Franks73

Hi Guys. Trying to install a new sideview mirror on a 73. The backing plate inside the door skin is in bad shape, and would like to replace it. After removing the door panel, I still can not get access to that area. I have the assembly manual, but can not see a way to remove the metal panel to get access to that backing plate. Is this doable? Would also like to add a mirror on the right door, I guess I would need to add the backing plate there also, doubt the factory put one there without a mirror being installed. Thanks for any suggestions.

gjohnson

No backing plate needed. Well nuts work fine

carriljc

Here is a really good tutorial if you want a backing plate... looks easy enough :

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...placement.html

Franks73

Interesting. Hardware I was not aware of, will check that out, Thanks!

Franks73

That looks like a solid way of doing the job! Thanks! Looks like it will be tricky to feed the wire through a small hole in the original piece.

croaker

I saw this fix the other day. I wouldn’t do it but to each his own

0Willcox Corvette

I've had good luck with the well nuts mainly because that's the only quick way to install a passenger side mirror.

But nothing beats the original mounting bracket vs. the well nuts.. it's just getting to the bracket that's a bit of a pain.

We have a tool here that is basically a flat piece of steel with an 1/8" hole, then we used a larger drill to make a recess in it. I wish I had a picture of this but I don't...

This allows us to remove the center pin of any generic pop rivet, then slide the pop part in to the fixture, tap the body into the hole and bingo... you've got a counter sunk pop rivet. You then insert the pin back in place and pop it as usual.

I guess what I'm saying is that you can make your own counter sunk pop rivet from a standard one.

Dubs article is awesome....

Willcox

https://willcoxcorvette.com/
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/