Mirror restoration/attempt project
 

Well its only a matter of weeks to RRE, and one project (amongst a couple) that I wanted to do was to fix my rear view mirrors. I had a couple ideas of what I want/how to go about it, but I am by no means a body/paint person so this is an experiment.

My drivers side mirror is in pretty bad shape. One more good hit/someone unknowing leaing their arm on it (ahem! just kidding) and it might not be on the truck any more.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/...c9fb8b1d_c.jpgUntitled by tombombadom, on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/...8453979d_c.jpgUntitled by tombombadom, on Flickr

I got a couple of mirrors given to me from a friend who has a 94 350 gasser, and he sprung for new re pops from LMC truck. He gave me his old ones and the passenger one is in exceptional condidion. I little faded on the black, but the chrome is in great shape.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/...9b3d8bce_c.jpgUntitled by tombombadom, on Flickr

the drivers, however, is not in very good shape at all. While the chrome has no deep gouges or scratches, it just isn't very pretty to look at.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3840/...6a13827b_c.jpgUntitled by tombombadom, on Flickr

The chrome on the drivers mirror thats there now isnt in much better shape. It has some scratches but it isn't pitted like this.

So now here comes my idea. I was initially wanting to paint the chrome with a texture (like bed liner or somthing like that) but now I think I'm going to try this.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/...ef88db3f_c.jpgUntitled by tombombadom, on Flickr

I'm still undecided if I'm going to paint the black with the texture or the enamel. But I want to try getting the chrome with the plasti dip. The best part is, if you don't like it, just peel it off!

I know ultimately I should spring for some new mirrors, but I thought I'd give this a try. Let me know your guys thoughts/input. I think I'm going to try it today. We shall see. I'll post any updates as I go along.

EDIT: Can someone tell me how to fix my horrid spelling on the thread title or Tom if you would be so kind, can you fix it? Thanks! Spelling was never a strong suit of mine.

I think if you hit edit on your first post, you can edit the title.

Looks like a worth while project, nothing to lose and maybe it will work out.

The Plasti-dip is pretty good stuff Thomas. And like you said, if you don't like it you can peel it off. Have you tried to polish the chrome with some good quality chrome polish yet?

Tried it. No go. I'm happy with how the first turned out. Was going to throw up a pic but phone is not cooperating.

A couple buddy's of mine did the rims on their cars with the stuff. I am actually impressed with the stuff. Kinda rare to find somthing so cheap yet does a good job. I got a little over 10 bucks in 2 cans and I think I still have enough in the first can to get at least 2-3 coats on the other mirror.

My dad suggested chrome polish as well, great minds must think alike. But I didn't try it for fear it was too far gone. It almost looks like someone tried polishing it and was unsuccessful. I was looking for ways to swap that piece out from one mirror to another but didn't really find anything.

Click 'edit' on your first post, then click 'go advanced'

Then you will be able to edit the Title and hit 'save.'

yup, tha tis what i do to change thread titles.

Thomas if the chrome on your existing mirror is in good shape, just swap it over. I've had those mirrors all apart before and it's doable without breaking anything if you're patient. The chrome part is held on with screws from inside the mirror head.

The one on there now isn't great, but it is better than the one on this mirror I'm doing.

I kinda like the look of this though, heres what I got:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3873/...696bacf6_c.jpgUntitled by tombombadom, on Flickr

I don't think it looks half bad!

I think that looks pretty good Thomas!

Is that the Plati-Dip Thomas? Looks pretty good! Looks like you got as much on your fingers as you did the mirror! LOL!!!

Haha yeah that's plasti dip! I like it. My only concern is wondering how good it's going to hold up to bugs. They seem to be magnets for them.

That's pretty cool looking Tom. And a great way to make it look new again.

Yeah I definatly like it. Now I gotta get the other one done and get them on the truck!