Help with mirror
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 561
From: Macedonia Ohio
Ken,
The only way to fix the loose "head" on the mirror is to take it off, use a punch and tap it up by the ball and socket. I did this on my 73 and it worked well. Obviously you have to be carefull not to break the glass. There will also be a small dent on the back where you tap it. Mine was not that noticeable. I made sure to tap it on the bottom out of sight.
The only way to fix the loose "head" on the mirror is to take it off, use a punch and tap it up by the ball and socket. I did this on my 73 and it worked well. Obviously you have to be carefull not to break the glass. There will also be a small dent on the back where you tap it. Mine was not that noticeable. I made sure to tap it on the bottom out of sight.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Hi Ken,
I have this same problem and have been noting various proposed solutions:
1) Using some blue Locktite on the ball, working the mirror back and forth to get some in the socket. Then put the mirror in the position you really want it in, and it should stay. I tried this one, it is better (mirror doesn't flop down once I hit 30 MPH) but the mirror still moves when I shut the door
2) Use some Super/Krazy glue in the same way
3) Using a punch to put a few divot marks in the ball of the mirror. Move the mirror way out of the way to expose more of the ball. Use the spring loaded punch (the type you use to create starter mark in metal before using a power drill) to put several dings in the ball. This creates a crown around the perimeter of the ding which creates additional friction with the socket.
4) Remove the mirror glass (press carefully in the center, remove snap ring, mirror comes out). Insert a thin strip of aluminum between the ball and socket to take up a little additional space
5) Remove the mirror glass and whack the tensioned strap that is putting pressure on the socket, in order to close up the tolerances. One forum member found that his reproduction mirror couldn't take the beating, although Original mirrors do seem to hold up well.
Jeff
I have this same problem and have been noting various proposed solutions:
1) Using some blue Locktite on the ball, working the mirror back and forth to get some in the socket. Then put the mirror in the position you really want it in, and it should stay. I tried this one, it is better (mirror doesn't flop down once I hit 30 MPH) but the mirror still moves when I shut the door
2) Use some Super/Krazy glue in the same way
3) Using a punch to put a few divot marks in the ball of the mirror. Move the mirror way out of the way to expose more of the ball. Use the spring loaded punch (the type you use to create starter mark in metal before using a power drill) to put several dings in the ball. This creates a crown around the perimeter of the ding which creates additional friction with the socket.
4) Remove the mirror glass (press carefully in the center, remove snap ring, mirror comes out). Insert a thin strip of aluminum between the ball and socket to take up a little additional space
5) Remove the mirror glass and whack the tensioned strap that is putting pressure on the socket, in order to close up the tolerances. One forum member found that his reproduction mirror couldn't take the beating, although Original mirrors do seem to hold up well.
Jeff
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I just posted this the other day, guess you missed it.
I have been meaning to post this for some time now, but I get distracted and keep forgetting.
I have a driver's side mirror that is in good condition visually, but it is a little loose. Every time I close the door it goes out of adjustment. As you know there is no way to tighten the swivel on these mirrors.
I got an idea one day about using crazy glue and it worked perfectly. I got in the car and adjusted the mirror just they way I want it. Then I got out of the car and without closing the door put a small drop of crazy glue on the ball of the mirror.
I did this months ago and the mirror is still in the same position as when I glued it. It doesn't show and I'm sure with little effort I can break the bond if necessary. I am the only one that drives this car, so I don't see the need to change it.
I'm sure some of you have the same problem and might be able to fix your own mirrors using this method. I hope this helps.
I have been meaning to post this for some time now, but I get distracted and keep forgetting.
I have a driver's side mirror that is in good condition visually, but it is a little loose. Every time I close the door it goes out of adjustment. As you know there is no way to tighten the swivel on these mirrors.
I got an idea one day about using crazy glue and it worked perfectly. I got in the car and adjusted the mirror just they way I want it. Then I got out of the car and without closing the door put a small drop of crazy glue on the ball of the mirror.
I did this months ago and the mirror is still in the same position as when I glued it. It doesn't show and I'm sure with little effort I can break the bond if necessary. I am the only one that drives this car, so I don't see the need to change it.
I'm sure some of you have the same problem and might be able to fix your own mirrors using this method. I hope this helps.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Thanks for the help Jeff.
I don't know why my mirror is different, but mine does not come apart with a "C" clip.
I would have to remove the mirror with thinner, or break it out and replace it.
Great tips in that post, is there somewhere to read though all his pdf files? It looks like some great information.
I don't know why my mirror is different, but mine does not come apart with a "C" clip.
I would have to remove the mirror with thinner, or break it out and replace it.
Great tips in that post, is there somewhere to read though all his pdf files? It looks like some great information.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
http://lbfun.com/Corvette/Tech/vettetech.html
I do not know how many of today's offerings have been added to Barry's site...
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 225
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver B.C.
another fix
I had similar problem with inside rearview mirror ,, took if off the mount. moved the mirror down to max deflection to expose as much of the ball as possible placed a drop of clear nail polish on the ball.. let it setup for 2-3 minutes added one more drop let it flow around waited 15 minutes for it to harden reattached mirror .. it has remained in position since !! I didn't have any " crazy glue" and most women have a bottle of nail polish in their kit.. nail polish is very hard and long lasting stuff ... if the mirror ball wears it off eventually .. just add another drop !!