Can original mirrors be re-silvered?

T

Tim Ayers

Well-known member
I found an original bracket and mirror for my '28 roadster. Problem is, the mirror was totally lost all of it's silvering.

Is it worth getting redone and, if so, any recommendations of who does this process?

Thanks,
 
I had 3 original mirror resilvered by Alchemy in St. Paul, unfortunately at the same time. None of them turned out well. The problem was the glass was etched showing the bracket image it was attach to and showed after resilvering. I think you would need to find a mirror that had most of the silvering still on it. I had them done about 7 or 8 years ago and the cost was about $25 each, and probably more now. I think there was minimum charge and that is why I had 3 done at the same time - about $60 to $70 all all of them. I would advise you to be cautious in having your mirror resilvered. I ask the fellow if the etching could be removed before resilvering, but he wasn't sure it could be.
Rusty Nelson
 
I had my inside rear view mirror with a clock re-silvered by someone in CA (don't remember who) it was but, that was about 10 years ago. He did a fantastic job.
 
I also had a clock mirror refinished. He did a good, not fantastic job and if was very expensive. Never again! Wayne
 
I grabbed one out in Hershey this year with the idea of trying it with silver aluminum paint or something. I was just looking for something in the garage and found it today! Tell me that's not prophetic! I have always wondered why aluminum paint wouldn't work, or mercury either for that matter. Why must it be silver? Just tradition? Or is silver special in some way?
Terry
 
Ya got me started! Here's the scoop, There are basically two steps to resilvering a mirror. The first is cleaning all the old silver off the back, Thoroughly ! Using paint remover and nitric acid. Then applying the new silver. I noted that Rustoleum and Krylon make "Rust effect" silver (With or without silver?) paints. Anyway, I searched yahoo, resilvering mirrors! Also, they make and sell kits to do this but they aren't cheap.
Terry
 
Amateur Telescope Making by Porter, published by Scientific American gives detailed instructions for silvering telescope mirrors. No longer in print, but probably available used. It's not rocket science!
 
Frank Wright Glass in Detroit , Mi re-silvers mirrors and does a fine job. I think it would cost about $45.00 to $50.00 for one that could pass fine point.
 
Interesting thread. I am looking to re-silver the reflectors on a Model T gas headlight. Reproductions are well over $100, so I was looking for something a little more budget-friendly. There are some good options discussed here.
 

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The place in Portland Or has been around for a while but are not cheap to have the work done. Are you talking about an inside or outside mirror? Is this a driver or points car? That should tell what price point you are looking to fit into.

Coast Mirror Co  
4.18 Google reviews

Glass & Mirror Shop

Supplier of all types of glass & mirrors also focusing on custom work like hand etching & repairs.

Address: 3795 SE Naef Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97267
Phone: (503) 287-1236
Hours: Closed now
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Reviews
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"Replaced a center large price of a 3 piece mirror in record time and cost."

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"They really are a great place to do business with."

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"Very friendly, fast and excellent prices."

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Tim Ayers said:
Is it worth getting redone ,
Click to expand...

What do you consider worth it?

You can buy a reproduction one that has the basic shape and works as a rear view mirror for about 8 dollars. Restore the original one that was made back in the "day" for 50-60 dollars. I know what I would do but the choice of reproduction or restoration is really up to you.
 
I used a momont in time 107 W Lincoln Ave #301, Wellington, KS 67152
Phone:(620) 399-8765

Seems like it was about $40 plus shipping, but that was a couple years ago. Came out great.
 
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