69 Corvette Driver Side Mirror - Bubba strikes
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: San Diego CA
69 Corvette Driver Side Mirror - Bubba strikes
Hi Everyone,
I purchased a repro side mirror to replace the badly eroded one presently on my vehicle. What should have been a "no brainer" install has turned into a problem.
I unscrewed the hex bolt/screw from the existing mirror stem base, but when I tried to remove the unit, it doesn't budge. I wiggled the stem back and forth and side to side...but no dice. I used a flat head screwdriver between the plastic shield/washer and base and discovered that Bubba used some kind of adhesive between the lead slug (where the screws go into the door) and the mirror stem. I dont want to force the stem and possibly rip a chunk of fiberglass off of the door. Any suggestions?
I purchased a repro side mirror to replace the badly eroded one presently on my vehicle. What should have been a "no brainer" install has turned into a problem.
I unscrewed the hex bolt/screw from the existing mirror stem base, but when I tried to remove the unit, it doesn't budge. I wiggled the stem back and forth and side to side...but no dice. I used a flat head screwdriver between the plastic shield/washer and base and discovered that Bubba used some kind of adhesive between the lead slug (where the screws go into the door) and the mirror stem. I dont want to force the stem and possibly rip a chunk of fiberglass off of the door. Any suggestions?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 190
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From: Hiawatha Iowa
Hi Everyone,
I purchased a repro side mirror to replace the badly eroded one presently on my vehicle. What should have been a "no brainer" install has turned into a problem.
I unscrewed the hex bolt/screw from the existing mirror stem base, but when I tried to remove the unit, it doesn't budge. I wiggled the stem back and forth and side to side...but no dice. I used a flat head screwdriver between the plastic shield/washer and base and discovered that Bubba used some kind of adhesive between the lead slug (where the screws go into the door) and the mirror stem. I dont want to force the stem and possibly rip a chunk of fiberglass off of the door. Any suggestions?
I purchased a repro side mirror to replace the badly eroded one presently on my vehicle. What should have been a "no brainer" install has turned into a problem.
I unscrewed the hex bolt/screw from the existing mirror stem base, but when I tried to remove the unit, it doesn't budge. I wiggled the stem back and forth and side to side...but no dice. I used a flat head screwdriver between the plastic shield/washer and base and discovered that Bubba used some kind of adhesive between the lead slug (where the screws go into the door) and the mirror stem. I dont want to force the stem and possibly rip a chunk of fiberglass off of the door. Any suggestions?
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 54
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From: San Diego CA
Thanks for the reply...appreciate the assistance. I thought about going at it from behind the door panel...but from all of the images that I'm able to find, it looks like this section is blocked off by the inner workings of the window mechanism...but I'll certainly give it a try. Not sure that I have the stomach to try the heat gun...I'd kick myself if I end up blistering the paint!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,221
Likes: 4,312
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi a,
Even with the door panel off there's no access to item#6…… unless someone were to cut an access in the door frame?!?
Maybe a large diameter hole saw in just the right place?
Regards,
Alan
Even with the door panel off there's no access to item#6…… unless someone were to cut an access in the door frame?!?
Maybe a large diameter hole saw in just the right place?
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
I run into this often. 99.999% of the time I can get the mirror off the base. I carefully work it like a tooth and get it off.
If this fails....I use a DREMEL TOOL and cut off the mirror.
Trying to get to the backside of the mirror by taking off your door panel is USELESS!!!! If the mounting bracket is FACTORY...it is NOT accessible. You would have to cut away so much metal...this is ...once again ...POINTLESS....and that is even if it has been changed over to the Well-nuts.
DUB
If this fails....I use a DREMEL TOOL and cut off the mirror.
Trying to get to the backside of the mirror by taking off your door panel is USELESS!!!! If the mounting bracket is FACTORY...it is NOT accessible. You would have to cut away so much metal...this is ...once again ...POINTLESS....and that is even if it has been changed over to the Well-nuts.
DUB
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: San Diego CA
Thanks for the additional suggestions. I spoke to a local Corvette specialty mechanic and he said that he's seen this a number of times...epoxy between the base and mirror stem...but he wasn't as optimistic and said that I'm pretty much SOL. I think that Dub's suggestion for using a Dremel to cut off the mirror may be the safest solution. Will report back with an update. Again, thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Hiawatha Iowa
Thanks for the additional suggestions. I spoke to a local Corvette specialty mechanic and he said that he's seen this a number of times...epoxy between the base and mirror stem...but he wasn't as optimistic and said that I'm pretty much SOL. I think that Dub's suggestion for using a Dremel to cut off the mirror may be the safest solution. Will report back with an update. Again, thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
I agree with everyone's assessment and to add to my suggestion/s ...t there is no harm in taking the door panel off to see what's behind door number 1 (pun intended) If Bubba epoxy glued it maybe he already cut a small opening on the back side door in an attempt to fix what I assume was a broken off mirror in the first place. I've seen lots do this to install C5/6 side mirrors. The '68 I am working on has an open cut for what look like a slightly better Bubba fix to a broken off mirror by installing a metal backing plate glued with nuts welded on. Well it was glued somewhat but it had broken free because when I was unscrewing the mounting bracket I heard a clunk for the adhoc backing plate falling down in the door. Kinda makes you think your Bubba just glued that mirror right on the door and the assembly nuts are no longer in the picture.
and did not mean to come across that your suggestion is not warranted. I have seen more flubbed up stuff that it would make your head spin.But when dealing with the situation that the member asked help for...removing the door panel does not have anything to do with removing the mirror. NOW...the mounting base removal....YES...the door panel may need to come off if it has been messed with.
DUB
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If the car were in my shop and working the mirror didn't release it... I'd get out the die grinder and slowly cut away the base until the mirror came free. You could possibly put a wet rag on the base to help keep the heat transfer down. Or maybe better a slower Dremel would reduce heat.
1968-1977 drivers side mirrors didn't use well nuts as the picture above indicates. The driver side used a bracket under the door skin that is hidden on the inside of the door by a reinforcement panel. Replacement from inside the door is next to impossible and unless bubba struck the inside of your door your not going to see any screws, bolts or well nuts on the inside. So I'd leave the door panel on, there is nothing inside to help you.
1968-1977 drivers side mirrors didn't use well nuts as the picture above indicates. The driver side used a bracket under the door skin that is hidden on the inside of the door by a reinforcement panel. Replacement from inside the door is next to impossible and unless bubba struck the inside of your door your not going to see any screws, bolts or well nuts on the inside. So I'd leave the door panel on, there is nothing inside to help you.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
...but you also know that some BOZO has done something to this area at one time or another on Covettes you have worked on...because I see it from time to time. The driver side used a bracket under the door skin that is hidden on the inside of the door by a reinforcement panel. Replacement from inside the door is next to impossible and unless bubba struck the inside of your door your not going to see any screws, bolts or well nuts on the inside. So I'd leave the door panel on, there is nothing inside to help you.
Just 'saying'.
DUB