How to Fix Loose or Sagging Side Door Mirrors

[sdkar]

This fix was the result of me asking about replacing my side mirrors.  Since I did this fix and found it to work perfectly, I wanted to place this topic in the maintenance section with a proper subject heading so that guys can find it with a proper search.

Hat tip to SAURON327 for the link for this fix.

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=195512

If you want to avoid going to the link or if it is no longer good, here is what you do:

Get a pan that will fit your mirror sitting in it mirror side down.  I used a pie pan.  The article said to use mineral spirits, but I didn't have any so I used lacquer thinner.  Pour just enough to cover the mirror up to where the glass would be and set the mirror face down in the spirits or thinner.  The first mirror I only waited an hour or so and when I picked up the mirror and shook it, I could feel the mirror "rattle" and so I got a feeler gauge and pried it out.  It came out easily, but I could feel the grinding of the glass and it felt as if the mirror could very easily crack or chip, but it did come out.  The other side, I let it stay in overnight and the next day when I picked the mirror up, the glass and 4 "blobs" of saturated double sided taped were left in the pan. 

My mirrors had rivets, so I set my mirror in a vice with a heavy rag and tapped both of the rivets until they were tight against the metal strip.  I didn't need any loctite or anything after that, but did add a couple of drops from the inside just in case it might help a little.  Finally, clean the glass and mirror, new double sided tape, and press mirror back in.  DONE.

It was quite easy and is the proper way to repair these things.  So, if your mirrors are floppy and you don't want to buy new ones....this will work.

[LM69Z28]

Were your mirrors original or repros and have the white etched date codes and if so did the lacquer thinner effect the coding?
Thanks
LM69Z28

[Sauron327]

Solvents don't affect etch.

[LM69Z28]

OK Thanks

[BillOhio]

I wanted to add to this.
My 69 Z had 4 globs of a black rubber like material holding the glass in and lacquer thinner didn't do much for it.  24 hour soak got me a chipped mirror. Let it set a few days and still was attached but it came out.  Probably something better to use. My car is 03D on tag. No idea when they got rid of tape

[jacmac]

I wish I knew about that 10 yrs ago. Thanks for the info I think I have 1 more restoration in me,maybe a chevelle!

[bc69]

Anybody have a pic of mirror with glass out.

[Sauron327]

Anybody have a pic of mirror with glass out.

How about checkin' out the link in the first post?

[bc69]

Sorry I just didn't look deep enough. But next question is.....
other than tape....what type silicone or fastener to put glass back?
Always a little skeptical of the 2 sided tape. In the hot summer sun I have seen
Tape release.

[sdkar]

I used double sided tape over two years ago now, and the glass is still firm and in place and not loose at all.