1954 outside rear view mirror base -- how is it attached to the door?

[Peter R.]

On my car ('54 #814), the metal base to which the mirror stalk attaches with a set screw, was attached to the door with something like #12 sheet metal screws through holes drilled in the door fiberglass. Over time, the mirror loosened and eventually the screws pulled out of the fiberglass, taking some of the fiberglass with them (so I'm going to need to do some minor fiberglass repair). I'm pretty sure this was not how the mirror was originally attached to the door--it's just not strong enough. And I have noticed that replacement mirrors from our Corvette parts suppliers come with machine screws and nuts to attach the base to the door, not sheet metal screws. So, what is supposed to be inside the door for the machine screws to screw into, or to support the nuts that the screws screw into? I have checked the '53-55 Corvette Assembly Manual, the '53-62 Corvette shop manual, and the NCRS '53-55 tech manual, as well as searching the archives on this forum, and have found no clues as to what is supposed to be inside the door to anchor the mirror base. Also, I have removed the door panel, in order to be able to feel around under the mirror base, and it is virtually impossible to reach with my hand the area inside the door under where the mirror is mounted. So if there is something like a nut plate missing from the inside of my door, I'm not sure how I'm going to install a replacement. And what would the replacement look like? Can anyone shed some light on any of this? Thanks.

[Rod K.]

Re: 1954 outside rear view mirror base -- how is it attached to the door?

1957 AIM (likely the same) Sect B, sht 8 shows Phillips csk head machine screws but doesn't list P/N or size info. Can't recall where I got the specs but they are 8-32 X .750 long using an ext tooth lock washer 121752 and nut 120622 on the bottom, all common hardware store stuff, with no reinforcing plate, etc. They go through a double thickness of door panel so unless you're using it as a tow hook, you'll be good when you repair your holes with fiberglass reinforced filler, (not regular body filler). Good luck and hope this helps.

[Peter R.]

Re: 1954 outside rear view mirror base -- how is it attached to the door?

Thank you, Rod. I have the '56-57 AIM, but that's one place I didn't think to look for a solution to my '54 problem. That does seem to provide the answer.

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 outside rear view mirror base -- how is it attached to the door?

The Y 50 mounting is a fine thread flat head machine screws and is attached to the bottom inside of the door skin with washers, lock washers, and nuts. - Then the mirror is attached to the base with an allen screw
I would repair the bottom of that area with couple layers of mat and then repair the top
If not - there will be no strength and will pull out again or the repair will map
Chris
TiN Restorations

[Joe R.]

Re: 1954 outside rear view mirror base -- how is it attached to the door?

Peter,

Let me suggest using a mirror Reinforcement Plate and Rivets used on 64-67 Corvettes. This will allow you to put the plate on the inside of the door and rivet it in place or hold until the outside mirror mount is tightened down. I think you can use this method and not have to do any fiberglass repair. Nobody can see what you have done and the mirror will be stable on your door.

JR

[Lynn L.]

Re: 1954 outside rear view mirror base -- how is it attached to the door?

Using your mirror mount base for a guide make a metal nut plate for the inside of door. The plate will have two bolt holes. Run a wire into the hole in the rear of your mirror fiberglass, to door storage compartment, run through nut plate and attach to a small nut preventing it from pulling through nut plate. Pull plate to fiberglass, attach front bolt, cut wire, attach rear bolt.
You will likely not need to do any fiberglass/paint repair. Hope process goes well

[Peter R.]

Re: 1954 outside rear view mirror base -- how is it attached to the door?

Given that I started this thread, I'll try to close it out. I did repair the holes in the door fiberglass for the mirror mounting screws with fiberglass mat and resin. I took Rod's advice and got 8-32 x 3/4" Phillips countersunk head screws in stainless, along with matching nuts, lock washers, and fender washers (about 1" OD). I found that if one's arm isn't too large, it is possible to insert arm through arm rest opening and snake it around and up to where the mirror mounting screws come through the door. There is also a convenient small hole in the inner door structure near the mirror mounting location that can be used to feed hardware to the hand that is inside the door. In preparation for the installation, I epoxied the nuts, lock washers, and fender washers together in two stacks. It was actually pretty easy to mate the hardware stacks with the mounting screws coming through the door from outside. Finally, I tightened the screws and now the mirror is secure. None of the repair is visible, as it is all underneath the mirror mounting base and gasket. Pictures below.