tripod mirror mounting - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**va72longhorn** · 02-21-2012, 12:27 PM

Has anyone used a threaded insert on the doors to attach the mirrors? I remember seeing some type of fastener that expanded the first time that you tightened it down, leaving the threads actually in the door. Im hoping that maybe someone has used these or has had experience (bad or good) using them in this application.
I need to get away from using a nut or threaded backing plate behind the door. My problem being that Im using the swing out camper style mirrors, however, I need to be able to pull them off if Im trailering (enclosed trailer) or long term storing it. I'd use a rubber or thin silicon washer (or spacer) between the mirror and the door itself to take care of the "rubbing paint" as well as the void created by the shoulder on the insert. I remember, years ago that I had a problem with just using a nut and bolt on this type of mirror, as it vibrated so bad that you couldnt see out of it. Quarter inch backing plates took care of that issue.

**va72longhorn** · 02-21-2012, 07:12 PM

ttt for the evening crew

ray_mcavoy · 02-21-2012, 07:37 PM

Hi va72longhorn,

I believe they're called "jack nuts".

GM used them to attach the mirrors on many of the 73-87 trucks. And they even had the outer flange covered in a rubber type material to protect the paint.

I don't know if you can still get the rubber coated ones from a GM dealer or not, but the plain all metal ones are commonly available.

**john** · 02-21-2012, 07:55 PM

Heres a nut-sert type. I dont know how much flex you would have on a mirror with out a plate on the inside of the door. (vibration) You can also buy some that use a pop rivet type tool to install.

http://www.enfasco.com/frame4.htm

farmall · 02-21-2012, 11:58 PM

I was thinking about this today as I was tightening up the drivers mirror on a 2000 F650. I am going with the same swingouts when I restore some spare doors for my 8' wide flatbed and want to go this route for mounting Hdw.

**FirstOwner69** · 02-22-2012, 12:07 AM

I removed some mirrors from a late 70s van that had these and they were rubber or vinyl coated. GM originals I believe. The coating not only protects your paint, but also seals the water out. Have the dealer look for some in the parts pages for a 78 or 79 van. They changed to the later style mirrors around 1980. I ended getting some from a body shop, also coated. The link above is an accurate depiction. They are the only way to go. Be sure they are not metric unless that's what you want. The screws/bolts that were used on that van also appear to be stainless. You may want to order some of those also.

02-21-2012, 12:27 PM	#1
va72longhorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Culpeper, VA Posts: 434	tripod mirror mounting Has anyone used a threaded insert on the doors to attach the mirrors? I remember seeing some type of fastener that expanded the first time that you tightened it down, leaving the threads actually in the door. Im hoping that maybe someone has used these or has had experience (bad or good) using them in this application. I need to get away from using a nut or threaded backing plate behind the door. My problem being that Im using the swing out camper style mirrors, however, I need to be able to pull them off if Im trailering (enclosed trailer) or long term storing it. I'd use a rubber or thin silicon washer (or spacer) between the mirror and the door itself to take care of the "rubbing paint" as well as the void created by the shoulder on the insert. I remember, years ago that I had a problem with just using a nut and bolt on this type of mirror, as it vibrated so bad that you couldnt see out of it. Quarter inch backing plates took care of that issue.

02-21-2012, 07:12 PM	#2
va72longhorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Culpeper, VA Posts: 434	Re: tripod mirror mounting ttt for the evening crew

02-21-2012, 07:37 PM	#3
ray_mcavoy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sherman, ME Posts: 2,360	Re: tripod mirror mounting Hi va72longhorn, I believe they're called "jack nuts". GM used them to attach the mirrors on many of the 73-87 trucks. And they even had the outer flange covered in a rubber type material to protect the paint. I don't know if you can still get the rubber coated ones from a GM dealer or not, but the plain all metal ones are commonly available.

02-21-2012, 07:55 PM	#4
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Re: tripod mirror mounting Heres a nut-sert type. I dont know how much flex you would have on a mirror with out a plate on the inside of the door. (vibration) You can also buy some that use a pop rivet type tool to install. http://www.enfasco.com/frame4.htm __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

02-21-2012, 11:58 PM	#5
farmall Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Central OR Posts: 721	Re: tripod mirror mounting I was thinking about this today as I was tightening up the drivers mirror on a 2000 F650. I am going with the same swingouts when I restore some spare doors for my 8' wide flatbed and want to go this route for mounting Hdw. __________________ 1955 GMC 250 8 Flatbed 1971 C30 157" 350 4spd 10' Flatbed 81 GMC K30 CnC 9' Flatbed 454 T400 89 GMC Jimmy Stock https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810958 71 LT1 Convertible, 72 Coupe 69 CJ5, 75 CJ6, 67 M715, 72 M35A2 Bobbed, 95 XLC2

02-22-2012, 12:07 AM	#6
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,846	Re: tripod mirror mounting I removed some mirrors from a late 70s van that had these and they were rubber or vinyl coated. GM originals I believe. The coating not only protects your paint, but also seals the water out. Have the dealer look for some in the parts pages for a 78 or 79 van. They changed to the later style mirrors around 1980. I ended getting some from a body shop, also coated. The link above is an accurate depiction. They are the only way to go. Be sure they are not metric unless that's what you want. The screws/bolts that were used on that van also appear to be stainless. You may want to order some of those also.



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