I've got Loose Balls!.....(rear view mirror)

[-Greg72]

So I bought a reproduction inside rearview mirror for my 'Burb.

Even though it's a '72, I went with the '69-'70 style so that I could bolt it to the windshield frame instead of messing around with the glue that never seems to hold.

The mirror looks great, but every time I drive the mirror slips out of adjustment and tilts down. At first, I thought it was the upper ball socket (the one you can adjust tension on inside the mirror mount), but it's actually the one inside the mirror head itself. As far as I know it's not adjustable for tension.....or is it?

Is there a way to take apart the mirror somehow to tighten this up, or should I just try some kind of loctite to try to clog up the ball socket and make it hold it's position better????


-G

[lolife99]

I'd like to know also. I have the exact same problem with my repop mirror.

[69GMCLonghorn]

Why not return it and tell them to send you on that's not a piece of...

[-Greg72]

Originally Posted by 69GMCLonghorn

Why not return it and tell them to send you on that's not a piece of...

The unit overall is nice. No spots all over the mirror like my old one....

Just need a way to tighten up that lower "ball". I suppose I could come up with some sort of set-screw retrofit if needed, but I was hoping someone here had a clever BTDT solution...


-G

[lolife99]

Mine came from Classic Parts. I may have to give them a call.

[LOW DOUGH]

Not trying to highjack... but do you have pics of your burb?

Oh, and I would also like to know the answer to this.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 69GMCLonghorn

Why not return it and tell them to send you on that's not a piece of...

What 69GMCLonghorn suggests is definitely an option and if enough people did that they might get the message and fix the problem.

A solution I have used on a couple of old mirrors was to use a small, sharp (read pinpoint) center punch and punch a couple of places on the ball to tighten it up in the socket. You have to rotate the mirror to punch it so that the dimples will be inside the socket when the mirror is installed and adjusted. Don't get carried away with the punch, just do a couple of small ones and try it. It doesn't take much. You can always get more aggressive if the first time doesn't do it..... If you can't get it situated right to get it punched try having someone hold it while you punch it.

LockDoc

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Mine came from Classic Parts. I may have to give them a call.

Throw your in the Blazer this weekend...

[unclewatts]

Funny... I bought a repop mirror from Classic Parts and the ball in the mirror is just fine but the joint with the setscrew seems to loosen up all the time no matter how hard I tighten the setscrew. Oh well, I guess we all have our problems.

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

What 69GMCLonghorn suggests is definitely an option and if enough people did that they might get the message and fix the problem.

A solution I have used on a couple of old mirrors was to use a small, sharp (read pinpoint) center punch and punch a couple of places on the ball to tighten it up in the socket. You have to rotate the mirror to punch it so that the dimples will be inside the socket when the mirror is installed and adjusted. Don't get carried away with the punch, just do a couple of small ones and try it. It doesn't take much. You can always get more aggressive if the first time doesn't do it..... If you can't get it situated right to get it punched try having someone hold it while you punch it.

LockDoc

Very good answer...that should work

[oldcarfart]

Originally Posted by -Greg72

So I bought a reproduction inside rearview mirror for my 'Burb.

Even though it's a '72, I went with the '69-'70 style so that I could bolt it to the windshield frame instead of messing around with the glue that never seems to hold.

The mirror looks great, but every time I drive the mirror slips out of adjustment and tilts down. At first, I thought it was the upper ball socket (the one you can adjust tension on inside the mirror mount), but it's actually the one inside the mirror head itself. As far as I know it's not adjustable for tension.....or is it?

Is there a way to take apart the mirror somehow to tighten this up, or should I just try some kind of loctite to try to clog up the ball socket and make it hold it's position better???


-G

I would try some green (wicking) loctite.

[-sean-]

Originally Posted by oldcarfart

I would try some green (wicking) loctite.

anyone try this?

I just received my mirror from Classic Parts and it is very loose... to the point that shutting the door to hard will cause it to move in the ball joint.

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by oldcarfart

I would try some green (wicking) loctite.

I tryed that on my balls....the wifey said it tightened them up a tad, but the girlfreind still says they are loose ass hell crazyL

[70cst]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

What 69GMCLonghorn suggests is definitely an option and if enough people did that they might get the message and fix the problem. LockDoc

100%

[sleepertruck72]

Maybe you should show it some kegel exercises Just kidding

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by sleepertruck72

Maybe you should show it some kegel exercises Just kidding

Well, we all new that it ....would go a tad crooked, I dont think the kegel exrecices will help my balls tho(the locktite seemed to work) CrazyL, 54 yrs old , but goin on 18

[-sean-]

I would definitely be returning the mirror if it were bought locally but after paying for the return shipping cost it's not worth it to me. At this point a remedy to get the mirror just a little tighter is the best option. BTW, the mirror looks great and correct, just loose.

[lolife99]

I purchased another repop mirror recently,... hoping the first one I got was a bad one.
Nope.
This one is just as loose.
Really s#cks.
I'm looking for answers also.

[Stocker]

Mine were once loose also.... no longer an issue, the wife now keeps them safe in a jar.

Dunno where she hides the jar, though......

[indianbullet]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

What 69GMCLonghorn suggests is definitely an option and if enough people did that they might get the message and fix the problem.

A solution I have used on a couple of old mirrors was to use a small, sharp (read pinpoint) center punch and punch a couple of places on the ball to tighten it up in the socket. You have to rotate the mirror to punch it so that the dimples will be inside the socket when the mirror is installed and adjusted. Don't get carried away with the punch, just do a couple of small ones and try it. It doesn't take much. You can always get more aggressive if the first time doesn't do it..... If you can't get it situated right to get it punched try having someone hold it while you punch it.

LockDoc

I did this several years ago on my 72 nova and wifes 68 camaro and works well. I used a automatic center punch, swiveled the mirror beyond its normal area and punched the ball in like 3 spots and it snugged it right up. Its just kinda like putting a bit of knurl on it..

[Tim Christian]

If you will remove the screw from the mirror head they are a little triangle pc. made out of spring steel were the screw would go through the mirror You can replace this only and the the mirror head will tighten up.

[lil hoodlum]

I hate to be the redneck, but I too bought an aftermarket mirror, I wedged a couple of tooth picks in mine to get the mirror tighter. I hated the drooping and sagging as well. Mine still shakes some when I'm going 70 down the highway but at least I can see out of it.

Keith

[Tim Christian]

Here is the part http://www.classicparts.com/1960-71-...ctinfo/57-411/

[-sean-]

Originally Posted by Tim Christian

Here is the part http://www.classicparts.com/1960-71-...ctinfo/57-411/

I was wondering what that thing was for! I'm not exactly sure how it goes in but I'm going to order one with my next order and give it a try.

[-sean-]

Update: I contacted Classic Parts to return my mirror. It was useless and I'm not into fixing new parts. Anyway, they were great to deal with. They shipped me another mirror that they pulled off the shelf and tested before shipping... while I was on the phone with them. They are also sending a return label for the old one (and the new one too if there is an issue).
Great customer service and hopefully it works out, I did purchase the mirror because I need one and they look very nice.