Date:         Tue, 21 May 2002 17:19:05 -0700
Reply-To:     Jim Rohrer <jim_rohrer@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Rohrer <jim_rohrer@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Side mirrors blow in
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

I just bought an 86 GL camper a few weeks ago and when I hit around 65 mph (yes, top speed downhill) or drive into a headwind the side mirrors fold in, on both the drivers and the passengers side.  Not good.  There doesn't seem to be any kind of tightness adjustment or locknut to hold the mirror in position on the ball joint between the mount and the mirror.  Just the ball and gasket, right?  (Unless there's something to adjust from the underside of the mount, which seems very unlikely.)

I'm thinking I may just need to replace the gaskets, so am wondering if this is a common maintenance task for the age of Vanagon.  Also, right before I purchased it the previous owner had the exterior detailed.  I'm thinking the gasket may have received an ArmorAll treatment that has lubricated what ain't supposed to be slippery.  Maybe a mild soap solution will take care of it.  I'm going to give that a shot tonight without even removing the mounts.  If that doesn't solve it, it doesn't look to be much work to just yank 'em off and see what I can see, but any input from experience would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim
1986 GL Camper