I would say that due to the paint, earth points are no longer a good connection
Electricity will always take the path of the least resistance, so if you have a bad earth connection it will take another route, i.e via the indicators it may be in your case.
Again, the mirror may not be able to draw the power it needs, for the same reason (Assuming there isn't a problem with the mirror)
Martin
Last edited by martysmartie; Jul 16, 2012 at 06:36 PM.