Question For The Baord About Cars With Body Color Mirrors

[LVZ2881]

how many of you attach body color mirrors before paint, and how many after, and what are the pros/cons...

my concern would be complete paint coverage of both the mirror, and around the base on the body.

[ismaelg]

Hi,

Like Mike said, I paint them separately and attach them at the end. Usually that's the last thing I put on a model. If there is enough contact surface I scrape a bit of paint off at the contact point and glue them in place. If not, I drill a small hole in both the mirror and the door or pillar and use a small wire as a dowel. Of course you want to do the drilling and test fitting before painting. Another alternative is using white glue. The joint will be weak and it can be easily knocked down, but it's safer than superglue or plastic cement on painted surfaces.

HTH.

Thanks,

[crispy]

Same here I paint separately before attaching. Exactly the same reasons as mentioned.

One of the reasons I do so is I usually paint my mirrors a different color than body color for the paint schemes I use.

Chris

[jamie]

I haven't built a car with mirrors in a while (i mostly build NASCAR), but I started on a 70 FORMULA 400 where I pinned the mirrors on first, before the paint. I wouldn't want to mess up the paint, I have the worst luck.....

I'm going to see how it goes...I'll let you know how I make out.

Jamie

[Olle F]

I usually build older cars with chromed mirrors, but I do them the same way as others have already described: Drill, pin and test fit before paint, and they are also among the last parts I put on. I use Crystal Clear, so any excess can be cleaned off easily without messing up the paint.

I would do a painted mirror the same way. It will be much easier and safer to paint, polish and assemble the model if you mount the mirrors last, and you don't have to fumble around and get glue all over the door if you pin it. It also makes a strong joint, so you won't knock the mirrors off when you play with the finished model.