I used a air powered cutoff toll to cut kerfs, about a 1/16th of an inch
apart,all the way around on top of the bottom and the top balls----

I also added another washer to the stud, so when you crank that nut down
it'll pull tight----

No more slipping mirrors---

I run through the car wash once a week, and the mirrors don't move----

Later,

Terry

E-mail message

All the while being careful not to overtighten...
As a general rule of thumb, clean, clean, clean. Make it CLEAN first. I
would think a light coating of oil might not be bad for the metal..
Also, I like the idea someone on the list had about using a cutter to
score lines in the ball-socket surface(s), giving you a surface with
friction.
Brad
Aaron Reams wrote:
(Unless there's something to adjust from the underside of the mount,
which
seems very >unlikely.)
Quite the contrary, you need to take the mirror off and tighten the bolt
underneath of the bracket.
Aaron
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Rohrer [mailto:jim_rohrer@YAHOO.COM]
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2002 5:19 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Side mirrors blow in
I just bought an 86 GL camper a few weeks ago and when I hit around 65
mph (yes, top speed downhill) or drive into a headwind the side mirrors
fold in, on both the drivers and the passengers side. Not good. There
doesn't seem to be any kind of tightness adjustment or locknut to hold
the mirror in position on the ball joint between the mount and the
mirror. Just the ball and gasket, right? (Unless there's something to
adjust from the underside of the mount, which seems very unlikely.)
I'm thinking I may just need to replace the gaskets, so am wondering if
this is a common maintenance task for the age of Vanagon. Also, right
before I purchased it the previous owner had the exterior detailed. I'm
thinking the gasket may have received an ArmorAll treatment that has
lubricated what ain't supposed to be slippery. Maybe a mild soap
solution will take care of it. I'm going to give that a shot tonight
without even removing the mounts. If that doesn't solve it, it doesn't
look to be much work to just yank 'em off and see what I can see, but
any input from experience would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim
1986 GL Camper