The cable control for the drivers side mirror on my 86 XJ was not working when I bought the vehicle, and the mirror just flopped around in the shell. I found from a couple YouTube videos that these are not easily serviceable, as you have to be very patient in heating the glass to remove the glued-on mirror from its base in order to allow access to the cable ends. I was not patient enough and broke the mirror.

Next, I learned that, while there are decent quality replica mirrors out there, the shells are all made out of plastic now, instead of the cast aluminum OE mirrors. I bought and put one of the plastic ones on just so I could keep driving the truck.

However, I have not given up on replacing the mirror with an OE part. I found one in decent shape, but still pretty badly weathered and scratched. The passenger side is also weathered. So, I've decided they both need to be refinished. I have the AMC/Jeep paint code "OT - Low Gloss Black Accent Color" and it is relatively easy to find the paint. My question for the experienced painters out there, is do I also need to put a clear coat on the mirrors over the base coat? Thanks for any advice.

 

Did you get any feedback or find the answer I am looking at the same issue. The plastic definetely looks different.

Were you successful at transplanting the mirror?

 

No, still running with one repro mirror and one original.