Replace Rearview Mirror Glass?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Replace Rearview Mirror Glass?
Just wondering if someone has experience replacing the rear-view mirror glass vs. replacing the entire mirror.
I have a 73 and was about to buy a new mirror when I saw a correct day/night replacement mirror insert available. I don't have the stock mirror handy right now to inspect for disassemble effort, but is this something that can be done without damaging the OEM mirror unit?
I have many, many, many replacement parts to buy. And it's getting to the point that saving $30 bucks on one thing makes a difference on buying something else. I'm sure many of you have been there done that.
Thanks for you input.
I have a 73 and was about to buy a new mirror when I saw a correct day/night replacement mirror insert available. I don't have the stock mirror handy right now to inspect for disassemble effort, but is this something that can be done without damaging the OEM mirror unit?
I have many, many, many replacement parts to buy. And it's getting to the point that saving $30 bucks on one thing makes a difference on buying something else. I'm sure many of you have been there done that.
Thanks for you input.
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Brighton Ontario
I have had sucess removing the old glass, and replacing it, it helps to keep the surrounding rubber warm and pliable, with a heat gun, and use a lubricant. Use a plastic (so it wont chip the glass) stick of some sort with a smooth end, and work your way around slowly. With patience, it can be done.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by Hogzilla
Be careful..... I bought a replacement from Ecklers for $50+ and it is a POS. Vibrates like mad at ALL times.
Stingrai, so you're saying the mirror does not come apart, but it is plyable and you can just stretch the frame around the new glass if done carefully? I'll give that a try. Before I buy the replacement mirror glass, I'll try and take out the original mirror glass. If I break it taking the it out, I'll just take my chances with the complete repro mirror.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 4
From: Miami FL
yeah...I just bought a mirror from Wilcox and it would not bolt down correctly to be held in position. It just falls straight down. So the I proceeded to try and tighten the screw farther thinking that this would work which of course only stipped the threads on the screw. Then after making a homemade very thin rubber shim to wedge in there and tighten down I ended up braking the aother bracket that attaches to the mirror so now I am ordering a whole bunch of new stuff. If this fails then I will find a good solid way to glue back on the old mirror.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by Hogzilla
Be careful..... I bought a replacement from Ecklers for $50+ and it is a POS. Vibrates like mad at ALL times.
What paint is on yours?
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Originally Posted by Busrydr
Hogzilla, do you have pictures of your ride posted here? I have a 73 in orange and medium saddle interior. As I'm restoring it, I'm thinking of going yellow, but have been told to be very picky on paint choice and choice of painter. My understanding is that a sample of yellow paint can very drastically from the finished product. And most that want yellow want that deep rich color that I think you have on yours. Some even add tent to the clear cost to get that rich look.
What paint is on yours?
What paint is on yours?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
If NCRS isnt a concern:
I used a rearview mirror out of a mid 90s Pontiac Sunfire. It is a little smaller than the 82 original and has smoother design lines on it. It mounted right up to the existing fob on the windshield and only cost $5 bucks.
Works great with our small windshields.
Brent...
I used a rearview mirror out of a mid 90s Pontiac Sunfire. It is a little smaller than the 82 original and has smoother design lines on it. It mounted right up to the existing fob on the windshield and only cost $5 bucks.
Works great with our small windshields.
Brent...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by Hogzilla
No, I don't have them on here yet, but there is a link below for you. I just bought the car and it's an original yellow 73', but it was repainted at some point so I have no way of knowing what paint code was used. Mine is a real nice shade, but in a year or so I will be repainting it and will be faced with the same problem.
http://www.streetglide.net/corvette.htm
http://www.streetglide.net/corvette.htm
I was torn with the option for wheels; aftermarket or stock. I see your ride and kinda glad I went stock. I'll need to repaint a set of K-1-3 OEM rallies that I scored and have new derby caps and beauty rings ready to go.
Not looking for an NCRS restore, but it doesn't hurt to go OEM and actually save money.
Thanks for the link.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by MN-Brent
If NCRS isnt a concern:
I used a rearview mirror out of a mid 90s Pontiac Sunfire. It is a little smaller than the 82 original and has smoother design lines on it. It mounted right up to the existing fob on the windshield and only cost $5 bucks.
Works great with our small windshields.
Brent...
I used a rearview mirror out of a mid 90s Pontiac Sunfire. It is a little smaller than the 82 original and has smoother design lines on it. It mounted right up to the existing fob on the windshield and only cost $5 bucks.
Works great with our small windshields.
Brent...
I'm going to try to remove the OEM glass. If that works, I can get what is stated to be the correct day/night mirror insert to put back in. But I can just see it now. A slightly different cut on teh replacement glass and everything fits but that last corner
Ya gotta love working on these older cars. Keeps you reaching for more.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Originally Posted by Busrydr
Very nice pics. Why would you change the paint?
I was torn with the option for wheels; aftermarket or stock. I see your ride and kinda glad I went stock. I'll need to repaint a set of K-1-3 OEM rallies that I scored and have new derby caps and beauty rings ready to go.
Not looking for an NCRS restore, but it doesn't hurt to go OEM and actually save money.
Thanks for the link.
I was torn with the option for wheels; aftermarket or stock. I see your ride and kinda glad I went stock. I'll need to repaint a set of K-1-3 OEM rallies that I scored and have new derby caps and beauty rings ready to go.
Not looking for an NCRS restore, but it doesn't hurt to go OEM and actually save money.
Thanks for the link.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Originally Posted by Busrydr
Stingrai, so you're saying the mirror does not come apart, but it is plyable and you can just stretch the frame around the new glass if done carefully? I'll give that a try. Before I buy the replacement mirror glass, I'll try and take out the original mirror glass. If I break it taking the it out, I'll just take my chances with the complete repro mirror.
Thanks
Thanks
Good luck
Eddie
