Author Topic: Rearview Mirror shaft removal (plastic mirror type)  (Read 3509 times)

RobSirg

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Rearview Mirror shaft removal (plastic mirror type)
« on: October 06, 2014, 12:13:47 »
Hi Guys,

I have the late model type plastic base and chrome shaft rear view mirror (the all chrome looks better but I am determined to stay with original).

The chrome shaft is badly pitted and I wish to remove it from the mirror body to have it re-chromed. I read on an old post you can heat the plastic gently and pull the shaft out the back. Whilst I like the simplicity of this I am concerned about (a) the difficult in reinstalling it and (b) creating sloppiness in the joint which might give me an annoying vibrating rear view mirror (like my Alfa).

I guess there is another way to pull these apart? (couldn't find it in the tech manual).

Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks

Rob
1969 280SL Auto RHD 906G,  H'top 387H, Parchm't
1970 280SL Man. RHD Dark Red 542G, Bamboo MB Tex
1962 E Type Jag BRG with Tan
1974 White Alfa Spider 2000
2023 Range Rover
1982 280TE (my daily)
1967 Alfa Spider ("Duetto") Red
1977 Yellow 911 Targa
1991 Nissan Figaro
1959 190SL Black
1970 300SEL 3.5

hkollan

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Re: Rearview Mirror shaft removal (plastic mirror type)
« Reply #1 on: October 06, 2014, 13:16:46 »
Hi,

I have used this  method several times to separate the chrome shaft and plastic mirror base, and also for reinstalling the shaft.
A fine balance between heat and force is required.  Can't imagine that there are many more ways to do this without using any special tools.
I used a heat gun, probably safer to use hot water. Haven't tried that though.

Hans
« Last Edit: October 06, 2014, 14:04:24 by hkollan »
Hans K, Cuenca, Spain
1968 280 SL 387 Blue met., parchment leather
1971 280 SL 462 Beige met, Brown leather
1968 280 SL 180 Silver, Red leather
1964 300 SE Lang 040 Black w/Red leather
1985 500 SL 735 Astral Silver w/Black leather
1987 560 SEC 199 Black met., Black leather

Bob G ✝︎

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Re: Rearview Mirror shaft removal (plastic mirror type)
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2014, 18:52:34 »
Plastic mirror parts-in a 280SL mine are all metal including the Screw to adjust the tightness. the only part that is some what placit and I  stock
 is the out side piece that holds the mirror  into th frame .
Bob Geco