Loose Side View Mirror

[HRTKD]

On my '91 I have the large "towing" mirrors. The mounts are OK, but the mirror pivots very loosely and I can't see a way to tighten it up. It won't stay where it's adjusted to. Any suggestions?

 

[SenorNoob]

Is that the style of mirror you're talking about?

If so then which point is loose? Where the bar meets the brackets bolted to the door or the little ball on the top of that?

If you're talking about the first one I have no idea.

If you're talking about the ball then for a temporary fix the mirror glass can be popped off and there is a plate in behind it (Held on by the 2 screws seen just either side of the ball.) that can be manipulated (bent) to make the joint tighter. But it won't last long. I suggest looking in junkyards for a nice matching pair that weren't adjusted much. Full-size parts should work there too.

 

[HRTKD]

Is that the style of mirror you're talking about?

If so then which point is loose? Where the bar meets the brackets bolted to the door or the little ball on the top of that?

If you're talking about the first one I have no idea.

If you're talking about the ball then for a temporary fix the mirror glass can be popped off and there is a plate in behind it (Held on by the 2 screws seen just either side of the ball.) that can be manipulated (bent) to make the joint tighter. But it won't last long. I suggest looking in junkyards for a nice matching pair that weren't adjusted much. Full-size parts should work there too.

Yes, that's the style. My problem is with the ball. It sounds like any fix would be short term, so I'm going to order up a new one. I found one that looks close on Amazon for $13. At that price if it doesn't work it's no big deal.

Thanks!

 

[HRTKD]

I can't get the mirror to come off!! I've broken two torx bits. After the first one broke I sprayed the mirror bolt assembly with PB Blaster a couple times. I don't see how any of that would have actually penetrated to the bolt though.

 

[Mark_88]

You may need to remove the door trim to spray them with anything. They bolt through the door skin into a metal bracket...might be able to get at it through the door handle that is held on by two screws and the connecting rod...just pull it forward after the screws are removed and then unhook the connecting rod...may run into the window winder that way though, so removing the door trim is probably best.

 

[HRTKD]

This is the bolt that holds the mirror to the bracket. The bolt that comes down directly from the mirror.

 

[Mark_88]

Ah, OK, sorry...hacksaw?

 

[SenorNoob]

I second hacksaw. If you can cut it close enough to the bottom, it should be possible to just punch the remainder loose.

 

[HRTKD]

That's where I was headed. However, I just put it up for sale on Craig's List. I don't want to do something stupid like break the window. I'll probably give it a go since I already have the replacement mirror.

 

[SenorNoob]

Just take it slow. Those little teeth cut just as well slowly as they do wearing your arm out. I'd probably forgo the saw altogether and just use the blade on that. Less material to potentially hit the window.

 

[Mark_88]

I'd roll the window down for cutting......came too close to smashing my own...

Do the fasteners on the brackets come loose? I remember taking the whole thing off when I removed mine years ago and that was pretty easy. I believe they had the torx screws in them...not sure what size smaller than T-55 for sure...maybe T-40.

Are you going to sell it regardless of the results on the mirror? I'd let the new owner worry about it in that case...provide the replacement part if they try to wiggle the price down...if you have it already.

 

[HRTKD]

Apparently my hacksawing skills are weak. I tried with a metal blade hacksaw and then with my Dewalt sawzall with a bi-metal blade. Neither made a dent in the post but did shine it up.

I tried rotating the post with a set of vice grips. No joy there either. That sucker is stuck.

Suggestions?

 

[SenorNoob]

Return the sawzall for a refund? It's defective.

 

[Mark_88]

Haha...

This reminded me of trying the same thing...I think it's stainless steel on that peg so much harder to cut...I think this is why I pulled them and went with the flag mirrors...

 

[SenorNoob]

Seriously, maybe take it to a shop and have them do it? Cutting torch? I really don't know...