In the 1970s the industry hit hard times, and Lin's sales sharply declined. But then a friend brought him an old silver Matsu hat that was tarnished and in bad need of cleaning. Lin, who had always held traditional craftsmanship in high regard, decided to change career tracks and make the silver hats worn by deities in Taoist worship.
一九七○年代，林啟豐發現國內金飾業景氣嚴重下滑、收入銳減，正巧一位友人拿來一頂年代久遠、因長期和空氣接觸而氧化變黑的媽祖銀帽請他清洗，原本對傳統工藝就極為喜愛的他，便有意「改途」打造專供神明穿戴的銀帽。