Dripping mirrors
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 11
From: Portland OR
Dripping mirrors
I'm not that ****, but it drives me nuts that the side mirrors drip for HOURS after I wash and dry my car. Part of my annoyance is due to the fact we are on a well with hard water which leaves mineral deposits which are virtually impossible to remove from the paint.
I've done a search and came across these suggested cures: turn the mirrors inward when washing; use a leaf blower to dry; use mirror seals, like the one shown in the attached photo.
I tried the leaf blower method and it reduced, but did not eliminate the water drippage.
I have not tried turning the mirrors inward because I came across some posts indicating that there is a weak spring or retaining clip that can break, resulting in a costly repair -- at least in the C5.
So, questions:
1. does turning the mirrors inward risk damage on the C6?
2. does water enter only at the mirror surround, or does it also enter where the housing pivots?
3. if water enters only at the mirror surround, and not at the housing pivot point, then it seems the seals should work -- do they?
Andy
I've done a search and came across these suggested cures: turn the mirrors inward when washing; use a leaf blower to dry; use mirror seals, like the one shown in the attached photo.
I tried the leaf blower method and it reduced, but did not eliminate the water drippage.
I have not tried turning the mirrors inward because I came across some posts indicating that there is a weak spring or retaining clip that can break, resulting in a costly repair -- at least in the C5.
So, questions:
1. does turning the mirrors inward risk damage on the C6?
2. does water enter only at the mirror surround, or does it also enter where the housing pivots?
3. if water enters only at the mirror surround, and not at the housing pivot point, then it seems the seals should work -- do they?
Andy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5,464
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
Tried the mirror seals and, they are beyond useless and, a complete waste of good money. However, what always works for me are large freezer bags with a large rubber band. No leaks at all. Just lightly wipe down and, clean the mirrors before placing them on.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: ELLWOOD CITY PA
Sorry, I dont have an answer, but I do have an observation. My 2007 barely dripped at all, my 2009 was horrible, and my 2010 is the best of all. I talked to workers at the plant, detailer at the NCM, and no one knows why this is, but since it seems to be variable, there has to be an adjustment or "fix".
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,335
Likes: 0
From: Eagle River AK
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10,'14
Leaf blower. I use to laugh when I read the posts of guys using a leaf blower to dry their cars. The wife came home one day with one to use in the yard and I stole it. I start at the top and work my way down. Works great on the wheels and tires also. Once I have most of the water off it takes just a minute or two to finish the glass and any other areas I missed. Reduces the chance of scratches. I would like a Master Blaster though - maybe for Father's Day.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 6
From: Waynesville NC
I'm convinced mirror covers will eventually damage the paint. I use a Black and Decker electric "LeafHog" on my car and it gets the water out of the mirrors easily. They claim 240mph on the wind power...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 11
From: Portland OR
Think I'll join the baggers or use the leaf blower longer.
Thanks.
Last edited by A-Z; Apr 17, 2010 at 03:33 PM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 11
From: Portland OR
Sorry, I dont have an answer, but I do have an observation. My 2007 barely dripped at all, my 2009 was horrible, and my 2010 is the best of all. I talked to workers at the plant, detailer at the NCM, and no one knows why this is, but since it seems to be variable, there has to be an adjustment or "fix".
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Mount Airy MD
I have an '09 and the mirrors are a PITA even with hitting them with my B&D 230mph leaf blower for a few minutes after each wash. I now hit each mirror with a leaf blowr for a few minutes and then tie a soft waffle towel around the base of the mirrors that lays on the paint below the mirror to catch the water as it drips out.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,269
Likes: 8,543
From: Rochester, NY
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 32
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 613
Likes: 1
From: Apache Junction AZ
The last time I had my C6 cleaned at a hand wash place they used compressed air to blow out the mirrors and tail lights. I have a water softener and soft water plumbed to the garage so I'm not as affected as someone on a well with what sounds like some really hard water.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 827
From: FORT LAUDERDALE FL
i have solved this problem years ago the best way i know how. i've washed my car four times in a little over three years. doesn't get any more "****/ocd" than that! no water problems 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,933
Likes: 13
From: The Beautiful Inland Empire WA.
Well, you might not want to hear this, but my 2008 does not drip at all from the mirrors--- not a drop -- ever......as stated above, with this variation between all of our cars, I really wonder if you could take off the inside door panel, and crank down the mirror mounting points a little bit on the inside of the doors-- just to compress the seal on the mirror to the body........makes you wonder, huh?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,075
Likes: 6
From: Wilmington NC