alex_260z Posted April 18, 2016 Share Posted April 18, 2016 (edited) A quick guide on modifying the cheapy $99 eBay spec fender mirrors. Bought these mirrors and wasnt happy with the quality so decided to tidy them up a bit with some bits I had laying around. Sorry in advance about photos. My phone takes pictures worse than a potato. Some of the issues I spotted: Materials/Tools used: -$99 Fender Mirrors Image above^ -$37 Generic bullet style mirrors -Fibreglass body filler -Standard body filler -Die to fit mirror screw (M5x0.8 from memory) -Angle Grinder/Hacksaw/Bolt cutters(anything that cuts a bolt) -Plastic primer (From any auto paint shop) -Acrylic black paint(I used the Supercheap branded $10 cans) -Acrylic clear paint(I used the Supercheap branded $10 cans) -Various sandpaper grits -Wax and grease remover The mirror was disassembled and holes sanded to promote adhesion. Excess dust was cleaned with wax and grease remover. The holes were filled with fibreglass filler. Once this had dried they were sanded flat and each side was filled with body filler to make it flat. The hole mirror was sanded with around 400 grit to remove the gloss finish. They were then painted with plastic primer. Once this had dried the acrylic black was applied. Had a few imperfections show through first time round so sanded them flat again. Painted again and then clear coat was applied. To fit the chrome mirror housing from the bullet mirror to the black frames the stud needs to be shortened around 10mm. I wound the die in and cut the end off the stud. Could probably get away with using a bolt to do this. All fitted up together. Will probably paint the mirror bases as well as they are a slightly different shade. Edited April 18, 2016 by alex_260z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_260z Posted April 18, 2016 Author Share Posted April 18, 2016 Another point to add. If you purchase these mirrors you can put in a complaint on eBay, asking for a partial refund. Saved myself $20 to put toward buying the bullet mirrors for parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dat240z Posted April 18, 2016 Share Posted April 18, 2016 That is pretty well done mate... Perhaps you'd consider commissioning a set for my 240z?? If I cant find somewhere in Tokyo next month to source proper fender mirrors then its a great alternative. Let me know what you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK Posted April 18, 2016 Share Posted April 18, 2016 Hi Alex Great post. Bought the same ones, did not think of filling the holes like you did, but,sanded the castings flat. I also replaced the main pivot bolt to control the angle the main arm with a stainless steel bolt that goes all the way through to the other end of the plastic base and in the end cavity I put a nut. So when you tighten up no stripping or slipping hopefully ever. I painted the whole mirror with chrome enamel spray paint - weird stuff as it does not seem to dry fully will rub off your finger it getting dryer nor but its been a bout a month and you cant cover in a clear to my knowledge. The finish look pretty chrome like but a good silver metallic may have been better I think, I may resand and start again. Cheers AK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_260z Posted April 19, 2016 Author Share Posted April 19, 2016 That is pretty well done mate... Perhaps you'd consider commissioning a set for my 240z?? If I cant find somewhere in Tokyo next month to source proper fender mirrors then its a great alternative. Let me know what you think. Thanks for the offer, not sure I trust my craftsmanship enough to do it for someone else but I'm more than happy to help you out with any advice or questions you have if you attempt this yourself. Hi Alex Great post. Bought the same ones, did not think of filling the holes like you did, but,sanded the castings flat. I also replaced the main pivot bolt to control the angle the main arm with a stainless steel bolt that goes all the way through to the other end of the plastic base and in the end cavity I put a nut. So when you tighten up no stripping or slipping hopefully ever. I painted the whole mirror with chrome enamel spray paint - weird stuff as it does not seem to dry fully will rub off your finger it getting dryer nor but its been a bout a month and you cant cover in a clear to my knowledge. The finish look pretty chrome like but a good silver metallic may have been better I think, I may resand and start again. Cheers AK Thanks AK, I might do the same with the main pivot point as well. I hadnt thought of using a bolt, as the screw arrangement seems a bit flimsy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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