Replacing manual side mirrors on a 94 XLT: are the stock replacements worth it?

[barrys]

The finish on the plastic of my side mirrors is getting really dull. The best online price I've found on the stock replacement mirrors is about 150.00 for the pair including shipping which is a lot less than what my local parts counter would charge. On eBay and other online vendor sites, I see mirrors for sale for about half that price. They look identical. Has anyone replaced their manual mirrors on a '94 XLT? If so, where did you get your mirrors and were you happy?

I know I'm being more than a little anal about this but I really do love the old girl and I like to give her (and me) a little treat every now and then.

 

[sean9721]

I ordered 98+ mirrors from eBay for my 96. They were $45 a pair shipping included. I got them in 5 days. The only complaint is that there is a small bulge in the plastic in my passenger side mirror. I havent noticed anything in the driver side one. Other than that I am very happy with them.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

can't they be painted?

 

[barrys]

How would you paint them? I think even more important is how would you prep the surface for paint? I'm really curious about specifics like what kind of primer, paint, sanding, prep.
I've not heard great stories about painting plastics that are exposed to the elements, but maybe you have a good solution.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

paint exists FOR plastic. i would imagine you would have to sand the surface with fine sandpaper to get some roughness for the paint to stick to. it can be done... cheaply.