Guys I was wondering you opinon on color matching the newer style mirrors.

The are standard black, I was thinking about painting orange/red the same as the bumpers and the car.

What do you all think:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/jjgbmw323/DSC00448.jpg

The door handles will be black. But if the mirrors are the same color as the car, there is not too much black on it.
The euro bumpers and the zender side skirts that are in primer will be the same color as the car.

So tell me what you all think..to paint or not to paint.

All depends on you and your "theme" for the car. Do you want a period-correct feel, or a more modern feel, or what?

Personally, I like some black contrasting trim - too much of that 80s monochromatic stuff.

I say that trim should be uniform...so if you're painting the bumpers, paint the mirrors too. As long as you keep the bump strips black, you'll still have some contrast.

I think they would look good either way. But I would color match them if it were my car. You should ask what you like not what we like. Also is the trim around the glass going to be color matched as well? If it is staying stock "chrome" I think the handles in chrome would be much more appealing. But thats just me.

Well you saw mine and they are color matched how did you like them? I personally don't like the black for contrast i prefer to have (body color)paint and chrome - chris

Painted..definately. :thumbup:

All the chrome is new in the whole car, other than the bumpers and is staying chrome.

The lower pieces on the quarters, fenders and doors are also chrome.

color match them!

no chrome. color match the window trim in black, but the mirrors wouldnt look bad colored or black..just flip a coin. easiest way to do it

Go for color. If you end up not liking them in the long run, they are cheaper on ebay in black and easier to find. then trying to find ones in color...

Plus you have all the materials at your disposal right now. Go for it.

Doesn't matter what you do, just hose that freaking car off!

Al

i liked black mirrors....until i got them painted :)

Chrome is an important part of what makes an e21 uniquely an e21...but I think the combo with red mirrors would look great.

Leave them black on a red car. Black handles + black mirrors provide a good contrast (even though mine have faded).

http://madhatter.idx.com.au/gallery/bmw/3er/E21/project/images/IMG_1596.jpg

Keep the chrome. It makes the front of the car shine :)

Leave them black on a red car. Black handles + black mirrors provide a good contrast (even though mine have faded).

http://madhatter.idx.com.au/gallery/bmw/3er/E21/project/images/IMG_1596.jpg

Keep the chrome. It makes the front of the car shine :)



I will have the chrome on the roof, windows, and sides.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/jjgbmw323/DSC00445.jpg
I am going to paint the mirrors the same as the car, and the bumpers have already been painted.

J, you need your own progress thread. How long have you been working on the restoration? I know from reading your posts that the car hasn't been on the road since 1995. How long have you owned it?

madhatter, there's this stuff made by Mothers called 'Back to Black' and it'll restore the color to any faded black trim on the E21.
when i first started taking car of my E21, the mirrors, rear-side window trim, & the black plastic panel between the taillights were pretty fogged/fadded.

J, you need your own progress thread. How long have you been working on the restoration? I know from reading your posts that the car hasn't been on the road since 1995. How long have you owned it?

I have owned it since I was about CJ's age or a little younger.
I was 22- 23 at the time. I got it around 1991. So for most of my adult life, I have had this car. The resto work is just about done, believe it of not..

But I am going to do up the engine as well.

Sorry for all the posts of my car, I get carried away, but its just about there.
I may actualy start it up.

madhatter, there's this stuff made by Mothers called 'Back to Black' and it'll restore the color to any faded black trim on the E21.
when i first started taking car of my E21, the mirrors, rear-side window trim, & the black plastic panel between the taillights were pretty fogged/fadded.

Ill just spray them black when it is repainted :)