I added LED's to my reflectors to make them functional !!
Door reflectors falling out
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Door reflectors falling out
Anyone else have this happen?
Seems like years of shutting the doors finally snapped off those 2 little plastic tabs that hold them in. My driver's side came out about 2 years ago, and the passenger side followed suit last month.
I'm asking because I devised a $1 Harbor Freight solution that works perfectly, is undetectable, and still allows for easy removal. I'll post up pics if there's any interest.
Seems like years of shutting the doors finally snapped off those 2 little plastic tabs that hold them in. My driver's side came out about 2 years ago, and the passenger side followed suit last month.
I'm asking because I devised a $1 Harbor Freight solution that works perfectly, is undetectable, and still allows for easy removal. I'll post up pics if there's any interest.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
45 views and only 1 reply?
Well anywho, I got these magnets...
http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of...ets-97504.html
Step 1: I melted out a slot for one of them in the block of styrofoam behind the reflector using a wood chisel heated with a torch. I made it just deep enough that the magnet sits flush with the foam.
Step 2: Used a 2 part epoxy to secure the magnet in it's slot
Step 3: Once the epoxy cured, I stuck the other magnet on top of the one in the foam, sanded the back of the reflector a little to roughen it, put a thin layer of epoxy on the back of the reflector, and then "installed" the reflector in the door. This left the impression of the unsecured magnet in the still wet epoxy on the reflector.
Step 4: Pull the loose magnet back off and push it into the impression it made in the epoxy on the reflector.
Then just let the reflector epoxy cure and install it as normal. These magnets are plenty strong enough to hold the reflector tight through a door slam, but not so strong that you'll tear out the one in the foam if you ever need to remove the reflector.
I'm not sure if these steps are clear, so I'll post a pic or two tonight.
Well anywho, I got these magnets...
http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of...ets-97504.html
Step 1: I melted out a slot for one of them in the block of styrofoam behind the reflector using a wood chisel heated with a torch. I made it just deep enough that the magnet sits flush with the foam.
Step 2: Used a 2 part epoxy to secure the magnet in it's slot
Step 3: Once the epoxy cured, I stuck the other magnet on top of the one in the foam, sanded the back of the reflector a little to roughen it, put a thin layer of epoxy on the back of the reflector, and then "installed" the reflector in the door. This left the impression of the unsecured magnet in the still wet epoxy on the reflector.
Step 4: Pull the loose magnet back off and push it into the impression it made in the epoxy on the reflector.
Then just let the reflector epoxy cure and install it as normal. These magnets are plenty strong enough to hold the reflector tight through a door slam, but not so strong that you'll tear out the one in the foam if you ever need to remove the reflector.
I'm not sure if these steps are clear, so I'll post a pic or two tonight.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
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The least expensive I've found is to pry them out correctly to start with. Either, or both, "L" shaped tabs get snapped off from trying to pry the reflector off the door by prying on either end, or (worse) prying from the top.
Always pry from the bottom center and no worries.
Always pry from the bottom center and no worries.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
The least expensive I've found is to pry them out correctly to start with. Either, or both, "L" shaped tabs get snapped off from trying to pry the reflector off the door by prying on either end, or (worse) prying from the top.
Always pry from the bottom center and no worries.
Always pry from the bottom center and no worries.
The one and only time I've needed to access that bolt, I had the whole door panel off. Yet the tabs still fractured simply from years of door closings.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Way to think outside the box when it comes to fixing broken things on the car. Thanks for the tip.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
My tabs broke off and I tried a couple different fixes (superglue, epoxy, etc. -) none lasted. Finally, used a couple small washers the size if the missing tabs and screwed them into the back side (offset to simulate tabs) - screws and washers all metal. Worked perfect and a free fix from my parts bin.
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