Side Mirror Repair???

[Eagle]

A long time ago -- might have been when was using the old format, or might even have been on the old XJ Forum -- someone posted a description of how to repair XJ side mirrors that have had the mirror head come loose from the adjuster mechanism. I'm facing that situation with both mirrors on a Laredo I'm refurbishing for a friend, and before I break something trying to fix it, I'd like to have some idea what I'm getting into.

Does anyone remember who posted this? Are you here? Does anyone have a link to the write-up?

TIA

Eagle

 

[Matthew Currie]

I don't remember who wrote this up, but have a general recollection of what was involved. The first thing is to get the glass off intact, because the screws that hold it all together are behind it. I think XJGuy said that the way to do this is with heat, to soften the adhesive. I once tried just to pry the glass off of one of these, and the adhesive is definitely strong.

Inside the mechanism is a little cross-shaped gimbal made of aluminum or some other pot metal, which is what fails. The original poster, I believe, had brazed together a new gimbal out of 1/8 inch rod or something similar.

I'm going to be away from home for the most part of the next week and a half, but after that, if you get the mirror open, email me (yeah, I know, you already did....I'll reply to that too eventually) and I might be able to fabricate something. I have at least one of those mirrors, dead, from which to work.

 

[JimC]

I asked about the same problem last month. Didn't get much response, but someone said to use a heat gun - something like a hair dryer won't get nearly hot enough to soften the glue.

 

[2xtreme]

I remember the same discussion and recommendation when I was reparing mine some time ago now. I used a heat gun to remove the glass and you have to be very carefull to make sure that it comes off easily, DO NOT PRY it will break the mirror. Once it is all apart it is reasonably easy to see the problems with the gimble mechanism and it might be repairable or some of the wires might have come disconnected, either way you should be able to see after it is all apart what is wrong and what/how to fix it from there.

I believe the original post included braising something also.

Michael

 

[Steelerfan]

I had problems with mine and instead of trying to fix them or buy new replacements for them I removed them. Then I took a piece of metal and cut it to fit were the mirror was mounted and painted iot to match my XJ. Then I bought a set of swing away mirrors from a pick apart and mounted them on my door.
Just an option if you happen to be cheap like me.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I replaced both mirrors some years ago, when I first bought the XJ. The previous owner had sprayed expandable foam behind the mirror glass to hold them in position. Actually this worked pretty good, but it left the mirrors in a fixed position rather than being adjustable.

That's an option if the mirrors aren't repairable, and working ones are not obtainable.

 

[Matthew Currie]

Another option if you can find at a junkyard, is to replace the mirrors with the non-remote version used in Commanches. They fit the same hole.

 

[Eagle]

Another option if you can find at a junkyard, is to replace the mirrors with the non-remote version used in Commanches. They fit the same hole.

The prissy junkyards around here won't sell a mirror off a door unless the door is trashed. They want to be able to sell the door complete with accessories!

I sure envy the lads in PA and RI with all those u-pull yards close to hand. (Sigh)

 

[CheapXJ]

If you need a driver's side mirror... I've got one, and can have it to ya on the 2nd

you still want that AX5, clutch and such?