Rearview Mirror shaft removal (plastic mirror type)

[RobSirg]

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

[hkollan]

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

[Bob G ✝︎]

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