1963E Outside Mirror

[Pete Zietzke]

The 'swivel-socket' between the mirror bracket-to-the-'adjustable' mirror piece (with the Bow Tie) is very loose. Is there a way to 'tighten-up' the socket so the mirror will remain in proper adjustment during driving the car.

Also, when the mirror is properly adjusted to my viewing angle, the Bow Tie is about ninety-degrees off from the vertical, i.e., the center horizontal axis along the length of the letters Bow Tie end up being rotated to where the Bow Tie is off to the side, not on top like I think it should be. Is this the way those mirrors worked?

Short of purchasing a new complete outside mirror reproduction to remedy this problem, I'd prefer to keep the original on the car.

PeteZ

[Mike M.]

Re: 1963E Outside Mirror

get a tube of valve lapping paste at the local NAPA-type store.apply to exposed surface of the ball and socket joint. works sometimes. may need repeated applications if it works. mike

[Bernard M.]

Re: 1963E Outside Mirror

Another possible source for an early '63 mirror replacement or parts doner is a '62 Nova. I believe you'll find that they are identical (glass date code excepted).

[Drew P.]

Re: 1963E Outside Mirror

Hello Pete,
You need to set the position of the mirror from the driver seat. To lock it into position use Crazy Glue the ball to the mast. This a quick fix and you can do it again if you want to reposition the location. Once it has set it will hold the new position.
What is the paint color and trim color? What is the rear axle ratio?
Thank,
Drew Papsun
203-847-4678
Apapsun@aol.com

[Verne Frantz]

Re: 1963E Outside Mirror

Drew's method is the best fix. Just don't expect to reposition it for another driver...
Valve grinding compound will only make it looser.

Verne

[Tracy C.]

Re: 1963E Outside Mirror

I've used Locktite thread locker with success. Buy the heavy duty stuff at your auto parts dealer.

[Gary C.]

Re: 1963E Outside Mirror

remove mirror from car. remove mirror glass, careful, three small springs will fall out. the real fix is to "re-peen" two studs inside the mirror casting. this will tighten up a piece of spring steel that exterts friction/pressure on the ball stud and keeps the mirror secure in your desired position.