DIY Painted Reflectors

boxboss · 07:11 PM

This is my procedure for replacing the front wheel well reflectors with body color painted ones. I disliked those reflectors even more than the amber headlight corners and decided to see what I could do about replacing them. It was fairly easy – taking maybe 5 hours and about $90. This applies to the M6 reflectors, but would be the same on any BMW with wheel well reflectors. I ordered new reflectors as I will need to reinstall the originals on lease return.

Part numbers for the M6 are: 63 14 7 176 671 for the left side and 63 14 7 176 672 for the right which I ordered from http://www.getbmwparts.com/for $23 each. Picture 1 shows the part as supplied, which includes the housing which you will not need. Remove the reflector from the housing by pushing the tabs on the back of the assembly inward (picture 2) and lifting out and up to release the bottom tab (picture 3.) This is the same procedure you will use to remove the original reflectors from the car.

I ordered color matched spray paint from http://www.automotivetouchup.com/which matches your body color and puts it in a spray can. You’ll need to order paint by BMW’s paint code number which can be found on a plaque on the front right of the engine compartment (picture 4.) My color, Monaco Blue, is code A35 as shown on the plaque (picture 5) and I ordered by that number – ignore the “/#” seen on the plaque. You will need to order basecoat color ($20) as well as a can of High Gloss Clearcoat ($8.) To ensure the paint stuck to the reflectors, I also bought a can of Duplicolor “Adhesion Promoter” from a local Advance Auto store for $6. The reflectors are Plexiglas and it’s advisable to use the Adhesion Promoter to ensure a good bond between the plastic and the color coat. The products I used are shown in picture 6.

boxboss · 07:12 PM

Prepare the reflectors for paint. Lightly wet sand the reflectors with 400 grit sandpaper and Dawn dishwashing liquid until all the gloss is removed. It’s important to add some Dawn to the sandpaper as molded plastic parts have mold release agents (oils/silicone) which will prevent paint from sticking. The 400 grit sandpaper will provide a good bonding surface for the paint and the Dawn removes the release agents. Rinse the parts very well and allow to dry overnight. Avoid touching the dry sanded parts with your fingers!! Oils in your fingers will prevent the paint from sticking to the part.

I trimmed down some take-out chopsticks to fit snugly in the two holes in the back of the reflector (seen in picture 1), cut some slits in a cardboard box, then put the chopsticks in the slits to elevate the parts. I didn’t want a paint film developing between the cardboard box and the reflector which might result in peeling of the paint. This can be seen in picture 1 as well as the newspaper used to prevent overspray on the garage floor – the box was placed on the newspaper.
Using good spray painting technique (at a distance of 10-12 inches, press valve to one side, pass spray over the part then release the valve once past the part, applying several light coats) I applied 3 coats of the adhesion promoter (which is a clear plastic primer.) TIMING IS IMPORTANT IN THE PAINTING PROCESS!!!

Take a timer or watch with you to the garage! Primer coats should be allowed to flash off for 5 minutes between coats. The first color coat should be applied 10 minutes after the 3rd coat of primer. I applied 4 light color coats, waiting 10 minutes between applications. Picture 2 shows the reflector after 2 coats and picture 3 after 4 coats.) The final color coat needs to dry 45 minutes before applying the clear coat. (Do not wait longer than 1 hour before applying clearcoat to the base color.) I applied 3 coats of clearcoat, waiting 10 minutes for flash off between coats. Let the parts dry for 3-4 days before handling.

I managed to get a few specs of dust in my paint/clearcoat which I had to remove. I very lightly hit the dust specs with 2000 grit (NOT 200) dry sandpaper then polished out the sanding marks with Meguier’s Scratch-X and a piece of an old cotton t-shirt. (I had these on hand from a previous project.) The polishing with Scratch-X really smoothed the clearcoat and I would advise doing it even if you don’t have any dust in your paint. The best choice is to keep your painting area draft and dust free…but provide ADEQUATE VENTILATION – these products have VOC’s that you don’t want to be breathing.

boxboss · 05:00 AM

Installing the parts. Picture 1 shows the tabs on the OEM part as installed on the car. The wheel well shroud will prevent you from reaching the forward tab and it will need to be moved. The shroud (black plastic) happens to sit right between the rear and forward tabs. You need to move the shroud forward of the front tab, and removing 2 bolts will make this process easy. Picture 2 shows the 2 bolts (upper 10mm and lower 8mm) that need to be removed. I used a ¼ inch ratchet and short extension. Once those 2 bolts are removed, it’s easy to pop the shroud forward of the front tab using a flat screwdriver or over device. Picture 3 shows the shroud moved forward of the front tab. Press the tabs inward (see post 1) to remove the OEM reflector. Picture 4 shows the OEM part partially removed. Remove the OEM part and replace with your painted part. After installing the painted part, move the shroud back between the two tabs and replace the 2 bolts removed previously.

