RMP&O wrote:....... just need to try and figure out a way to stiffen them up so they don't flop around........
Undo the 3 screws & remove the mirror head from the ball post
( the single screw that holds the ball post in its place in the frame is generally seized & will sheer off if you undo it with any more than "mild pressure" = more agrivation than its worth )
Remove the mirror frame from the door ...... again if you missed it ....
( the single screw that holds the ball post in its place in the frame is generally seized & will sheer off if you undo it with any more than "mild pressure" = more agrivation than its worth )
Run some 80grit automotive sand paper of the ball
(or lay into it with a wire wheel on a 9" bench grinder )
Using a small strip of the 80grit, sand back the ball socket in the mirror head AFTER youve removed the actual glass
In some cases the 3 smaller screws that hold the ball socket in the mirror head may need to be replaced..... just go up a size in the screw and retap the holes
The same can be done for the 3 main screws you removed first up if needed.
( pends on the rust and condition of the mirror head as to whether this is done or not)
Add about 1 drop of valve grinding paste to the socket...... & reasemble
the mirror head. Once its back together tighten the screws to the point where the mirror is firm but not tight.
Move the mirror around vigoriously on the ball joint for a few minutes & if required re-tighten the screws accordingly.
Disasemble again & clean out the remaining paste......
Fit frame back on door & then mirror head to frame with firm pressure on the screws ( not super tight !! ).....
Re-fit glass
get a friend
get in vehicle and have friend adjust mirrors to suit
tighten screws
test drive
Should take the average punter about 1/2hour per mirror in the WORST case......
Otherwise its a 15min job for both mirrors
Often its movement in the ball to frame connection that causes the mirror to move around, so you may have to undo the single screw that holds the ball to the frame and fix that area
IF........
If you do sheer the single screw that holds the ball in the frame, just drill it out and retap to take a bigger bolt.
Preferably take it to a welding joint and have them remove the screw using heat to free the rusted screw from the thread...... they can also retap a thread for you !!
Kingy
P/S
Maintinance is the key word...... do the above "clean and cut" once every couple of years ( usually after winter ) and your mirrors will last & last & last
P/SS
Ian.....
Electrial tape
tisk tisk tisk
