1972 loose side mirror
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
What moves, the base or the mirror head? There is a set screw to tighten on the outboard of the base. As for the ball socket of the mirror head, I have used super glue. Some folks suggest a sort of make shift knurl on the ball using a punch and hammer. I've tried using a spring-load center punch but it didn't stay tight for very long.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
If you use 'super glue', you will only be able to position it once. The correct fix is to soak the mirror head in mineral spirits or gasoline overnight to dislodge the mirror face; make a couple of thin, "U"-shaped sheet metal shims to stick under the swedged [rivet] heads holding the upper head body to the lower pedestal...which will tighten up the fit; then use RTV to bond the mirror glass back on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
If you use 'super glue', you will only be able to position it once. The correct fix is to soak the mirror head in mineral spirits or gasoline overnight to dislodge the mirror face; make a couple of thin, "U"-shaped sheet metal shims to stick under the swedged [rivet] heads holding the upper head body to the lower pedestal...which will tighten up the fit; then use RTV to bond the mirror glass back on.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Brookfield IL
Same problem with both mirrors on 69
I have same problem with both side mirrors. Hit a decent bump in the road, and they both fall down. Too bad there aren't a couple of small screws on the back of the mirror to adjust the tightness of the mirror against the ball.
I was actually considering putting thick grease or maybe vasoline on the ball to see if it stiffened up the motion. But since no one else mentioned something like that, I'm thinking that probably wouldn't work.
I was actually considering putting thick grease or maybe vasoline on the ball to see if it stiffened up the motion. But since no one else mentioned something like that, I'm thinking that probably wouldn't work.
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 542
Likes: 3
From: Bloomfield Hills MI
I have same problem with both side mirrors. Hit a decent bump in the road, and they both fall down. Too bad there aren't a couple of small screws on the back of the mirror to adjust the tightness of the mirror against the ball.
I was actually considering putting thick grease or maybe vasoline on the ball to see if it stiffened up the motion. But since no one else mentioned something like that, I'm thinking that probably wouldn't work.
I was actually considering putting thick grease or maybe vasoline on the ball to see if it stiffened up the motion. But since no one else mentioned something like that, I'm thinking that probably wouldn't work.
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Worthington OH
I have the same problem, but I was thinking about adding red loctite on the ball of the mirror. I figure if loctite keeps the bolts from coming off my Harley, maybe it will hold the mirror. Anyone every try it?
Larry
Larry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
When I replaced mine with a $59.95 "new" one it drooped just like the old one. I screwed around w/ JB Weld, etc. until I finally got sick of the problem. These cars are already too hard to see out of without being able to put the mirrors where you want them. I soaked mine in lacquer thinner, then re-bent the little spring inside it to hold the ball more tightly. They are FIXED and they won't come un-fixed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 755
Likes: 8
From: delco pa
i have,, it didn't last long,,,,, i ended up removing the mirror (soaking in gas), and drilling out and tapping for screws (4-40),in place of teh rivits,,, should be the last time i work on teh mirror...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
The mirrors on these cars were designed to last about 5-10 years....not 50. Just remember that you are being a mechanic for a "geriatric" vehicle, and cut it a little slack. If a loose mirror is going to put you in a tither, how will you respond to a 'finicky' fuel gauge?
Such is the life of a C3 owner....
Such is the life of a C3 owner....
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 318
Likes: 2
From: Stow, OH
The mirrors on these cars were designed to last about 5-10 years....not 50. Just remember that you are being a mechanic for a "geriatric" vehicle, and cut it a little slack. If a loose mirror is going to put you in a tither, how will you respond to a 'finicky' fuel gauge?
Such is the life of a C3 owner....
Such is the life of a C3 owner....
...........
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Worthington OH
The mirrors on these cars were designed to last about 5-10 years....not 50. Just remember that you are being a mechanic for a "geriatric" vehicle, and cut it a little slack. If a loose mirror is going to put you in a tither, how will you respond to a 'finicky' fuel gauge?
Such is the life of a C3 owner....
Such is the life of a C3 owner....
BTW, I can't get over how much your car looks like mine. Except for the fact you have a '71 (with clear lights) and I have a '72 (with amber), they could be twins!
Larry
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 261
Likes: 7
For the sake of those using Google to search for a fix for a loose Corvette side mirror, I'm going to post a quick testimonial for the superglue method (and yes, I realize this is an old thread, but Google loves it...)
The super glue trick can work like MAGIC. I was going to soak the mirror, but thought, "Well, for a $.50 tube of glue, why not?". I put one drop on the ball, worked the mirror around continuously while it dried, applied one more drop, worked it around, and then adjusted it. It holds very well, and is still adjustable. My guess is that if you worked the ball and socket heavily, it might come back off and you would have to re-do.
For mirrors that are just a little sloppy, the superglue trick is a godsend. Try this first, THEN soak your mirror.
The super glue trick can work like MAGIC. I was going to soak the mirror, but thought, "Well, for a $.50 tube of glue, why not?". I put one drop on the ball, worked the mirror around continuously while it dried, applied one more drop, worked it around, and then adjusted it. It holds very well, and is still adjustable. My guess is that if you worked the ball and socket heavily, it might come back off and you would have to re-do.
For mirrors that are just a little sloppy, the superglue trick is a godsend. Try this first, THEN soak your mirror.
If you use 'super glue', you will only be able to position it once. The correct fix is to soak the mirror head in mineral spirits or gasoline overnight to dislodge the mirror face; make a couple of thin, "U"-shaped sheet metal shims to stick under the swedged [rivet] heads holding the upper head body to the lower pedestal...which will tighten up the fit; then use RTV to bond the mirror glass back on.
