Sunday, December 8, 2013
How to Paint a Replacement Kool Vue Mirror
Car mirrors can endure a lot of damage, even in normal driving conditions. When a broken mirror must be replaced, they often come unpainted and must be painted before installation. Many replacement mirrors are manufactured by Kool Vue, so if you purchase a Kool Vue mirror its important to know the proper way to paint it for the best results.
Instructions
- 1
Cover the glass portion of the replacement Kool Vue mirror with newsprint.
2Secure the newsprint in place with masking tape.
3Clean the entire surface of the plastic to be painted with mineral spirits applied with a clean lint-free cloth. Allow the mineral spirits to dry completely before continuing.
4Sand the entire surface of the plastic to be painted with 800 grit sandpaper and water. Keep the sanding surface moist as dry sandpaper can damage the plastic.
5Wipe away any excess sanding debris with a clean lint-free cloth.
6Apply plastic primer, also called "adhesion promote," to the entire surface to be painted. Allow the primer to dry fully according to manufacturer instructions.
7Apply a second coat of plastic primer to the entire surface to be painted. Allow the primer to dry fully according to manufacturer instructions.
8Paint the entire surface of the plastic to be painted with automotive paint. Allow the paint to dry fully according to manufacturer instructions.
9Remove the masking tape and newsprint from the glass portion of the mirror.
Monday, November 4, 2013
How Do I Change a Mirror on a 2000 Chevy Cavalier
To replace the mirror on a 2000 Chevy Cavalier, you must remove the interior door panel. Cavaliers in this model-year were equipped with either manual or power windows. The procedure for removing the door panel differs between the two variations. While replacing a mirror is not a common repair, doing it yourself will save time and money.
Instructions
- 1
Open the door of your 2000 Chevy Cavalier that requires mirror replacement.
2Power the window down if the Cavalier is so equipped. If it has manual windows, after rolling the window down, use the window crank snap ring tool to dislodge the snap ring from under the crank handle. Align the tool so it is parallel to the window crank then push the blade between the crank and the door panel. The snap ring will pop off or even fly off. To prevent losing it, place a hand in front of the base of the window crank to catch it or prevent it from flying off.
3Remove the six retaining screws on the door panel with the Phillips head screwdriver. One is located on the side view mirror sail (on the interior side opposite the mirror), two are in the door pull cup, two are on the bottom edge of the door panel, and the last one is on the outer lower edge of the door panel.
4Use a metric Allen wrench to loosen the set screw then disconnect the power mirror control module on the inside of the side view mirror sail. Set the mirror sail aside.
5Unclip the inner snap retainers holding the door panel to the door frame (starting at the bottom) with a trim panel pry tool. Work the pry tool up both sides of the door frame once the bottom panel is released.
6Lift the door panel slightly upward then slightly outward to release it from the upper lip of the door frame.
7Reach behind the panel and disconnect the power door lock wire harness connection by pulling the release tab back with a finger. Set the door panel aside.
8Lift up the release tab on the power mirror wire harness connection, if so equipped, using a flat head screwdriver, then pull the two plugs apart.
9Remove the three 10 mm retaining nuts on the side view mirror with a ratchet and socket. Keep your hand under the mirror when removing the last nut so the old mirror does not fall and scratch the exterior door paint.
10Pull the powered mirror wire harness, if so equipped, through the access hole and remove the old mirror.
11Reverse the removal procedure to install the replacement mirror.