removing Velvac side mirrors

[LandHo]

The black color is very faded. So I want to remove the mirrors and give them a new paint job... I assume there is just the 4 screws holding the arm base to the body... Any body have any more info or "gotchas" related to this removal? Thanks.

Always nice to ask for info before I tear into this.

[Martind4]

I can't give you any help on removal, but ours cleaned up really well with a little wax, 303 Protectarant brought back some shine. Easier than removal and painting.

[WhenIm64]

I use a product called Back To Black it works wonders on anything faded.

[JohnRR]

If there is any way to rejuvenate them without repainting I'd try that first. They'd have to be prepped supper well to make paint stick given their mounting position and if you get any of the repainted surface starting to flake it'll be worse than they are now.

Can you tell that's one project I'd be afraid to tackle, good luck with it if you do it, and please post in progress pictures.

[cbeierl]

If you take a look here Velvac Technical Documents you may find some answers.

[Petro]

I use Back to Black and I am very pleased with the product.

Don

[smlranger]

You are correct that they are removed by removing the 4 screws. However, you must also disconnect the wires that power the remote adjustments and the heaters.

You can paint them successfully, I removed mine about 3 - 4 years ago for that purpose. I wet sanded them with 320 grit paper and then used prep-sol to degrease them, followed by a tack rag. I used Dupont Centari single stage acrylic enamel mixed to match a color on the coach and gave them 3 wet coats with a good spray gun....allow each coat to flash for about 5 minutes between coats.

The next day, I wet sanded them with 1200 grit followed by a good buffing with 3M polishing compound. They looked really great and the paint stuck well for 3 - 4 yrs. (I have recently replaced the heads with chrome heads and had the arms re-painted when I had my coach painted).

[mahon1993]

Yep, four screws under the pop off covers and then there is a molex plug for the electrics. It's a good idea the have some one help and hold them up when you unscrew them. They are heavier than they look. I painted mine to match the body color. They look a whole lot better than black. A couple of coats of color and then two of clear coat.
Greg

[LandHo]

thanks. guess I'll try the back to black first...

[baraff]

I don't know about your Velvacs but ours had a white plastic housing which was badly yellowed. I'm told this was because the UV block was insufficient when they were manufactured.
Anyway, I masked them off using newspaper and painter's tape, gave then a light sanding with 400 grit and then sprayed with Krylon Fusion spray paint. This stuff is made for exterior plastics. Its looks "factory" and so far has held up quite well.
Its available at Ace Hardware.