Refreshing a drivers mirror

[240dkw]

While digging through my pile of parts, I found that I did not have a good outside mirror. So I decided to try and see if I could bring one of the damaged mirrors back to life. I picked one that had a major crease on the backside and a couple of small dents. Using a hammer and a blunt chisel I was able to open up the outer fold that holds the mirror in place enough to get the mirror apart. After some hammer and dolly work, a file to knock down the high spots it started to look OK. Some sanding, a bunch of power buffing and polishing and it looks good. Slowly folding the lip back over the mirror with a body hammer and it is ready to use.

[240260280z]

Looks great! I am just about to attack a mirror so I am grateful for your excellent post.

btw, How did you get the stem so smooth after all that chalky corrosion in the first picture?

[ajmcforester]

Blue I wondered the same thing, my original one to the car is good but the base is pitted, the only thing is to get the base off I got to remove the mirror. I might try this on the spare.

[240dkw]

With this, it was not as pitted as the photo looks.

Dan

[240260280z]

I have the same kit from P.A.

[240260280z]

Dan, now that I am remembering this, questions:

 

Is the metal that holds the mirror chromed or stainless?

 

Any special tool for hammering back the lip while the mirror is in place?

[240dkw]

I am sure it is stainless, I just used a very blunt chisel about a inch wide and when around the edge slowly unfolding a bit at a time. I seem to remember it taking a few trips around the edge. You should have a easier time if the glass is already broken. 

[siteunseen]

That looks great 240dkw, thank you.

My problem is the one mounted onto the car.  If I'm successful getting the good mirror out without breaking it I'll most likely have to remove the door card to get the good housing off so I can work with it without damaging my car.  99 problems...

[240dkw]

Siteuneen: FYI the second photo shows the parts, the mirror is not glued in, there is  a rubber backing pad and they just float in the body held by the rolled edge. The metal is quite mailable just take your time.