Exterior Mirror?

[rdvnac]

Hi All:

It seems like so many of the repainted or "restored" 914s that I come across no longer have the factory exterior rear view mirror. They have big black plastic mirror(s)--either baby turbo type things, or thick flag-type ones.

Personally, I much prefer the sleeker and shinier look of the factory chrome mirrors, and IME they seem to function and wear OK--unlike the plastic ones which seem prone to fading and cracking. And, seems like there are always good used factory mirrors around for sale.

What am I missing here? Why do so many cars now have these black plastic mirrors?

[DDS]

Maybe because the plastic ones appeared 'sleeker' to 1980's tastes, or perhaps because of the price of OE stock mirrors? (In excess of $100ea IIRC)

Have you found 'the' car yet? Did you explore that SE with Mike?

[jmcleod]

on a 2.0L i had, i removed the "baby tornadoes" and threw them in the trash. PO just screwed the bases into the door sheetmetal with screws from hardware store added a stock swap meet mirror on the passengers side

[SteveStromberg]

The Chrome mirrors do look much better than the black plastic ones. Steve

[DDS]

Hey Steve - is that car paint code L13K? Do you know of any mfr's paint number or some kind of industry standard number that describes L13K? My car will be painted this week and I want to make absolutely sure they get it right. TIA

[roadtrp204]

Dave
What brand of paint are they using?

This is the formula for a gallon of Spies Hecker (owned by Dupont). This is the brand that my friend uses at his shop, the color match is wonderful and its German. At first I couldn't find any formulas for our 914s, but the colors are listed as Volkswagen not Porsche.

search item: l13k yellow
color: VOLKSWAGEN L13K SONNENGELB 1972 1975 19163
paint system: Series 257 - Permacron Topcoat
formula date: 96.10.15
VOC g/L: 0.498
VOC USLb/Gal: 0.226092
amount: 1.0 US/gallons

MIX1=AG201 Series 257 AG 201 white 3795.5 3795.5
MIX2=AL125 Series 257 AL 125 black translucent 457.2 4252.7
MIX3=AG305 Series 257 AG 305 ochre translucent 143 4395.7
MIX4=AL260 Series 257 AL 260 brilliant blue 2.6 4398.3

[rdvnac]

Chris, that is great paint info, thanks very much for posting it.

I am a bit confused over the difference between L13K "Sunflower Yellow" and L13M "Saturn Yellow." Both were available in '73 and '74. IIRC, one is a deeper, stronger yellow, and the other one more pastel. In 1976 when I bought my first 914 I knew which was which, but over the years both my memory and the yellow paint on 914s I see have faded. ;-) I prefer the deeper, stronger yellow. If anybody knows which yellow that is, please let me know.

Dave, I still haven't bought a car because I am trying to be patient checking out a few leads that are taking some time to investigate. When I finally buy a car I may write something up about my adventures because there have been some really "interesting" people and cars that I have encountered in my search.

Re Mike G., you're right the car he is restoring is an LE and those color schemes are not my personal preference. I did buy some Fuchs wheels from him though and they are in great shape at a fair price. He seems a very nice and knowledgable guy.

[SteveStromberg]

Its L13K . Steve

[DDS]

Thanks for the detail on the paint!
They are using RM base/clear. I started with a zinc chromate or etching (?) primer then DP-20 primer, then base yellow. I think that the L13K is the milkier yellow but I''m not sure. the underside of the car is already painted with some cheaper stuff- acrylic enamel - and the yellow looks fine, but if I'm trying to ensure that the colour is accurate. (Why, I'm not exactly sure really...)


Re: The LE - I agree, Ivory/orange are not even be my third choice, 'correct' or not. Still, that car will be damn near perfect whenever it does get finished.

[rdvnac]

Thanks Steve!!

[Jim T]

A big ugly '80s black plastic mirror would be a deal killer for me.

Its just one of those things.

Gotta have the small, stock chrome outside mirror.

People replaced the chrome mirror for a variety of reason, including the stock mirror breaking, etc. In the '80s a lot of 914 fell into the wrong hands, and a lot of people were into "updating" 914s with all sorts of crap.

It has only really been in the last few years, that I can see, that a significant number of people have come to appreciate the beauty, balance and simplicity of a stock 914.

The problem with aftermarket mirrors is that they almost all have a much wider base than the stock mirror, so people have drilled holes that will not be covered by the tiny stock mirror base. The only way to really fix it is to fill the holes and repaint the entire door. Then you have door to fender match problems, of course.

Which is why an ugly 80's black plastic mirror is a deal killer to me.