Looking for a new light

[Got Wax]

For our trailer, I am looking for a new inspection light. We use a 3M Sun Gun in the shop and thinking about something different in the trailer. Any suggestions/experience??

[jmkiang]

I`m no expert but I think it depends on what you`re trying to inspect ie. swirls, holograms, color matching etc.



Swirls - I just picked up a Brinkmann Dual Xenon and just shining it against a wall, you can tell how smooth the output is. With the $20 B&D spotlight I had, the output was all "splotchy" due to the reflector.



Holograms - I`ve read that LEDs are the best way to detect these. I have no experience with them though so I`ll let someone else chime in.



Color matching - isn`t that what the 3M Sun Gun is for?



EDIT: look thru here

http://www.autopia.org/forum/pro-details-before-after/119269-ferrari-scuderia-almost-forgot-about-one.html

[Got Wax]

OKay, so what is his "Crime Light"?

[jmkiang]

"Crime light" = anything with LEDs. Don`t know the exact model so you`d probably have to PM him.



What exactly are you looking to detect? That might help people give you suggestions.

[Got Wax]

Swirls, holograms. Not too concerned with color matching - maybe to know in advance if the car had ever received paintwork due to an accident or whatever. Think I may just try the Brinkmann this time. No sense in spending the $ on another Sun Gun.

[jmkiang]

For paintwork, get a Highline paint thickness gauge.



You won`t regret your Brinkmann purchase. Pretty cheap. Light weight. High quality.

[Accumulator]

Yeah, I`d try the Brinkman. I have a SunGun and IME it`s only so-so for inspecting.



I have various LED lights (and most everything else except the Brinkman) and they`re not all that great either.



I`ve had *ZERO* luck seeing light holograms with *any* artificial light. Severe holograms, yeah...but not the kind of faint ones that a decent rotary user might leave.

[Got Wax]

Went with the Brinkmann. Shows swirls and scratches pretty well. I`m hoping that any marring I might leave would be corrected in the polishing phase?

[Barry Theal]

I have a sun gun and very rarely use it anymore. i actually been checking a holograms with picture shots and a camera flash. i love led for a lot of stuff!

[Got Wax]

Yeah. I`m actually happy with what the halogen light show. BUt, they are static lights and a PITA to move around the car. A handheld is great. We have a Sun Gun in the shop but, I would rather get the less expensive light and spend the difference on a good thickness meter.