Mirror cutting

Torontonian · Jul 16, 2013

Have any of you lads n' lassies cut out a replacment mirror lens ? My attempt failed.

Hobot · Jul 16, 2013

Don't think ya can cut mirror with curved shape by DIY easy methods so might call a water jet shop.

AntrimMan · Jul 16, 2013

If you do it all day long it is dead easy.
I can't do one for the life of me.
Go to any decent glass shop, they will do it for you and it's not expensive.
That has been my experience.
All the best.

RoadScholar · Jul 16, 2013

+1 last post.

Any glass or auto glass shop can whip that out in minutes; save your time and "tuition" money for something more challenging...

RS

Torontonian · Jul 16, 2013

O.K., yet the bigger glass shop in town won't go near automotive requests they said. More phoning about.

Torontonian · Jul 16, 2013

50 bones plus tax so far, takes 10 mins. approx.,bit of a drive,they sound real busy.

AntrimMan · Jul 16, 2013

Torontonian said:
50 bones plus tax so far, takes 10 mins. approx.,bit of a drive,they sound real busy.

yeah but those aren't real bones, what do the call it... the loonie?
what's that in real money? like in hen weighs or monkey earns?

All the best.

Saber13 · Jul 16, 2013

You might try a cutom frame shop. They cut glass all day long for art work etc

rvich · Jul 16, 2013

Someone who does stained glass could cut it. They are used to doing shapes and most of them have a grinder for finishing the edges. I could bug my wife to do it for you. Want to mail me a pattern?

Russ

Torontonian · Jul 16, 2013

Thanks to the wife and you Russ , looks like Alaska is a tad far for mailage etc. but hanging on the phone all afternoon has given me a few leads in a city of 3 1/2 million. Tried the template-cut myself but it looks like it's a real skill and polishing the edges afterwards diamond tool stuff.

jaydee75 · Jul 16, 2013

I bought some vinyl mirror repair at Walmart, I believe. It has adhesive back and is easy to cut. It is sold in an 8x10" sheet for just a few bucks. I put it right over the top of the oem mirrors. Not as good as glass, but it looks stock and at least I can see behind me now.
Jaydee

Torontonian · Jul 16, 2013

Thanks Jaydee 75 , have tried that "Fit-System" bodge cut-out nonsense fit to over busted glass . You will never get it flat enough believe me, and no where near as clear. Like dropping the bad brown acid. Distortion central. Will take the sheet back to the chain box-store tomorrow and ask for my money back or at least a credit to buy oil or something usefull. Lesson learned.

rvich · Jul 17, 2013

FYI - I talked to my wife about cutting mirrors. She says that the edge needs to be treated with some "stuff" to keep the silvering from delaminating from the glass. Thought this might be useful to know if you find somebody to cut it for you.

Russ

Torontonian · Jul 17, 2013

Thanks to your wifey Russ ,I've learned alot ,like the mirrored film is actually on the back of the glass ,not the front as one would think and yes it needs protection whilst cutting. Sure wish I was with you in Alaska instead of sweltering to death in south Canada and mainland U.S.A. Peter.

Nater_Potater · Jul 18, 2013

Torontonian said:
50 bones plus tax so far, takes 10 mins. approx.,bit of a drive,they sound real busy.

The high quote might be due to the fact that it's for automotive use, and they freaked about liability. I found a mirror repair kit at Walmart that I cut myself, but if you need round corners (I didn't) you might try a different glass shop, but don't tell them what it's for! Same for brake hoses (they're hydraulic lines for a glycol-based system). You might even be able to go as far as to ask for "first surface" mirror, which puts the reflective coating on top of the glass. This is how most modern auto mirrors are built, as it gets rid of double-images caused by ghost images off the glass. Especially useful at night. 'Makes them a bit more susceptible to scratches, so just avoid cleaning them with sandpaper... Nathan

Mirror cutting

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