I have left a 69 driver side mirror soaking in lacquer thinner for several days and it doesn't appear to have loosened it one bit. But here's the rub, the mirror I am trying to repair is one of those Taiwanese repops. I'm beginning to wonder if the repop is glued in with something far more resistant or impervious to lacquer thinner. Anybody ever tried the "Restorer" technique on a repop? I'm referring to the article in v35, #1 Summer 2008 pg 32. Any suggestions? The original mirror I still happen to have in a box is severely pitted and was replaced several years ago.
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Re: Mirror droop per Restorer
I don't know what the article your referring to said, but I've read to soak it in gasoline.
They're supposed to be held in with silicone, the gasoline will break it down.'72 Top Flight Coupe -
Re: Mirror droop per Restorer
I wrote an article about this, but it was a lot farther back than 2008. I was dealing with an OEM mirror. THAT mirror would not yield to gasoline -- I tried it for a week. It took two days in lacquer thinner.
I have no idea what the reproduction mirrors are held in with. You will have to experiment.
Please remember that both of the fluids we just talked about are flammable. Be sure to use them in a well-ventilated area and away from any ignition source. Outside away from buildings is best.TerryComment
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Re: Mirror droop per Restorer
After reading Terry's post I thought of another fluid you might want to test.
3M adhesive remover.
Also flammable....like Terry pointed out.'72 Top Flight CoupeComment
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Re: Mirror droop per Restorer
Al, a bit off topic but... do you have a part number for thew 3M adhesive remover? What type of store would be best to find it at..aouto parts or autobody? Thanks!Comment
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Re: Mirror droop per Restorer
08984 3M DaleComment
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Re: Mirror droop per Restorer
You'll typically find the weatherstrip adhesive remover at auto paint supply stores and many of the larger/full-line auto parts stores carry it as well. Ask the counterman at the desk...Comment
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Re: Mirror droop per Restorer
How dangerous is this to paint? Any nightmares i should know about?Comment
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Re: Mirror droop per Restorer
Dangerous to paint!!!! That's EXACTLY why 3M formulated the stuff. It's intended to dissolve weatherstrip adhesive and weatherstripping is typically glued directly to the painted surface(s) of vehicles...Comment
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Re: Mirror droop per Restorer
Will a plastic sheet or something else protect the paint? I'm removing the adhesive for the hood seal on the radiator support and don't want to have an accident as I reach over the fender.Comment
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Re: Mirror droop per Restorer
Well to report back, I was unable to dissolve the glue, apparently some sort of modern synthetic. I resorted to removing the mirror by "mechanical means" i.e. I broke it. Not like it was dated glass or anything. I merely cut a new mirror to replace it.
I didn't think to take pictures, but the repop mirror was constructed differently inside than the original. The retainer socket thingy was already secured by screws (not peened), but between it and the ball was a nylon washer or bushing that had split, thus releasing the tension that held the mirror position. Miraculously, I was able to find a suitable nylon spacer in the fasteners isle at Lowes Home Improvement Center. A little sanding on the spacer to reduce it to the correct thickness and I had a replacement. Reassembled with a new piece of mirror glass cut to shape.Comment
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