Long Vertical "scratch" under side view mirror
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Amana IA
Long Vertical "scratch" under side view mirror
We all know of the design flaw and frustration with the leaking side view mirrors.
I have now just found a long vertical scratch or etching directly under the side view mirror that tracks exactly to the drip / drain stream.
I washed and dried the car by hand 3 weeks ago. Mirror was dripping ever so slightly but I had to catch a plane.
I come home 3 weeks later to find the dreaded vertical drip stain. I go to clean it and find under the stain now there is a 6" vertical scratch from just under the side view mirror downward the tracks directly under the water stain. You can feel the scratch with you fingers and it is visable.
Has anyone seen anything like this?
I have now just found a long vertical scratch or etching directly under the side view mirror that tracks exactly to the drip / drain stream.
I washed and dried the car by hand 3 weeks ago. Mirror was dripping ever so slightly but I had to catch a plane.
I come home 3 weeks later to find the dreaded vertical drip stain. I go to clean it and find under the stain now there is a 6" vertical scratch from just under the side view mirror downward the tracks directly under the water stain. You can feel the scratch with you fingers and it is visable.
Has anyone seen anything like this?
Last edited by kwagner; Jul 1, 2010 at 09:13 AM. Reason: spelling
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Should be removable with the proper cleaner/polish. You may have to experiment, check with a local body shop or restoration facility. I always use a paper towel to soak up the water in the mirror.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Amana IA
Thanks for the suggestion on the stain.
What I am really concerned with is the scratch and whether or not the design flaw (drips) actually was the cause of the scratch / etching and therefore GM's responsibility to fix the scratch.
What I am really concerned with is the scratch and whether or not the design flaw (drips) actually was the cause of the scratch / etching and therefore GM's responsibility to fix the scratch.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 690
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Pure water would not cause an etching or scratch no matter how long it sat on your paint. Unless you have something in your water that caused it. Do you have city water or well water? Do you use soft water or hard water to wash your vette? Regardless, GM is not responsible for this.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cucamonga CA
triple black owner here and that was a common problem before i saw some threads on how to prevent it
first thing to do is wrap the mirrors in seran wrap before spraying down the car. it seems water traps inside the side mirrors and causes that dreaded leak
i used scratch x (mild compound) to see if it would come off and when it didnt, i moved up to the 3m rubbing compound and made sure to go lightly at it. that will definitely take it off. then follow it up with a wash and wax and ull be good as new
first thing to do is wrap the mirrors in seran wrap before spraying down the car. it seems water traps inside the side mirrors and causes that dreaded leak
i used scratch x (mild compound) to see if it would come off and when it didnt, i moved up to the 3m rubbing compound and made sure to go lightly at it. that will definitely take it off. then follow it up with a wash and wax and ull be good as new
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 12,999
Likes: 1
From: Youngstown Ohio
I purchased mirror seals.
Water doesn't collect in mirrors while washing.
So no water drips out the mirrors.
One of the best purchases I ever made.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...mirror%20seals
Water doesn't collect in mirrors while washing.
So no water drips out the mirrors.
One of the best purchases I ever made.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...mirror%20seals
Last edited by coolcat; Jul 2, 2010 at 06:48 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 940
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
What I have noticed is that after using the Master Blaster until no more water comes out, a few minutes later they still drip. Upon closer inspection the water comes from between the fixed base part of the mirror and the gasket between it and the door. Now the water might be higher up and that's where it comes out, but if that's not the case, then the mirror covers or saran wrap would not work. On my Mom's white car I have seen the dripping water cause a stain that was only removable by polishing.
