Mirror install
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
Mirror install
I swear it must be the simple things that keep us from getting our Corvettes just like we want them.
I am having problems with the right side mirror install on my 1971 vette. No problems with drilling holes, mounting the base, etc. When I install the mirror head the set screw lines up fine, I tighten it up, "woila" it wobbles on the base.
I take it off, box it up, I send it back and get a replacement. Do the same thing and have the same problem.
The set screw passes completely through the mounting base and bottoms out the threads of the set screw and does not secure the head... it wobbles all over the place.
Mind you I replaced the drivers side and it tightend down with flying colors.
Anybody else running into these problems. I am fixin' to mail this back for the 2nd time, get my money returned and order from another supplier.
LPS
I am having problems with the right side mirror install on my 1971 vette. No problems with drilling holes, mounting the base, etc. When I install the mirror head the set screw lines up fine, I tighten it up, "woila" it wobbles on the base.
I take it off, box it up, I send it back and get a replacement. Do the same thing and have the same problem.
The set screw passes completely through the mounting base and bottoms out the threads of the set screw and does not secure the head... it wobbles all over the place. Mind you I replaced the drivers side and it tightend down with flying colors.
Anybody else running into these problems. I am fixin' to mail this back for the 2nd time, get my money returned and order from another supplier.
LPS
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 103
From: Centerville Louisiana
Mine did that to bought it from GM direct thought I was getting the good stuff didn't happen, if I remember right I shimmed it I have the old one and I took the glass out did the clip around the ball trick jb welded it tight as new just waiting on a chance to put it back on
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
Hi, I have a 69 vette and the original mirror on the drivers side was loose. When I hit the gas, it tilts toward the ground. Even the wind tilts it. You get the picture. I bought a pair of mirror from Ecklers and the drivers side did the samething as yours, it wobbled. I tried every combination with the old one and it still did the samething. Called Ecklers and take to the tech guy and he said that they've sold thousands and never had any problem. I ask them to send me another one. Got it and it fit perfect, no wobble. I have'nt put on the passenger side yet. Hope it doesn't wobble.
Tony
Tony
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 299
From: Midlothian VA
I swear it must be the simple things that keep us from getting our Corvettes just like we want them.
I am having problems with the right side mirror install on my 1971 vette. No problems with drilling holes, mounting the base, etc. When I install the mirror head the set screw lines up fine, I tighten it up, "woila" it wobbles on the base.
I take it off, box it up, I send it back and get a replacement. Do the same thing and have the same problem. The set screw passes completely through the mounting base and bottoms out the threads of the set screw and does not secure the head... it wobbles all over the place.
Mind you I replaced the drivers side and it tightend down with flying colors.
Anybody else running into these problems. I am fixin' to mail this back for the 2nd time, get my money returned and order from another supplier.
LPS
I am having problems with the right side mirror install on my 1971 vette. No problems with drilling holes, mounting the base, etc. When I install the mirror head the set screw lines up fine, I tighten it up, "woila" it wobbles on the base.
I take it off, box it up, I send it back and get a replacement. Do the same thing and have the same problem.
The set screw passes completely through the mounting base and bottoms out the threads of the set screw and does not secure the head... it wobbles all over the place. Mind you I replaced the drivers side and it tightend down with flying colors.
Anybody else running into these problems. I am fixin' to mail this back for the 2nd time, get my money returned and order from another supplier.
LPS
If so, I had the same issue with one of my mirrors. This is easily resolved by placing a shim (I used black hard rubber mat I had laying around cut to fit) between the base and the stem right where the stem rests upon the base. This forces you to press the mirror down in order to start the hex set screw and as the set screw pulls into the base it forces a very tight fit between the attaching base an the mirror support stem.
