Agent 47 Mirrors
3/6/11, 06:39 AM
#1
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Agent 47 Mirrors
I bought a set of mirrors from Bangastang and they are having them painted for me to match my Mustang, I'm only painting the mirror head, leaving the rest black the question I have is the black textured like the stock Ford window trim, I can't really tell from any photos I have.
Thanks,
LeeU
Thanks,
LeeU
Last edited by LeeU; 3/6/11 at 06:49 AM.
3/6/11, 07:44 AM
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If anyone else is looking to replace their mirrors we are running a special on them.
https://themustangsource.com/f811/ag...-price-489086/
Ken
Last edited by southernmustangparts; 3/6/11 at 11:41 AM.
3/6/11, 06:39 PM
#6
A couple things...
For full disclosure - we offer the A47 mirrors as well, painted, two toned, etc... we were their first dealer in the USA, going back probably 4 years now, and have been painting them from day one in single and two-tone combos.
That said, even with the improved resin, the second gen pieces still are susceptible to sun damage and therefore we recommend all sets be painted, either by us, or even by yourself using nothing more than a good primer and barbeque black enamel (nice satin finish and holds up well to the sun.) Sets that are not painted will show signs of sun fade eventually (depends on latitude and time outside as to when) and so will need to be painted at some point to keep their good looks.
The texture on the majority of the factory pieces is actually an acid etched surface and is applied to mold tools to help hide flow marks, minor flaws, etc.. it's along the same reasons why the interior trim always has a texture - smooth surfaces in plastic tend to have a higher visual reject rate in molding, and therefore are avoided when possible - it also is easier to "pop" from the mold, making for easier production compared to having parts stick in cycle (think how a suction cup only adheres to smooth surfaces like glass, but won't stick to textured drywall). Since the tool for the mirrors is relatively small, A47 did a light sandblast etch, which while appearing nice, does not match exactly to the window surround molding. This isn't a bad thing, it's just the way they did it (and we would've done the same had we brought ours to market back when they were just releasing theirs, but that's another story...)
So, to answer the question, the head is not identical to the window trim but it is close. I'd suggest painting it rather than leaving it bare plastic, although the body is what normally shows the most fade from the sun since it is a horizontal surface with no shading it still gives you a chance to sand the mold split line, which runs parallel to the mounting arm centerline.
Hope that helps bring some tech
For full disclosure - we offer the A47 mirrors as well, painted, two toned, etc... we were their first dealer in the USA, going back probably 4 years now, and have been painting them from day one in single and two-tone combos.
That said, even with the improved resin, the second gen pieces still are susceptible to sun damage and therefore we recommend all sets be painted, either by us, or even by yourself using nothing more than a good primer and barbeque black enamel (nice satin finish and holds up well to the sun.) Sets that are not painted will show signs of sun fade eventually (depends on latitude and time outside as to when) and so will need to be painted at some point to keep their good looks.
The texture on the majority of the factory pieces is actually an acid etched surface and is applied to mold tools to help hide flow marks, minor flaws, etc.. it's along the same reasons why the interior trim always has a texture - smooth surfaces in plastic tend to have a higher visual reject rate in molding, and therefore are avoided when possible - it also is easier to "pop" from the mold, making for easier production compared to having parts stick in cycle (think how a suction cup only adheres to smooth surfaces like glass, but won't stick to textured drywall). Since the tool for the mirrors is relatively small, A47 did a light sandblast etch, which while appearing nice, does not match exactly to the window surround molding. This isn't a bad thing, it's just the way they did it (and we would've done the same had we brought ours to market back when they were just releasing theirs, but that's another story...)
So, to answer the question, the head is not identical to the window trim but it is close. I'd suggest painting it rather than leaving it bare plastic, although the body is what normally shows the most fade from the sun since it is a horizontal surface with no shading it still gives you a chance to sand the mold split line, which runs parallel to the mounting arm centerline.
Hope that helps bring some tech
3/9/11, 11:08 AM
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That is good info to know on the UV aspect. I actually painted the triangle and stem part on mine because I thought the mold seam that A47 leaves behind was rather cheap and ugly looking and so I sanded it off and therefore had to paint those areas.
I was quoted $250 to paint the A47s at my local body shop so I used canned automotive adhesion promoter, primer and semi-gloss black. I sprayed so that the finish of the paint added a bit of texture back to the now sanded smooth plastic. The pods I left unpainted and no one who has seen them can tell the difference between the painted triangle and stem and the unpainted pod. That is how close a match it is.
After 2 years there is no difference in color and no sun fade of either the painted or unpainted portions. My car is garaged and does not go out for a few months in the winter though.
Knowing now what Silverhorse has to say about the UV problem, I will plan on painting the pods when some sign of sun fade becomes noticeable. Despite the lack of final finishing and hassle of having to have them painted at stupidly high prices, the A47s are definitely nicer looking than the stock elephant ears that came on it.
I got mine from Southern Mustang Parts because they were the cheapest total price at the time and had excellent customer service.
I was quoted $250 to paint the A47s at my local body shop so I used canned automotive adhesion promoter, primer and semi-gloss black. I sprayed so that the finish of the paint added a bit of texture back to the now sanded smooth plastic. The pods I left unpainted and no one who has seen them can tell the difference between the painted triangle and stem and the unpainted pod. That is how close a match it is.
After 2 years there is no difference in color and no sun fade of either the painted or unpainted portions. My car is garaged and does not go out for a few months in the winter though.
Knowing now what Silverhorse has to say about the UV problem, I will plan on painting the pods when some sign of sun fade becomes noticeable. Despite the lack of final finishing and hassle of having to have them painted at stupidly high prices, the A47s are definitely nicer looking than the stock elephant ears that came on it.
I got mine from Southern Mustang Parts because they were the cheapest total price at the time and had excellent customer service.
3/24/11, 07:52 PM
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your going to love the new look of the mirrors on your stang I just installed mine on tuesday, I got mine from SouthernMustangs for $189 and free shipping and damnn I recieved them in 3 days I love these guys, post pictures after you install them.
Last edited by Javdog; 3/24/11 at 08:15 PM.
3/25/11, 10:48 AM
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We appreciate the business.
Ken
3/26/11, 05:16 PM
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I have them on my 05 painted black to match my car an they are probably one if the most crucial appearance pieces I did to give me the 67' fastback I was looking for. I highly recommend then and to have them painted to match, you won't be disappointed.
4/16/11, 10:41 AM
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4/18/11, 02:43 PM
#16
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Ken,
Are you still running the sale on the mirrors?
On your website, they are listed @ 219.
If, so I'll be placing an order.
Thanks
Are you still running the sale on the mirrors?
On your website, they are listed @ 219.
If, so I'll be placing an order.
Thanks
Last edited by aircare84; 4/18/11 at 02:44 PM.
4/19/11, 06:16 AM
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Just use coupon code mustangsource at checkout. They are actually $209 and the coupon code brings them down to $189
Agent47 Mirror Special
Thanks!
Ken