Side-mirror glass template help

[atomicholiday]

Hey all, I’m working on a kit that came with side-mirrors, but no actual mirror glass.  Is there an easy way to make a template for the shape?

 I’m thinking of using clear packaging material and painting the inside or using bmf on the outside for the mirror.  Just not sure of a good way to cut out the right shape.

[StevenGuthmiller]

Just lay it facedown on a piece of very thin sheet plastic, (white or clear) and trace around it.

Cut out to shape as close to the line as you can, and then slowly and carefully begin sanding around the edges until it fits fairly tight.

Stick on a piece of chrome Mylar tape and trim around it tight to the shape you cut, and then glue them in place.

 

 

 

Steve

[peteski]

If the mirror side has a lip around it then take piece of the "invisible" matte Scotch tape and glue it on the mirror (but don't press it hard - let it just adhere to the lip.  Then take an old fashioned pencil and gently rub it over the lip.  Like making old-school rubbing on paper.  That will produce an outline of the lip.  You can then remove that tape, and stick it on a piece of paper. Then trim around the pencil line (trim it on the inside of the line).  You can now use that as a template to cut your mirror (from whatever material you choose).

[JollySipper]

Would filling the cavity with something like the UV cure fillers work, then maybe just using BMF on the face of the filled recess?

[Mike 1017]

I use JB Weld Epoxy. I mix, then fill the mirror, and make sure that the epoxy is level. I let cure for 24 hours then paint the face with Molotov Chrome.

Good luck

Mike

[peteski]

1 minute ago, Mike 1017 said:

I use JB Weld Epoxy. I mix, then fill the mirror, and make sure that the epoxy is level. I let cure for 24 hours then paint the face with Molotov Chrome.

Good luck

Mike

In order for the chrome paint to look like a mirror, the surface has to be mirror glass smooth.  Surface or JB Weld is nowhere as smooth.  Call me anal . . .

[Mike 1017]

Just now, peteski said:

In order for the chrome paint to look like a mirror, the surface has to be mirror glass smooth.  Surface or JB Weld is nowhere as smooth.  Call me anal . . .

I just make sure that the epoxy is level and use a toothpick or a piece of flat styrene to make sure that the epoxy is smooth. Sort of like a skin coat 

[peteski]

8 minutes ago, Mike 1017 said:

I just make sure that the epoxy is level and use a toothpick or a piece of flat styrene to make sure that the epoxy is smooth. Sort of like a skin coat 

Well, even the, this thing is a size of a lentil, and there is an extra ridge on the inside of the outer ridge. I still think that even as smooth as you could make it, the resulting mirror will still be like a fun-house mirror.  If one wants to go the paint route then make a template like I mentioned, then make a filler piece using some 0.010" or 0.015" flat styrene.  Glue that in (using a non-solvent glue, like JB-Weld or other epoxy, so not to distort the thin styrene). then put a coat of chrome paint.  But Mylar film will be more "mirrory".

 

Yes, I do "sweat the small stuff" while modeling.

Edited May 11, 2023 by peteski

[Chariots of Fire]

16 hours ago, JollySipper said:

Would filling the cavity with something like the UV cure fillers work, then maybe just using BMF on the face of the filled recess?

A chance that the material would crawl up the sides and not leave the surface fully flat.  (fancy name is meniscus)

[atomicholiday]

Some really good suggestions from everyone.   I hadn't even thought of using chrome Mylar.   That would be perfect. 

I think I have a plan now.   Thanks everyone for your input.