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Old Oct 20, 2017 | 06:35 PM
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Default 72 rear view mirror

Every time I touch or bump the rear view mirror it loosens up and moves all over the place (won t stay in place). I'm beginning to think I need to leave a big screw driver in the car at all times to tighten it. Anyone have any tricks with this? Should I get a longer bolt and put a nut on the other end?

Last edited by Eric -; Oct 20, 2017 at 06:45 PM. Reason: Spelling
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Old Oct 20, 2017 | 07:03 PM
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I have no 'tricks' due to I cannot afford to have customers not be satisfied by me trying to 'reinvent the wheel' in this area. Actually is may need new parts due to age and wear.

Possibly the metal plate that you are trying to tighten up may need to be replaced...but then again...the aluminum mount may be worn allowing the worn ball end on the arm that you are trying to tighten may be also worn.

I have dealt with it many many times and come to understanding that sometimes these parts need to be replaced....because me spending time on it and it does not work 100% all the time....then that was time wasted.

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Old Oct 21, 2017 | 06:33 AM
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You can try putting a piece of shrink tube on the screw. Tightens up the screw. Some times it works some times not. Like Dub said some time the parts are just worn out and need to be replaced.
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Old Oct 21, 2017 | 05:42 PM
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The uniquely stamped steel plate that the machine screw is holding in place...can become 'tweaked'...and even if the screw it tight as heck...the mirror arm still moves....I would replace parts.

Beating on that plate is up to the owner and is something I just will not do...because like I wrote in my last post...I want it fixed and not coming back for the same problem....but that is me....everybody can do what they want.

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Old Oct 21, 2017 | 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Eric -
Every time I touch or bump the rear view mirror it loosens up and moves all over the place (won t stay in place). I'm beginning to think I need to leave a big screw driver in the car at all times to tighten it. Anyone have any tricks with this? Should I get a longer bolt and put a nut on the other end?
I had the same issue with my 72. I found a small fiber washer in my little "junk box". Removed the mirror screw and installed the fiber washer on the screw, reinstalled the screw and tighten. Mirror now stays adjusted. Perhaps that will work for you.
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Old Oct 21, 2017 | 08:13 PM
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Another thing to try is Teflon tape on the screw. It might tighten it up enough to hold. I had the same problem and after a while it broke where the screw hold the mirror. Once I replaced this it was good to go.
I think your ball stud is worn out and needs to be replaced:

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Old Oct 22, 2017 | 05:58 PM
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Knowing that there are two screws for this mirror...one that holds the ball end of the curved shaft shown in the post above is one of the screws..and the other is the screw that holds the mirror to this part shown above...so it all depends on where the mirror is failing.

My previous posts were dealing with the machine screw and bracket and that holds the ball stud shown above to the main mirror mount.

DUB
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Old Oct 23, 2017 | 08:17 AM
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Originally Posted by sunflower 1972
I had the same issue with my 72. I found a small fiber washer in my little "junk box". Removed the mirror screw and installed the fiber washer on the screw, reinstalled the screw and tighten. Mirror now stays adjusted. Perhaps that will work for you.
I'm going to try that method with a fiber washer . I think that will work. The top ball stays in place where it's supposed to be. Its just the one screw closest to the mirror that keeps loosening. Thanks for the info guys.

Last edited by Eric -; Oct 23, 2017 at 08:38 AM. Reason: Spelling
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Old Oct 23, 2017 | 06:10 PM
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Just make sure that IN the portion of your mirror that slides into the slot of the ball stud arm...there is a square insert. Usually this square insert is black metal.

DUB
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Old Oct 28, 2017 | 12:13 PM
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I tried a fiber washer,rubber,metal washer no luck. Tried a small lock washer. It's perfect now. Stays in place. Thanks guys
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Old Oct 28, 2017 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by DUB
Just make sure that IN the portion of your mirror that slides into the slot of the ball stud arm...there is a square insert. Usually this square insert is black metal.

DUB
If that small square insert is missing, you can tighten the mirror screw all you want, and the mirror still won't stay in place.
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Old Oct 28, 2017 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by gbvette62
If that small square insert is missing, you can tighten the mirror screw all you want, and the mirror still won't stay in place.
funny how that little piece of metal can make a difference.

DUB
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Old Oct 28, 2017 | 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by gbvette62
If that small square insert is missing, you can tighten the mirror screw all you want, and the mirror still won't stay in place.
Any pics of this piece? does anyone sell it? It sounds like this may be my issue also
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Old Oct 28, 2017 | 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Flivver61
Any pics of this piece? does anyone sell it? It sounds like this may be my issue also
Most of the vendors should carry it. This picture was stolen from Corvette Central's website, where they refer to it as a "mirror bushing", but I think they are made by Keen Parts.


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