Hope this helps/makes sense.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I've experienced the same thing. It's not the head that is loose on the swivel...it's the whole thing is not rigid to the body. In my case, the fit of the machined allen head screw did not pull the mirror and pedestal down to the mounting surface. My fix was to find some 1/16" thick synthetic rubber sheet and cut out an "elastic" shim that would fit between the mounting plate and the pedestal base. It works fine and there is no more wobble.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
You are correct...
it's not the head that bobbles; it is the entire assembly. It doesn't tighten up to the mounting base...
setscrew should push the assembly against the mounting base and tighten up. at least that is what I see with the drivers side.
frustrating part is that this is the 2d one I have gotten that doesn't work.
it's not the head that bobbles; it is the entire assembly. It doesn't tighten up to the mounting base...
setscrew should push the assembly against the mounting base and tighten up. at least that is what I see with the drivers side.
frustrating part is that this is the 2d one I have gotten that doesn't work.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
so if i am hearing you guys correctly. cut a shim and place it between the black door gasket and the mounting base to move the mounting base higher in relation to the stem?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 1
From: Shelby Township Michigan
I have had this same exact problem. I have had to finess the screw through the hole and make sure it was getting all the way through without it bottoming out before making full depth.
Does your screw head go completely into the body of the mirror or is it sticking out slightly?
Good luck,
Dino
Does your screw head go completely into the body of the mirror or is it sticking out slightly?
Good luck,
Dino
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Is there a little hook at the front of the mounting base? The mirror sets on at the front then drops at the rear to align the setscrew? Stand that hook up a little, make the distance between the setscrew and the front of the base a little bit longer..
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The location of the threaded hole appears to be the problem, IMO. I can tighten everything down and the head assy. is still loose. Yes, I cut the shim to fit inside of the plastic "seat". From 4 feet, it looks like the plastic "seat" is just one solid piece. It works great and give the mirror head a bit of flexibility, in case it gets bumped.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
From: Henrico VA
The location of the threaded hole appears to be the problem, IMO. I can tighten everything down and the head assy. is still loose. Yes, I cut the shim to fit inside of the plastic "seat". From 4 feet, it looks like the plastic "seat" is just one solid piece. It works great and give the mirror head a bit of flexibility, in case it gets bumped.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
Dino,
FYI, the set screw screws all the way through the mounting base and bottoms out the threads. It goes completely into the body of the mirror and stops turning whe nthe therads bottom out.
I will give the suggested fixes a try and let you know.
Regards, Loren
FYI, the set screw screws all the way through the mounting base and bottoms out the threads. It goes completely into the body of the mirror and stops turning whe nthe therads bottom out.
I will give the suggested fixes a try and let you know.
Regards, Loren
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati OH
Mine wouldn't lock down either. I took it back to Keens and we tried a couple of bases till we got one that snugged down tight. The repro ones are just poor quality was my takeaway.
I also have the wiggle from the mounting point being weak. But it's minor. Biggest issue is that the mirror just doesn't adjust well. Very limited movement at thee pivot ball on the mirror. It's good enough though.
I also have the wiggle from the mounting point being weak. But it's minor. Biggest issue is that the mirror just doesn't adjust well. Very limited movement at thee pivot ball on the mirror. It's good enough though.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Georgia
I've experienced the same thing. It's not the head that is loose on the swivel...it's the whole thing is not rigid to the body. In my case, the fit of the machined allen head screw did not pull the mirror and pedestal down to the mounting surface. My fix was to find some 1/16" thick synthetic rubber sheet and cut out an "elastic" shim that would fit between the mounting plate and the pedestal base. It works fine and there is no more wobble.
My RH mirror has been loose for some time even though the screw was tight. I went out to the shop this afternoon and cut an oversize shim from a bicycle tube. After I got the mirror remounted I trimmed the shim to final size using an xacto knife. You have to look really hard to tell that the shim has been added and it tightened the mirror mounting right up.
Thanks again!
Johnny
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 755
Likes: 1
From: Hobart Tasmania
Good suggestions and will do that if it starts to wobble again. I had a probelm with the well nuts not tightening up enough and withdrawing themselves from the hole when tightened. Ended up using some from Ramset well nuts which went in deeper and tightened up better.
