Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Aesthetics please post pics of painted reflectors!!!!!!

please post pics of painted reflectors!!!!!!

i did a search and couldnt find any info on painting one, any tips???

A bit of a how-to for those with black Contiques.
(The site should get a how-to submission section going, to be added to the how-to section of the main site. I think it would be alot more easier to use than the search function, IMHO.)

I first factory matched the paint using a highly sophisticated body shop paint matching machine. I then used 2 coats of primer, 3 coats of.... HEHE, just jokin', I picked up some Krylon fusion black paint from the Ace Hardware (it's sold at auto parts stores as well) 2 blocks away from me. The can states that primer is not necessary, as that is how the paint is designed. No clear coat either, just several thin coats. Paint matches VERY well for the price, but if you don't have a black Contique, your going to have to find a harder solution. Just got lucky that mine is black, is all. Also put 3 coats of mothers carnuba wax once it was COMPLETELY dry (put one on to early and had to sand down all the paint and do a couple more coats again). Since then I have washed and waxed the car at least 3 times, and it's seen rain and snow. OH, I also used a 3m Scuffer to roughen up the plastic for adhesion. Did the same scuffer (it's like a brillo pad) with the front chrome ring, and it's stayed well for 3 weeks. I love this spray paint!

I also painted the license frame housing as well, Thought it would make the back come together as one solid trunklid better, and I think it helps that effect.

maxx what did you use??

If I remember right I think I used the same stuff as Plato. Or something similar to Krylon. It was the highest gloss paint I could find. Don't get the cheap stuff. Spend a few extra $$ to get the good paint. When I painted mine I used primer. I think I put 3 coats, sanding in between each one. I dont remember how many coats of black I used but I sanded between each one as well. I was using a fine grade of sand paper.

wouldnt it be easier to just get a black pre 98 trunk lid?

and something i just noticed...where are the back-up lights for the post 98's? are they the ones closest to the liscense plate? or are those the LP lights?

I also sanded in between every 3 coats, should have noted that as well. Yes, the back up lights are on the sides of the License plate, the license plate lights are under the lip above the plate. As far as a pre-98 trunk lid, I don't really like the look of it on a post-98, but I do like the look of a painted reflector. I also kind of like the chrome strip, especially with that SVT in the middle, it looks very stock, but still is a bit custom IMO.