DIY respray of headlamp covers on RX7 (from red to silver)

[neutroncore]

Hi guys,

I recently got hold of some red headlamp covers from a helpful user on the forums, and would like to respray these to match the metallic silver on my RX7. One of the silver ones flew off

I am fairly sure that I have the silver stone metallic colour on the car, so bought some spray can based primer, paint and lacquer to match.

My question is, could anyone suggest any guides or information so that I can do this myself? I\'d rather give it a shot rather than pay a body shop to do it (and have friends who can assist).

So far I\'m aware that Scotch fine pads can be used to remove the existing lacquer (glossy red) and provid a key surface for the primer. I know I should wear a mask and perhaps perform it in a room temperature environment. I want to do it as well as possible, so would like to learn what I can.

Any info would be much appreciated.

Best wishes

Robin

[dj_dee99]

Being a metallic colour, you probably won\'t get a great match from cans, unfortunately.
 
The painting itself is easy enough though. Sand the covers with some fairly fine paper. Primer them in light coats. Light smoothing off afterwards, light coats of silver. Couple of coats of lacquer. Job done.
 
Personally, I would actually get them painted properly though. It\'s not gonna be a great cost for just 2 covers, and the results will be infinitely better. Especially when they\'re going on a car like that!

[neutroncore]

thanks for your time and info!

[dj_dee99]

If you are gonna do it yourself, 1 other thing is not to get too eager. Leave at least 20 to 30 mins between the coats of paint.

[steve garbutt]

Even if you get them dun professionally dont expect them to match perfectly, silver usually has to be blended through your bonnet wings and bumper to make them spot on.