Date:         Thu, 4 May 2006 08:46:19 -0500
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Mirror glass for fiberglass mirrors
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joe trussell wrote:

> I bought some power mirrors off of an '87 and both mirrors have that
> discoloration on the edges.
>
> The mechanic who sold them to me said that it happens because of
> leaving the
> heating element on in the mirrors over extended periods...The heat causes
> the adhesive on the back of the mirrors to bleed into the front part.
>
> I realize that this in no way helps fix it, but it sounds plausible as
> the
> cause of the discoloration!
>
> Joe T.
> Denver
> '85 Wolfsburg Westfalia Subie 2.2
>
This does not sound very plausible to me, since I never use the heating
element and the creeping crud has been attacking the edge of the drivers
side mirror on my "91 for the last 6 or 8 years.  I think that water and
road salt, etc. attack and corrode the edge, separating the silver or
aluminum coating from the glass..
  A few months ago, I finally got around to applying some glue around
the edge in attempt to halt its progress.

Larry A.