Painting side mirrors

lancer1993

Active Member
This is a pretty easy DIY if you're good with a spray can and some tools.
The mirrors on my CC Coupe are manual but it's pretty similar operation for electric ones.

You will need 1-2 days to do this job, depending on paint drying times. So maybe get started on a Friday night and put them back on Sunday evening.

Tools/supplies
- Undercoat paint, your chosen color and top clear coat.
- Sand paper
- Wax/Grease remover
- Screwdrivers
- Masking tape and paper
- A small can or tray to put the parts/screws in so you don't loose them.
- You will also need a place to hang them while spraying.

Step One - Remove the mirrors.

Find the mirrors, usually attached to your doors.


There is one screw holding on the cover, covered by a plastic cap.


Pull at the top, there is a locating pin that holds it in place. You'll need to wriggle it a bit and push the control arm around to get it out.


Remove the 3 screws, hold on to the mirror when you get to the last screw so it doesn't fall off. It should come right off now, but if your's are electric then unplug the lead.
Later you might want to check for any rust and touch it up before putting the mirrors back on, note the small amount on the inside in this picture.


Step Two - Take the mirror apart.

Remove the 3 screws on the bottom.


Remove the screw with the white plastic around it.




Remove the 2 screws holding the controller on, there is a spring under the controller, don't loose it. Also the last screw (inside the mirror housing) holding the 2 parts together.


I missed taking a photo of taking the glass off but push the mirror down on the outer edge (outside of car when mounted), then lightly pull on the inside edge should loosen it. There are 2 lugs at the top, it should 'hinge' up and pull off.


DON'T try and remove the cover from the rest of the mirror. Too hard as on the manual mirror you'll need to undo the 3 cables. It could be easier on the electric ones, just be careful.


Having the other parts attached makes it easier to hang them for painting.

Step Three - Sanding.

Rub down the plastic with suitable sandpaper and mask up what you don't want to paint. I chose to paint just the moving part of the mirror, not the part that attaches to the door. I'm leaving that black. If you choose to do this them be careful not to scratch the parts you aren't painting.


Paint the base coat, take your time and follow the instructions. First coat is a light one.


After a few hours (Maybe longer check the paint can instructions) it's time to paint the color coat. The Twilight Blue looks good!


Allowing time to dry it's now ready for the top clear coat to finish the job.


Step Four - Touch up any rust that you might find.


Step Five - reassemble the mirror and fitting.

Use a soft cloth to rest the newly painted mirror on while putting things back together.
With the controller don't forget to put in the spring before screwing it down.


Put on the seal/cover and white plastic tab which helps hold the mirror on.


Now fitting the mirror, have the screwdrivers and screws near by. Line up the mirror and using a small flat screwdriver push the tab back in, it will take some maneuvering.


Once in place put in the screws and tighten.


Put the cover/boot over the controller and then the plastic cover will also take some jiggling but it should go back in, just remember to line up the lock pin. Then put in the 2nd pin.


This is the back of the mirror, the 'hinge' tabs can be seen at the top, line them up first. Then give the bottom a slight push, you'll hear a click(s) as it goes on.


The reason for taking the mirror off is obvious when you seen the paint has gone in behind it.


Job Done!

Nice looking mirror now! Only took 20 years. Some might like to color code the whole mirror and door frame, I decided to paint just the mirror this time.


Finished job, notice no stamped part details on the front edge, looks much better for that alone!


Paints used...


Extra - Mirror glass surrounds.

Later I decided to paint the mirror glass surround, mainly because min were looking old.


So here are the things used, it's probably best to do this when the mirror is already apart but it can be done at any time as the glass pops right out.


Take your time taping up the glass, use something flat to push the tape right to the edge and avoid the paint running on to the glass.


Put them on a board or something so you can move them to get all the sides.


Follow the usual instructions when painting, allowing time between coats for them to dry, after the final coat allow only wait until they are touch dry before removing the tape. This is so the tape doesn't pull off the paint when it's completely dry.


After a few hours they should be good to handle, you may want to wait over night to make sure before putting them back on the car. I'd wait a few days before cleaning unless you plan to use a dry cloth.


Please let me know of any errors and I'll fix them.
 
The were black, rubbing them down I assume they were just plastic no paint, were that's that it felt like.
I also sanded off the part number and other details stamped into the case :D

I used Plastic Adhesion Primer which is pricy at $19 a can but hope to use it on my weather strips soon.
Color was Twilight Blue to match the car but you can choose any color. I also put on a clear top coat which makes all the difference.

I will be updating the first post with some more pics and details tomorrow.
I'll try and take a pic when I put the mirror back in.
 
Updated first post, they look good and didn't take too long. Some might want to do them over 2-3 days to allow longer for them to dry. I fast tracked them, getting them painted by lunch time Friday, clear coats about 4 hours later. And back on the car before lunch Saturday.

Went for a quick drive and they look good.
 
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