how to install mirror glass on driver's door

[n/a]

took the mirror glass out of the driver's door to replace the plactic bezel.

can't get it back in.

is there a trick with the spring?

what am i doing wrong?

thanks

[George Davis]

Yes, there is trick; now, can I remember it?  I think you have to put the glass into the mirror first and compress the spring.  Make sure you are pressing over where the spring contacts the back of the glass so it doesn't try to bend and break.  With the glass pushed in a bit, the bezel can then be fitted, then let the spring push the glass up against the bezel and you're done.  I think...

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[ja17]

Hello,
Yes George, this is how I do it also.

Another bit of information while we are on the subject. Many of you may notice that the reflectivity of your side mirror glass has deteriorated over the years. To resolve the problem, remove the glass and use some chemical stripper to finish removing the black coating on the back of the glass. Use a wood or plastic scraper to finish removing the coating. Repaint the back of the glass with some black spray paint. You will notice that the mirror is restored. The reflective coating is actually between the black paint and the glass and stays intact.

 When the paint is completely dry tape the back of the mirror with some masking tape or duct tape to protect it from the spring. Install as usual. Just be careful not to use a metal scraper when removing the black coating or you will ruin the reflective coating.

Or just buy a new glass from Mercedes, they're fairly inexpensive.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Douglas]

Great insight, Joe. I always just replaced the glass. (Fortunately though, I save the old pieces.)

While the mirror is out, I also like to lubricate and also tighten the joint where the head swivels.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[Bob G ✝︎]

Removal of the glass from the mirror frame: take two fingers and gentley press against the glass. This will allow you to remove the white plastic gasket to remove the glass mirror. Reinstallation is the oppossite except as you press in the glass against the spring slip in the with plastic retaining ring and slowely release the preasure from the glass mirror with you fingers. the gasket will need to be snapped into place around the mirror.

Bob Geco
1968 280SL

[joelj]

Hi Joe,

Your post was great That made me laugh

After its said and done... there is still an easier way and thats just to buy the glass.

funny

cheers,

Joel

1969 280sl auto
White exterior
Blue interior

[cascadia]

Great tip Joe, I'm going to try that technique for refinishing.  As a side note, does anyone know where to get a replacement spring?  
Bob

[ja17]

Hello Joel and Bob,

Yes Joel, sometimes it's just the fun and satifaction of fixing soemthing that was ready to go to the dump. I guess you could buy a new one and restore the original for a spare!

Bob, I do not know if these springs are available separately. I heard of people making their own from piano wire from a hardware store or hobby shop!

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[hands_aus]

Hey Joe A,

Does that principal of the mirror coating apply to the internal rear view mirror also?

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[ja17]

Hello Bob,
Unfortunately not.  The inside mirror is standard mirror glass and the process does not work.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[TheEngineer]

Here is a question: Some time ago I went to my local junk yard. They had a driver's side outside mirror. (Left hand side) I bought it because it had a convex mirror in it. It's a Mercedes mirror, I think because it has the same bluish tint as my standard mirror. I took it to my friendly Mercedes dealer and asked to buy one just like it. It doesn't exist! No part number for a convex mirror. A mystery? A few years back I installed a mirror on the passenger side and had a convex mirror made for that application. It works fine and is adequate, but I'm still puzzled by this convex Mercedes mirror. The shape is rectangular and fits the later style 280SL.