I've done a search here and can't find the information I'm looking for. Does anyone know how to remove the coloured plastic covers on the door mirrors (I want to sand and repaint them), or if it is even possible to remove those without removing the entire mirror assembly. Appreciate any input.

 

I think that you gently pry them off the holding clips using plastic trim tools. I have not confirmed this, but plan to remove mine soon.


So, if anyone knows exactly how to remove the covers without destroying them, there are at least two forum members that need to know.

 

Where's all the tech gurus when you need them?


Anyone?

 

Oh well, I'm not going to risk breaking them by attempting to pry them off without knowing how they are attached or where the clips are. I think with some careful masking I can just sand and repaint them in-place.

 

Was reading of your plight, and belatedly realized (duh!) that I had a broken mirror out in the shop.
Went out and attacked it with diverse implements of torture.
The following pics should tell the story.

Basically you have three tubular plastic pegs that slide into split collar sleeves in the mirror body.
You've also got a large plastic clip at bottom center and a smaller one in the obtuse corner.

My mirror had been broken for who knows how long, so there was some rust on the metal split collars. One of my split collars was also broken loose from the mirror body. That was from the original mirror damage, not from my efforts today.

I won't claim it was easy to remove the back ... it actually fought me pretty hard until I sprayed a little WD-40 on the pegs. I used the widest of my plastic trim removal tools to work the back off.
Try to work it off as evenly as possible, once you've got the two clips released.
Just take a little care and you'll be OK.

Hope this helps,
retro

 

Thanks retro - knowing how it clips in helped me a lot. I just worked my way along the top and outside of the covers with a trim tool and they popped right off (being rust-free helps it seems). Thanks for taking the time to investigate and post pics.

 

You're welcome.
I've been helped immeasurably by forum members, glad when I can do a little payback.

 

I simply pried mine off too, took some time and effort and lots of patience.
Vector

 

I am so glad you posted this thread, as it is very timely for me as well. Both of my mirror covers also need to be removed and painted, and I was of the impression that they were attached from the interior and required the mirrors being removed.

So this is great news that they can be removed from the outside.

.

 

What do you think of the results? I am really pleased with how they came out. Note to anyone else planning this - those plastic covers do need a good coat of primer - just sanding back the existing clearcoat/paint won't give good results (I speak from experience!).

 

Great job .... those look most excellent!
Nice color too ....

 

I covered mine with vinyl carbon fiber from 3M. Looks more subtle than this pic, the flash makes it look more prominent than it looks in person.
Vecor