boxboss · 07:23 PM

Observe your results! Picture 1 shows the “before” and pictures 2-5 show the after in different lighting conditions. I was really impressed as to how well the online paint matched with the original color. If you have any questions I’ll be happy to answer them.
The install is easy. The critical part is preparing the part for paint and the technique you use for painting the parts. If you choose to paint your OEM reflectors (screw the lease,) you’ll do this DIY for less than $50. I have clearcoat and adhesion promoter left over and if someone wants to do this DIY, let me know and I’ll send them to you. I love the look without the reflectors!

I almost forgot! Wait at least 30 days before waxing the parts. This allows for the VOC's to gas-off the parts.

M6D · 02-09-2009, 07:14 PM

Damn! Nice job - would've never guessed it was a DIY project.

InsidiousSpeed · 02-09-2009, 09:16 PM

Excellent job and very informative instructions, boxy. I'm impressed how exact the Monaco Blue colour matches from the spray.

Those reflectors do look a touch out of place, afterall, my Individual doesn't have them either. hehe ...

BHR4CE1 · 02-09-2009, 10:29 PM

They look great! How much for a set in gray?

M6D · 02-09-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 650iOzBoy

Excellent job and very informative instructions, boxy. I'm impressed how exact the Monaco Blue colour matches from the spray.

Those reflectors do look a touch out of place, afterall, my Individual doesn't have them either. hehe ...

I got your Individual *right* here, buddy.

bdaw · 02-10-2009, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M6D

I got your Individual *right* here, buddy.

AusBmw · 02-10-2009, 02:35 AM

Sweet job there box mate

boxboss · 02-10-2009, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHR4CE1

They look great! How much for a set in gray?

Hmmm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxboss

...about $90

BHR4CE1 · 02-10-2009, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxboss

Hmmm. ...about $90

OK, I'll take 'em. You need my mailing address?

commencer · 02-10-2009, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M6D

I got your Individual *right* here, buddy.

boxboss · 02-10-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHR4CE1

OK, I'll take 'em. You need my mailing address?

I think I still have it - will let you know if not. Send me your paint code number.

J/K about the $90...that was if you did the work. Since it's me, it's $90 PLUS expenses

mjames · 02-10-2009, 07:16 PM

Awesome guide, Dale! Painted reflectors are a MUST. I told Kat (///ZCP) when I bought hers for her bday that it's like removing big zits from your car.

boxboss · 02-10-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjames

Awesome guide, Dale! Painted reflectors are a MUST. I told Kat (///ZCP) when I bought hers for her bday that it's like removing big zits from your car.

They really stood out and detracted from the look of the car, IMO. I'm glad to see them gone. It really was an easy project - certainly worth the effort.

M6D · 02-10-2009, 07:28 PM

I put Individual Black Electrical Tape over mine.

boxboss · 02-10-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M6D

I put Individual Black Electrical Tape over mine.

BHR4CE1 · 02-11-2009, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxboss

J/K about the $90...that was if you did the work. Since it's me, it's $90 PLUS expenses

OK... because you would have to fly out here and pry the old ones off too!

InsidiousSpeed · 02-11-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxboss

They really stood out and detracted from the look of the car, IMO. I'm glad to see them gone. It really was an easy project - certainly worth the effort.

Considering we already have side indicators at the ///M6 badge on the silver horizontal bar thingy not far away.

jmrdmd · 03-12-2009, 07:14 AM

Boxboss,

I just finished this mod and I cannot thank you enough for the tutorial. It went exactly as planned. To anyone else that is going to do it, do not skip the 2000 grit and scratchX step. I thought I laid down some smooth clearcoat, then I sanded and polished it...now it's like glass! The paint matches perfectly. Simply one of the nicest mods you can do to your car. Don't be afraid to do it...it is very basic...just follow Boss' instructions! I'll post some pics later.

Thanks again,
Jan

boxboss · 03-12-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmrdmd

Boxboss,

I just finished this mod and I cannot thank you enough for the tutorial. It went exactly as planned. To anyone else that is going to do it, do not skip the 2000 grit and scratchX step. I thought I laid down some smooth clearcoat, then I sanded and polished it...now it's like glass! The paint matches perfectly. Simply one of the nicest mods you can do to your car. Don't be afraid to do it...it is very basic...just follow Boss' instructions! I'll post some pics later.

Thanks again,
Jan

Glad I could help! I can't imagine mine with the orange reflectors now.

I'm looking forward to seeing your pics in the Introduction section. Glad you are aboard.