Zapp Brannigan
Part of things
She's built like a steakhouse but she handles like a bistro!
Posts: 423
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Apr 14, 2007 18:40:26 GMT
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Hi guys,
Gonna be fitting some 'Tex' door mirrors to the Austin tomorrow and just wanted to know if you guys have any tips for doing it? It seems pretty simple, just drilling two holes in the door and screwing in the base, but things that seem simple can often be much more complicated in practice and if it goes wrong I could end up with two large holes in the door....
Cheers guys!
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jdmini
Part of things
Posts: 585
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Apr 14, 2007 18:46:55 GMT
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do you have plastic bases?
they're terrible things....don't screw too hard because they just shatter.
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Apr 14, 2007 18:47:24 GMT
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Fit the passenger side one first, then match its position for the drivers side  |
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Zapp Brannigan
Part of things
She's built like a steakhouse but she handles like a bistro!
Posts: 423
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Apr 14, 2007 19:43:40 GMT
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It has a thin plastic base...not using the large plastic plinth supplied as it's not necesary.
Why fit the passenger side first?....Whats the reason?
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Apr 14, 2007 19:50:03 GMT
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cover the area you intend drilling with a layer or two of masking tape and/or centre punch the hole positions before you start drilling making sure that if you need access inside the door you can actually reach it ;D i speak from my own mistakes in fitting two chrome bullet mirrors (well one if the truth be known- i made such a hash of the drivers side i gave up)(which might be why deucecoupe suggested fitting the passenger one first so you have to carry on and fit the drivers one also)
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Zapp Brannigan
Part of things
She's built like a steakhouse but she handles like a bistro!
Posts: 423
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Apr 15, 2007 11:49:34 GMT
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Duh! I've just realized why you fit the passenger mirror first...'cos thats the one that's virtually impossible to use if it's not in exactly the right position! The drivers side is much easier to adjust, therefore you match the drivers side to the passenger side! Sorry if I was being a little slow!
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Apr 15, 2007 12:03:50 GMT
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Measure twice, drill once Make sure you can see it clearly by test-fitting it (get someone to hold it) and sitting in the car, so that it's not obscured by window trim and the like. Put some thick masking or duct tape on, measure the points you want to drill and mark them, then centrepunch them very gently with a nail and a hammer (as not to distort the panel too much)  Then drill the holes, using a hand drill and appropriate bit. Remove the tape.  Fit the base of the mirror and screw it in making sure it's well secured.  Stand back and admire!   Don't press hard with the drill either, just enough to locate it on the centre mark of the hole otherwise you could damage the panel or paint, especially if it slips. |
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Apr 15, 2007 12:20:35 GMT
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I would also put a bit of black silicon unber the base, I presume you'll be leaving them on for a while and the last thing you need is to have to repair any rust that starts forming because of a slight gap between the bodywork and the base that allows moisture in to the screw-holes.
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Skyline: 1963 - 1973 - 1983
Sunny: 1982
450SLC: 1973
Navara: 1992
Gloria: 1992
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Apr 15, 2007 12:30:23 GMT
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Oh yea, forgot to mention that - I used the bathroom clear sealant stuff, did the job and no ill signs after 2 years |
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