Chrome Side View Mirror Covers?

T

Tochigi

Member
Location
Northern Californai
Hey FXers,

Getting sick of how dull my 03's side view mirror covers have gotten. Was thinking of just replacing them...but I plan on keeping my FX for awhile and would like a long-term solution. I'm thinking a chrome version would last A LOT longer, but can't find and examples of how it would look. The thing I like most about the first gen is that it's not blinged out in chrome.

Anyone do this before...or have a photo?

TIA
 
I've only seen chrome versions for the 2G cover. It would be kind of cool to get chrome ones and use Plastidip Glossifier on them to give it an aluminum look, like the Audi S Models.
 
You say you like the fact that the first Gen is not blinged out with chrome. I agree, so why do you want to add some, I think it would look much better with repainting your mirrors and adding the mirror led signals to the mirrors.
 
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GEE35FX said:
You say you like the fact that the first Gen is not blinged out with chrome. I agree, so why do you want to add some, I think it would look much better with repainting your mirrors and adding the mirror led signals to the mirrors.
Click to expand...

Primarily for the chrome's durability. Just don't want to have to replace painted covers again after a few years.
 
I totally agree with Wayne that painted mirrors just as durable as the paint on the body. Well if that mirror are done right. You have bad experience at cheap body shop that did not strip off the old paint and simple spray over the old layer.
 
At least on some of the early years, the painted finish on the mirror covers does wear differently than other body panels. I try to wax my mirrors with every car wash. If I go 2 or 3 washes without waxing the mirrors, there is obvious fading. I'm assuming it has to do the metal body panels versus painted plastic. Maybe they had to use a different paint type or clear coat on plastic parts. It also happens on the plastic gutter molding strip at the roof joint. It fades much faster.
 
My bad...I didn't clarify. I still have the original OEM mirror covers. What porkandbeans (thanks, btw) stated is my exact predicament. The plastic panels just don't hold the same shine between waxing. Very frustrating.

Just looking for a long-term solution for the mirror covers, which is the most visible.
 
I got lazy with my mirror cover waxing for a long while last year. They looked so faded that I figured I'd just wait and eventually buy new LED covers. Then Jumbo saw them and could immediately tell by sight and touch that a mega waxing would restore it. The shine came back with a good waxing.
Give it a try Tochigi. Just put a couple coats on the mirrors only. Use a good paste wax and not the liquid wax varieties.
In my opinion, chrome mirror covers would look hideous on a FX. What color you got?
 
Hooray for Laser Red!
Maybe the mirror cover fading is a red thing???
Something else ... when I wax the mirrors, red comes off on the chamois. Only from the mirrors nowhere else. Hence, maybe a clear coat/paint/plastic issue. Now I'm reminded of another semi-related custom paint issue from my work. Using automotive grade urethane paint on certain types of production plastics, some colors would not coat well. It had to do with a certain needed primer to achieve a certain glossy finish on certain colors. It was almost like the plastic would react or outgas. It wasn't bubbles or orangepeel, but it just wouldn't coat well regardless of how many coats. It was weird.
 
I was holding out for a white FX for awhile, as I never expected a red one would turn up. Lo and behold!

I'm gonna check the local body shops, see what they can do in terms of paint/clearcoat. If I do go with chrome...I'll post some pics (unless it's absolutely hideous and I'm too ashamed). It does seem to work for little red Italian cars...:smile (2):
 
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