C2 Outside Rear Mirror????

[Dave B.]

The original bowtie rear view mirror on my '66 is a little loose where the ball enters the mirror back. This causes the mirror face to move around at speeds above 40 or so. Any ideas how to increase the friction on the joint so that the mirror face will stay in place at highway speeds?
Thanks...Dave

[Tracy C.]

Re: C2 Outside Rear Mirror????

Dave,

Never tried this, but some loctite on the ball and socket may do the trick. I would not use the heavy duty stuff right off the start. But maybe work into it if you have too later.

Adjust the mirror where you want it before it sets and clean the excess with a Q-tip and lacquer thinner after it drys.

tc

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 Outside Rear Mirror????

My friend has used Loctite with great success on his 73 rear view mirror. While you are seated at the wheel, have a helper put a healthy dab of blue Loctite on the ball. Twist the mirror through its entire range of motion, to distribute the Loctite, and then set it into the correct position for good rear vision. Let it set.

Of course, this is a bandaid and not a cure and won't hold for an extended period of time. You can also put the rear view mirror into a container of lacquer thinner and let it set over night. This will loosen the adhesive, without disturbing the silver backing, that holds the mirror to the metal. After it has set over night, the mirror should come off fairly easily. We have had some success gently peening or staking the metal the holds the ball stud. Then it is a matter of reattaching the mirror with silicone adhesive.
Gary

[Peter L.]

Re: C2 Outside Rear Mirror????

Dave - Once you get to higher speeds you won't need to use the OSRV mirror; you'll want to keep your eyes on the road ahead.

Anyway, if the mirror is in relative good shape, you can open it up (very carefully) taking out the retaining ring that holds the mirror glass and then the mirror glass and re-secure the plate the is staked to the mirror body and is the friction for the pivot ball.

good luck, Pete