Factory Ext Mirror Paint?

Hello Tacoma World...

Quick Question... I purchased a left side, side mirror for my 2000 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner. I couldn't find the right one aftermarket, so went to Toyota and dropped about $160 for the mirror (don't quote me on the exact price, in that area). I installed it about two months ago and it is fading really bad. I have tried black magic, armor oil, etc... I assume I will have to paint this thing? Does anyone recommend a type of paint or have any other thoughts on this? Thanks...

 

I have kept up with mine using this. Definitely not a 'new' look but its better than the faded look.

 

Before you paint it... try a compound and polish process (and then probably something to UV protect it).

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6nQX8q-Tk4



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cS6jBXq9j0

 

Wow... I don't think I'd have the stones to try that on my fender flares...

 

I used PlastiDip on my chrome mirrors and it turned out great. Been on for several months now and no issues at all.

 

I would go to O'reily's and see what auto paint they have there....

I taped off the chrome on my front grill....and got a rattle can of flat black made for automotive applications...and repainted the black parts...
wasnt cheap....$13 for half size can (7oz)....

maybe even another UV coat on top of that...like the meguiar's clear coat I use on my headlites..

Even then probably have to redo every couple years....my bumper last about a year between the meguiar magic black treatments...

 

If I purchased a mirror and it looked as bad as above after just two months I would take it back for a replacement or refund.

 

Go to Napa, or any store that sells SEM brand spray paint. Purchase the SEM color “Trim Black”. It’s kinda expensive for rattle can paint, but it is awesome, and very forgiving while spraying. It also blends very well if you have to touch up anything in the future. You can check out my gallery if you’d like, everything black on my truck is painted with this paint, including the front and rear bumpers, fender flares, mirrors, and sliders.

 

100% The way to go. I used 2 cans

$23 SEM 39143 Trim Black Aerosol - 15 oz.

SEM 39143 Trim Black($16.99 a can) for front bumper and all 4 fender flares. Gonna do mirrors next. Also I used prep spray (wax and degreaser $ 7.99) and sanded everything with 400 grit. Sand spray sand spray then paint. I post a pic here soon.

 

That’s good prep advice, and a couple of things to note if you or anyone does decide to use this paint. It dries funny looking. It will easily make you think you screwed up and need to start over, or add additional coats by some spots drying faster than others. It changes color pretty dramatically from wet to dry. The best way I’ve found is to spray a good coat, and then walk away, don’t watch it dry. Wait at least 1hr before deciding what the paint coat looks like.
If you paint your fender flares with it, you will at some point spill gasoline on the driver’s side rear underneath the fuel fill door. Do NOT attempt to wipe the gasoline off! It will temporarily lift the paint and if you wipe it, paint will come off. Let the gasoline stay wherever it goes, after it’s good and dry again, you won’t be able to see where you spilled the gasoline at all.

 

Thanks everyone for the input... I went back to Toyota and the parts folks weren't there and I didn't have my receipt, but the guy I talked to said they would take it back (when he looked at it he said it must be a defective product). The problem is, it sounded like they will need the old mirror back to order a new mirror, not sure I am willing to go without a mirror for a few days/weeks. So, I will deal with this one way or the other (take it back or paint it using the above advice) and update the thread. Give me a few weeks... Thank You...

 

Hello TW... Quick Update... Toyota treated me right... They were able to order and get a new mirror within about two days... They needed the receipt and when the new mirror came in I had to give them the old one... So, we will see how the new one holds up. If you are interested, price at Toyota in Memphis was just under $140. I tried an aftermarket, but this particular model has a unique mirror so I ended up going with Toyota.

 

Like the other members said, SEM trim paint will have them looking like new and lasting for many many years. I recently just refinished my cowl panel cover on my 2nd gen. It has a great satin black finish that won't fade.

 

Thanks Everyone for the input... I wanted to provide a quick update...

After getting my second mirror (Toyota gave me a new one due to fading), the mirror fell off of the mount. So, went back to Toyota and got a third mirror. After about 3-4 months the third mirror became faded and it almost fell off (I was able to catch it and save the mirror). (This is $140 mirror from Toyota). So, obviously there are some issues with these mirrors... So, rather than taking the third mirror back and going through all of that, I applied the advise above (SEM Paint) and some Gorilla Tape and we have been running strong about 3-4 weeks now... Hopefully it holds up.