudes, this will be removed and the electronics/bulbs will be rerouted.

It's gathering pace now..

 

[beihan62]

Looks like you have nearly completed your project,well done,I hope your skills lead to a working lamp which will be an achievment considering what you had to start with,
Regards,
Don,

 

[skull181]

Still quite a lot to be done yet, but the major problems have been over come.

The reflector part has been cut and installed, the front black out cover now fits.

It's the bulbs and holders next, then we will see how it looks with some red primer on it.

I think I will have a plate made, just like the one on a Tiger and mount it on that. :idea:

 

[skull181]

Finally up and running :dancing2:

The light has a 12V battery added. Not too bright but it's now Working...

Not sure on the Camouflage pattern, it needs toning down.

A different base will have to be used, a original and correct one is impossible to find.

This one shown will be more than enough to show it off, it's WW2 German, for another vehicle.

So, more work needs to be done, but the project enters it's final stages.

 

[beihan62]

Well done,nice to see a basket case returned to working order,you have done well there,
Regards,
Don,

 

[skull181]

Cheers Don, the wiring has now been completed and we await the arrival of the base.

Still not sure on the redone Camouflage pattern, it's trial and error at the moment.

I can't get the proper base, so I've got a similar one ordered.

It should look really unique when it's finally finished.