C2 ('63) Removing side mirror glass

[Gary Cederman]

I am going to have the outside mirror re-chromed and so I need to remove the glass first. I assume that I need to remove the large C-clip that goes around the outside rim of the glass. How do I "grab" this C-clip without damaging it orscratching the glass?

Thanks,

Gary

[Bob Grauer]

Re: C2 ('63) Removing side mirror glass

The way that I've done it is to very carefully press in on the glass (releases tension of the retaining ring while pulling down on the ring with a scratch awl (very sharp) and then working it out with your fingers. It sounds worse than it is. Screwdrivers slip. Sometimes you can get the ring started with your fingers without using the awl if the glass isn't in too tight. Just take your time and don't do it on the car, use the bench...
Bob Grauer

[Gary Cederman]

Re: C2 ('63) Removing side mirror glass

Bob,

Thanks for the input. It helped in confirming that I was on the right track to disassemblying the mirror.

While 'messing' with it, I was able to press the glass in at one small place and figured that I should be able to do this all the way around. Then I thought that there could be 40 years of grime around the glass and clip so I sprayed some lubricate in to break up the grime. I was doing this on the bench. I will try the sharp awl to get the clip out.

Thanks again,

Gary

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 ('63) Removing side mirror glass

Gary. you sure you wnt to rechrome the outside mirror. Things tend to "grow" after being replated and the snap ring probably won't fit the narrow channel that is currently just a couple thousands wider than the snap ring is thick. Rerpo are good quality and will probably cost 1/2 what it will cost to replate a 63 mirror, especially if its the early design mirror. mike

[Gary Cederman]

Re: C2 ('63) Removing side mirror glass

Mike,

I never bothered to check the price on one because I have an early '63 (and we all know that means $$$$$ for parts). I just checked some of the vendors for pricing on a new one. You may be correct that it may not be worth having the original one re-chromed.

Thanks,

Gary

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 ('63) Removing side mirror glass

got an early repro from paragon about l2 years ago. judges liked it then. mike