Date:         Thu, 2 Nov 2006 14:18:25 -0800
Reply-To:     Malcolm Stebbins <mwstebbins@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Malcolm Stebbins <mwstebbins@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Mirrors Floppy Fix
Comments: To: Stephen DeMocko <SDeMocko@FDSMFG.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <A2F96EB7AEDA4D49B2528EB7C04976B710D4F3@svrsbs3fds.FDS.local>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

--- Stephen DeMocko <SDeMocko@FDSMFG.COM> wrote:
> My passenger side mirror is starting to exhibit the same problem.  I
> think your idea about using an o-ring is a good one.  I think I will try
> that instead. Stephen DeMocko

Folks: why put on a band-aid when the mirrors can be fixed!  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)



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