Guide: How to repair broken wing mirror on Model Car?

When it comes to model car construction and maintenance, one of the most common issues enthusiasts may encounter is a broken wing mirror. It's a delicate component that can detract from the overall appearance of your model if damaged. Here's a step-by-step guide to repairing a broken wing mirror on a model car:

Step 1: Assess the Damage First, carefully examine the broken wing mirror. Determine if it's a clean break or if there are small pieces that have chipped off.

Step 2: Gather Materials You'll need a strong adhesive suitable for the model's material plus tweezers, toothpicks, and clear nail polish for this repair. For most cases, we recommend Gorilla super glue which is widely available across the internet.

Step 3: Prepare the Surface Ensure that both surfaces to be glued are clean and dry. If there's old adhesive, gently scrape it off with a hobby knife. You can also try heating the old adhesive with a heat gun or hair dryer, this will soften it and make it easier to remove.

Step 4: Dry Fitting the Wing Mirror Before applying any adhesive, it's wise to perform a dry fit. This means carefully aligning and fitting the broken wing mirror back into place without glue to ensure a precise and seamless attachment. This practice run allows you to understand the exact positioning needed and to identify any potential issues that might arise during the actual repair.

Step 5: Apply the Adhesive Using a toothpick or similar tool, apply a small amount of adhesive to one of the broken edges. Be sparing; too much glue can make the repair messy and noticeable.

Step 6: Reattach the Wing Mirror Carefully align the broken pieces and press them together. Use tweezers for precision and hold in place until the bond is secure, which could take a few seconds to a minute depending on the glue.

Step 7: Remove Excess Glue If any glue oozes out, quickly wipe it away with a damp cloth or cotton swab. Be gentle to avoid breaking the bond.

Step 8: Reinforce the Repair For added strength, once the glue has dried, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish over the seam. This will not only reinforce the bond but also give a clean, finished look.

Step 9: Check Alignment Once the repair is dry, make sure the wing mirror is properly aligned with the car body. Adjust gently if necessary.

Step 10: Allow Adequate Drying Time Allow the glue and nail polish to cure completely, which might take several hours. It's important not to rush this step to ensure the repair is as strong as possible.

Step 11: Final Inspection After the repair is fully dry, inspect your work. The wing mirror should now be firmly attached and stable, with the repair nearly invisible if done carefully.

By following these steps, you can effectively address a broken wing mirror and keep their model cars in pristine condition. With patience and precision, even the most intricate repairs can be made to restore the former glory of your miniature vehicle. Model Universe is always here to provide tips and tricks for keeping your collection in top shape. Happy modelling and collecting!

The wing mirror was broken when I received my order, what should I do?

This is most likely caused by transit damage. If you decide to repair the wing mirror instead of returning the item, we will offer you a minimum 10% refund on your purchase. Please make sure to take and send us photos of the broken wing mirror, so that we can verify you have repaired the wing mirror and issue refund.