Difference between revisions of "Fix floppy mirror"

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I have fixed 3 sets of floppy mirrors
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I have fixed 3 sets of floppy mirrors in the past month. In all 3 cases the shaft, on which the adjuster tries to snug up the mirror adjustment, was RUSTED in place, and that's WHY the mirrors can't be adjusted and why they flop like Dumbo's ears. I did the following:  
in the past month. In all 3 cases the shaft, on which the adjuster tries to snug up the mirror
 
adjustment, was RUSTED in place, and that's WHY the mirrors can't be adjusted and why they flop
 
like Dumbo's ears. I did the following:
 
  
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<br>
  
# remove mirrors.
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#remove mirrors.  
# unscrew the bottom nut, remove the washers, & the spring.
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#unscrew the bottom nut, remove the washers, &amp; the spring.  
# soak the adjustment parts in penetrating oil for a few days.
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#soak the adjustment parts in penetrating oil for a few days.  
# use a rubber hammer to BEAT the bottom of the swivel off the shaft (maybe cleaning up the shaft with corse sandpaper will help).
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#use a rubber hammer to BEAT the bottom of the swivel off the shaft (maybe cleaning up the shaft with corse sandpaper will help).  
# use sandpaper to clean-up the shaft and sliding part.
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#use sandpaper to clean-up the shaft and sliding part.  
# IMPORTANT: lubricate the assembly prior to re-assembly (I used Krown.com anti-rust oil)
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#IMPORTANT: lubricate the assembly prior to re-assembly (I used Krown.com anti-rust oil)  
# maybe re-paint the mirrors to match your van :-)
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#maybe re-paint the mirrors to match your van&nbsp;:-)  
# re-assemble, re-tighten, re-mount the mirrors.
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#re-assemble, re-tighten, re-mount the mirrors.
  
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<br>As I said, I've done this will 3 sets in the past month and I offered a set to my mechanic FREE just for the parts swap. He nearly fell over in shock of a customer making this offer TO him.
  
As I said, I've done this will 3 sets in the past month and I offered a set to my mechanic FREE
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<br>I can post photos if anyone desires. I will also offer to sell a set re-vitalized of mirrors to anyone who is willing to sent their Dumbo mirrors to me in return.  
just for the parts swap.  He nearly fell over in shock of a customer making this offer TO him.
 
  
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<br>I do believe it was Chris Turner who suggested this mirror 'fix'. If it was not Chris, then my appologies to the correct author.
  
I can post photos if anyone desires.  I will also offer to sell a set re-vitalized of mirrors to
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Malcolm (Halifax, NS)
anyone who is willing to sent their Dumbo mirrors to me in return.
 
  
 +
<br>
  
I do believe it was Chris Turner who suggested this mirror 'fix'. If it was not Chris, then my
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Originally posted to the vanagon list: [http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0611A&L=vanagon&P=R4385]
appologies to the correct author.
 
  
Malcolm (Halifax, NS)
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[[Category:Remove and Replace]]
 
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[[Category:Workarounds]]
 
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[[Category:Repairs]]
 
 
Originally posted to the vanagon list: [http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0611A&L=vanagon&P=R4385]
 

Revision as of 00:35, 3 June 2010

I have fixed 3 sets of floppy mirrors in the past month. In all 3 cases the shaft, on which the adjuster tries to snug up the mirror adjustment, was RUSTED in place, and that's WHY the mirrors can't be adjusted and why they flop like Dumbo's ears. I did the following:


  1. remove mirrors.
  2. unscrew the bottom nut, remove the washers, & the spring.
  3. soak the adjustment parts in penetrating oil for a few days.
  4. use a rubber hammer to BEAT the bottom of the swivel off the shaft (maybe cleaning up the shaft with corse sandpaper will help).
  5. use sandpaper to clean-up the shaft and sliding part.
  6. IMPORTANT: lubricate the assembly prior to re-assembly (I used Krown.com anti-rust oil)
  7. maybe re-paint the mirrors to match your van :-)
  8. re-assemble, re-tighten, re-mount the mirrors.


As I said, I've done this will 3 sets in the past month and I offered a set to my mechanic FREE just for the parts swap. He nearly fell over in shock of a customer making this offer TO him.


I can post photos if anyone desires. I will also offer to sell a set re-vitalized of mirrors to anyone who is willing to sent their Dumbo mirrors to me in return.


I do believe it was Chris Turner who suggested this mirror 'fix'. If it was not Chris, then my appologies to the correct author.

Malcolm (Halifax, NS)


Originally posted to the vanagon list: [1]