Interior Mirror Re-chroming

[Mr Prem]

I need to separate the black interior mirror case from the chrome mounting arm so that i can have the arm re-chromed. 1971 280sl.
Is it possible and if so what is the correct procedure?

Thanks.

[rwmastel]

Mr Prem,

The forum search feature works very well.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=8649
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=13718
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=21269

[Mr Prem]

Hi Rodd
Thank you very much.

Prem

[Paul99]

Yep, the great thing about it is that its spring loaded so in the case of an accident it doesn't go through your head, it should snap off.   Unlike the Ford thunderbird we had (1955) which has an interior mirror which would have imbedded itself in your forehead with an accident as you slid forward because it only had lap seat belts as well.  Must have been great fun in those days! . 

[jKrashnburn]

Thinking I'd like to change my 280SL mirror for the much more attractive (albeit more dangerous) 230sl chrome version. Perhaps someone can weigh in on the complexity of this conversion?

[mdsalemi]

Thinking I'd like to change my 280SL mirror for the much more attractive (albeit more dangerous) 230sl chrome version. Perhaps someone can weigh in on the complexity of this conversion?

Hello John,

There's no complexity at all!  You snap off the present mirror, and replace with your new. Yank on the base, it's a spring loaded mounting.

My car's original mirror, black plastic with satin chrome mount, was in a box of parts that my uncle kept. That was the one delivered on the car. However, in a junkyard run many decades ago, my uncle (the prior owner) must have spied a nice chrome mirror from earlier production, snapped it off and replaced it for exactly the same reason you have provided.

So, if you can find a nice chrome one and it suits your fancy, go for it!

[jKrashnburn]

Your input is always much appreciated. Thanks!

[rwmastel]

... (albeit more dangerous) 230sl chrome version.

Dangerous why?

[mdsalemi]

Dangerous why?

For the precise reasons why the feds mandated (At least I think so!) that it be changed…the mirror-bright chrome provides ample opportunity for glare and reflection in the right light conditions. By switching to a satin chrome base and black plastic shell, reflection and glare possibilities eliminated not only for you, but for other drivers on the road.

Of course, there’s the cost factor as well. The black plastic is considerably less costly than chrome plated brass. Just looking at the year the Pagoda was introduced, and when it was ended, the use of chrome in the industry really diminished. So maybe it has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with design evolution?