A discontinued model is the moment most people give up and bin a pair they love. They shouldn't. “The maker doesn't sell that part any more” is rarely the same as “it can't be fixed.” Here's what's genuinely possible with older and rare Ray-Bans.
“Discontinued” doesn't mean “unfixable”
Ray-Ban retires models constantly, and colourways come and go faster still. But a retired model doesn't vanish — parts continue to exist in old stock, in specialist supply chains, and in the hands of workshops that have been doing this for decades. The real question isn't whether a part was discontinued; it's whether it can still be sourced or made. Usually it can.
Two routes to a fix
1. Genuine parts, tracked down
For many older models we can still source genuine lenses, arms, hinges and nose pads. This keeps the pair completely authentic — logo and all — which matters most for collectable models and vintage Aviators and Wayfarers.
2. A crafted alternative
When genuine stock has truly run out, we cut and colour-match a high-quality replacement as closely as possible to the original. It won't carry the Ray-Ban logo, but it restores the look and function — and saves a frame that would otherwise be a write-off.
What we can usually restore
- Scratched or cracked lenses on retired models
- Snapped or bent arms and worn hinges
- Perished or missing nose pads and temple tips
- Faded frames in need of a clean, realignment and polish
When it isn't possible
We'll always be straight with you. A frame snapped in several places, or a one-off where no compatible part exists, may be beyond economic repair. If that's the case we'll say so before you spend anything — and we won't charge to take a look.
Got a discontinued or vintage pair you've written off? Send us a photo and the model number if you can read it. We'll tell you honestly whether it can be saved.
Ask our workshopHow old is too old?
There's no fixed cut-off. We've restored frames from the 1970s and 80s. Age matters less than what's broken and whether a part can be matched.
Will a repaired vintage pair lose its value?
A sympathetic repair with genuine parts generally protects value. Tell us if a pair is collectable and we'll treat it accordingly.
Can you re-glaze with the original tint?
We match the original tint and finish as closely as available stock allows, and explain the options before we begin.