Faded (Red) Paint on Mirrors

[elemgee]

I wondered if anyone else has this problem: the red paint on both mirrors is faded. I've tried a few things to bring it back,like polishing compound, but nothing works (I do everything by hand - I dont have an orbital buffer, for instance). Anyone else have this problem and was able to bring the paint back to a good condition? Otherwise, i was thinking of either repainting them myself, or going to an inexpensive place and having them repaint the mirrors. Thanks.

Larry

[ensteele]

Larry - the red paint is by far the color that fades the most. I have a 93 that the mirrors are horrible. About the only way to fix them is to have them painted again. There is no more red paint under the light color on them. Good luck with the project.

[svxcess]

The fading of the red plastic parts on the SVX is quite common, the mirrors and the rear side garnish under the rear side windows in particular.

They almost fade to a dark pink and all that compounding and polishing does is give you a shiny pink.

Red is by far the most unstable color when exposed to UV. I am sure you have seen trucks in the road with red lettering, outlined in black. The black outline remains, while thered just fades away.

Repainting is the only option. If you have a body shop do it, have them scan for color ,using a fender or other steel panel. These have faded somewhat as well and you want the mirrors to match your existing paint, not the color it was when new.


Also check out THIS THREAD

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[svxcess]

Earl (ensteele) has also used a product called Starbrite. Click HERE

Here are photos from his locker of his faded mirrors before and after using Starbrite.


......... BEFORE





......... AFTER





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[SURTEESS]

I have used Cherry Glaze on the red plastic bits here in NZ - do it about every 6 months, and at the same time give them a good coat of wax.....

[MadMaxSvx]

If the paint is still ok you can apply a hand or two of clearcoat on them. Before doing this,just put some water on them to see how they look with a wet surface over the paint, if they look good then go for the clear coat.

[Elliott]

Originally Posted by svxcess

If you have a body shop do it, have them scan for color ,using a fender or other steel panel. These have faded somewhat as well and you want the mirrors to match your existing paint, not the color it was when new.

Though, this does not guarantee a good match, I have yet to see any paint scanner that can consistently match red paint.

[redlightningsvx]

Send it in to the paint companies. I've sent that damn Ics blue color on the newer fords into PPG and they gave me a formula that was dead on.