Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2019 00:23:15 +0000
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Floppy Vanagon Mirrors
In-Reply-To: <1F7FADE9-D2CD-41C5-9D90-ACE5C7339C3B@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Well, I can comment on one issue, Vanagon Floppy Mirrors. I see this discussed all the time on Facebook VOG; and also some YouTube advice. Even GoWesty.
The "essential" problem with Vanagon Floppy Mirrors: the threaded stud pulls out of the cast ball. Once this happens, no amount of attempted tightening will fix. You've got to prevent the threaded stud from pulling out of the cast ball. How to do? Very simple: Pin it. Yes, I had the same problem; I drilled a 1/8" cross-hole more or less down centerline, it just has to intersect both the stud and the ball, more or less, doesn't have to be perfect. Yes, drill through the black ABS plastic, into the ball, into the stud, out of the ball, out of the black ABS plastic. I then inserted a 1/8" diameter x 1.125 length S/S dowel pin into the hole (I also used a little 5 minute epoxy on the dowel pin just for the fun of it). Others, like Dave Bierl, have suggested using a roll-pin. Both methods will work; and also, the diameter of the pin can vary, but 1/8" allows for a sturdy drill bit during the drilling operation. A drill press like I had, or at least some of fixture method during this drilling operation will be extremely helpful.
I did this 12 or 15 years ago....Zero problems. And with this fix, you actually want to "lubricate" the ball a little as opposed to adding sandpaper or rubber washers. This is to ensure easy and smooth adjustment. The dowel pin will prevent stud from dislocating from ball....and you can happily tighten to your desired tightness.
Also....the repair is hardly even noticeable. If you were super worried about cosmetics, a light touch of Bondo and a touch of paint on the flush ends of the solid dowel pin make it invisible (I've never done this, no need...and I'm a stickler for cosmetics).
All those Truck Mirrors and such....yes, they add square inches of visibility I suppose....but the root cause of Vanagon Floppy Mirrors was a design goof, the steel stud pulling out of the cast ball (I think it might be zinc or pot-metal of some kind).
Try it!!! Worst case is some effort on floppy mirrors you were going to trash anyhow!
Rich
San Diego
On Monday, August 12, 2019, 4:22:55 PM PDT, KIM BRENNAN <kimbrennan@MAC.COM> wrote:
My 91 non-GL went into the shop a couple of weeks ago. Simply stopped running (while I was driving). Turned over, but wouldn’t start. Needed Virginia Safety Inspection too (I knew it would fail that for a separate reason).
Towed to shop. Mechanic found crusty coroded wires going to the fuel pump. Fixed that, started right up…then smoke came out the front (burning smell). To make a short story long…
Fresh air fan was replaced (I knew this was going to be necessary, because Virginia Inspection requires your defroster to work). Heater control valve was replaced (was leaking). Headlight replaced (I have a SA grill, so round DOT headlights). Side marker assembly (plastic housing and electrical portions) replaced. One of the rear tag light assemblies (lens, housing and electrical portions) replaced (I had just done the other one, which had broken when I was in Florida in July.) Lower control arm replaced.
I had just recently (after the Florida trip) replaced both side view mirrors, since Amtrak had broken one. Ah, the floppy mirror syndrome is back…
All ready to go again for the next round of abuse (towing my ATV from Northern Virginia back to the Potomac Highlands of WV.)
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