1972 outside rear view mirror

[Jerome P.]

The outside rear view mirror is original (Housing and mirror). Is there any way to tighten the mirror so that it stays in the correct position. The jar from closing the door causes the mirror to move; not a lot, but enough that it needs to be readjusted.

Any ideas?

[Joe L.]

Re: !972 outside rear view mirror

The outside rear view mirror is original (Housing and mirror). Is there any way to tighten the mirror so that it stays in the correct position. The jar from closing the door causes the mirror to move; not a lot, but enough that it needs to be readjusted.

Any ideas?

Jerome----


The best way is to remove the mirror glass from the mirror body and tighten it up internally. Many years ago, Terry McManmon authored an article for the Restorer covering the whole procedure in detail. Find that article and you'll have all the details you need.

I've also heard of a procedure whereby some sort of adhesive is applied externally to the area of the ball joint. I've forgotten the details but I really doubt that such a procedure would be very durable.

[Jerome P.]

Re: !972 outside rear view mirror

Jerome----


The best way is to remove the mirror glass from the mirror body and tighten it up internally. Many years ago, Terry McManmon authored an article for the Restorer covering the whole procedure in detail. Find that article and you'll have all the details you need.

I've also heard of a procedure whereby some sort of adhesive is applied externally to the area of the ball joint. I've forgotten the details but I really doubt that such a procedure would be very durable.

Terry,

Do you have any idea of what Restorer issue this article appeared in. I have most issues of Restorer for the past 3/4 maybe 5 years.

Better yet do you have a copy of the article you could share?

[Terry M.]

Re: !972 outside rear view mirror

Terry,

Do you have any idea of what Restorer issue this article appeared in. I have most issues of Restorer for the past 3/4 maybe 5 years.

Better yet do you have a copy of the article you could share?

No , I do not have a copy of the article, nor do I remember the issue. It was way longer ago than five years though.

If it is the original mirror install, soak the glass part of the mirror in lacquer thinner. All you need is about 2 inches of thinner in the bottom of a metal bucket. Put the mirror face down in the bucket over night. Cover the bucket well (Aluminum foil will work) and keep in a well ventilated area away from an ignition source.
If the mirror glass doesn't fall out in the morning, leave it in for another 12 hours. Resist the temptation to pry on the glass. The results will not be good. Once out, be careful handling the mirror glass. The rear surface is coated and you don't want to scratch it.
Once the glass falls out, the bracket that rides on the ball joint will be visible. Use a small ball peen hammer to tighten up the studs holding that bracket to the mirror. Start with small blows to the studs and support the back of the mirror well so as not to dent the back of the mirror.
Once the bracket is tightened you can use RTV sealant (black color works best) to set the mirror glass back into the housing. Just put the RTV where the original RTV was.
I had pictures with the original story, but I would have a very difficult time finding them now.

[Jerome P.]

Re: !972 outside rear view mirror

Thanks Terry for your input. I will with patience give it a try.

[Peter G.]

Re: !972 outside rear view mirror

Jerome...if you don't want to deal with it yourself? There is a vendor as one of our advertisers and sponsors listed in "Contacts".

In the past I have found that outside rear view mirrors can be replaced completely with a reproduction part that is also date coded that has little or no deductions for NCRS Judging.