'Sport Mirror' question... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HwyStarJoe · 02-27-2022, 03:19 PM

Hey all... I think I know the answer already...

Are the 'sport mirror' arms adjustable at all up or down? Do they rotate in the base? I'd like to raise mine a bit. That is if I can ever get them off. I've broken three #3 bits on the screws already. 53 years has them not wanting to come out even though they're not rusted, and have been lubed like crazy.

Thanks

**pjmoreland** · 02-27-2022, 07:00 PM

The tubular arm is welded to the base, so it would take some fabrication work to adjust them higher. If you've got the small round mirrors on them, another option might be to go with the larger rectangular mirrors.

https://www.classicparts.com/mobile/...ctinfo/58-204/

HwyStarJoe · 02-27-2022, 07:16 PM

Figures they're permanent. I've got the 5x7's... I just want to raise them a tad.
If I could get them off the door I have no problem zinging the spot welds and rewelding them.
Oh well... on to something else.

**HO455** · 02-28-2022, 02:17 PM

Permanent is relative. The passenger side of mine was loose and after removing it I found that there were only 2 small tack welds securing the base to the arm and they were both broken. I cleaned the welds up with a Dremel and re-tacked the 2 pieces how I wanted them.
I can't guarantee all of them have only two small tack welds but it it's worth a look to see. Then some careful grinding, realignment, and some new welds should get you what you want.

HwyStarJoe · 02-28-2022, 07:23 PM

I still can't get them off the doors. Dissimilar metals between the screws and the nuts inside the door are giving me hell.
I tried forcing the arms without breaking anything and they're welded up tighter than a battleships hull.
Just gonna have to live with it.

custom10nut · 03-01-2022, 02:06 AM

Have you tried a 1/4 inch drive, battery powered impact wrench?
Spray it with your favorite penetrating oil, from the back side, then hit it with the Impact
Set it on the low torque setting to just kinda hammer it out.
I’m really kinda surprised your breaking tips and bout stripping out the screw.

**Accelo** · 03-01-2022, 02:21 AM

custom10nut has given good advice. Be sure to use the larger Philips head in your gun. Too small a bit will break off quickly.

If all else fails drill off the heads of the screws. The mirror backing plate will fall to the bottom of the door. Then you can use a grinder to clean off the remnants of the screw head and vise grips to back them out. Use the vise grips on the long rusty threaded end. Only 1/4" of bolt to back through the nut that way. Only draw back is you will need new screws. A little grease on the threads will keep the rust out.

Same technique can be used on the lower inner door panel screws.

71gmcC15 · 03-02-2022, 02:41 PM

Fun fact I noticed about the mirrors. Bases. Thare the same left and right. Even the arm. They just rotated the arm around for each side. Gm and thare lazy buts.

**lolife99** · 03-02-2022, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71gmcC15

Fun fact I noticed about the mirrors. Bases. Thare the same left and right. Even the arm. They just rotated the arm around for each side. Gm and thare lazy buts.

I believe the passenger side arm is slightly longer than the drivers side.

**LockDoc** · 03-02-2022, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

I believe the passenger side arm is slightly longer than the drivers side.

This is true. It is to get past the wing window bar.

LockDoc

71gmcC15 · 03-03-2022, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

I believe the passenger side arm is slightly longer than the drivers side.

Looks like I'm getting the tape measure out.

02-27-2022, 03:19 PM	#1
HwyStarJoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: NY Posts: 41	'Sport Mirror' question... Hey all... I think I know the answer already... Are the 'sport mirror' arms adjustable at all up or down? Do they rotate in the base? I'd like to raise mine a bit. That is if I can ever get them off. I've broken three #3 bits on the screws already. 53 years has them not wanting to come out even though they're not rusted, and have been lubed like crazy. Thanks Attached Images

02-27-2022, 07:00 PM	#2
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,008	Re: 'Sport Mirror' question... The tubular arm is welded to the base, so it would take some fabrication work to adjust them higher. If you've got the small round mirrors on them, another option might be to go with the larger rectangular mirrors. https://www.classicparts.com/mobile/...ctinfo/58-204/

02-28-2022, 02:17 PM	#4
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,393	Re: 'Sport Mirror' question... Permanent is relative. The passenger side of mine was loose and after removing it I found that there were only 2 small tack welds securing the base to the arm and they were both broken. I cleaned the welds up with a Dremel and re-tacked the 2 pieces how I wanted them. I can't guarantee all of them have only two small tack welds but it it's worth a look to see. Then some careful grinding, realignment, and some new welds should get you what you want. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

02-28-2022, 07:23 PM	#5
HwyStarJoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: NY Posts: 41	Re: 'Sport Mirror' question... I still can't get them off the doors. Dissimilar metals between the screws and the nuts inside the door are giving me hell. I tried forcing the arms without breaking anything and they're welded up tighter than a battleships hull. Just gonna have to live with it.

03-01-2022, 02:06 AM	#6
custom10nut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: East Tn (In the heart of the Smoky Mtns) Posts: 1,891	Re: 'Sport Mirror' question... Have you tried a 1/4 inch drive, battery powered impact wrench? Spray it with your favorite penetrating oil, from the back side, then hit it with the Impact Set it on the low torque setting to just kinda hammer it out. I’m really kinda surprised your breaking tips and bout stripping out the screw.

02-27-2022, 07:16 PM	#3
HwyStarJoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: NY Posts: 41	Re: 'Sport Mirror' question... Figures they're permanent. I've got the 5x7's... I just want to raise them a tad. If I could get them off the door I have no problem zinging the spot welds and rewelding them. Oh well... on to something else.

03-01-2022, 02:21 AM	#7
Accelo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,300	Re: 'Sport Mirror' question... custom10nut has given good advice. Be sure to use the larger Philips head in your gun. Too small a bit will break off quickly. If all else fails drill off the heads of the screws. The mirror backing plate will fall to the bottom of the door. Then you can use a grinder to clean off the remnants of the screw head and vise grips to back them out. Use the vise grips on the long rusty threaded end. Only 1/4" of bolt to back through the nut that way. Only draw back is you will need new screws. A little grease on the threads will keep the rust out. Same technique can be used on the lower inner door panel screws.

03-02-2022, 02:41 PM	#8
71gmcC15 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Doland SD Posts: 836	Re: 'Sport Mirror' question... Fun fact I noticed about the mirrors. Bases. Thare the same left and right. Even the arm. They just rotated the arm around for each side. Gm and thare lazy buts. __________________ ( second times the charm) 71 gmc c15 307 sbc 373 rear gears positrac sm 465 trans. ( not listed on spid but is original ) 94 chevy k1500 350 tbi 373 rear gears 4l60e one wheel peel. Gutless 07 gmc sierra classic rcsb 4.3 lt 5 speed w/t 04 chevy Silverado 1500 ext cab 5.3 4l60e. 81 chevy Scottsdale k10 muncie sm465 Np208 10 bolt 8.2 ( Old Green)



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