mkrueger
New Berlin, WI
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Joined: 01/08/2005
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My left side view mirror was jiggling around a lot in strong wind. I should have took a close look at it earlier, but I didn't. It ended up ripping out the side and hanging by the wire that controls the tilt and mirror heater. I tied and taped it up to get home and used a mirror in my hand when I had to switch to the left lane (not fun).
Anyway, how do I fix this? I can't put the same screws it, the holes are too big now. I tried some wood putty over night, but it didn't dry. I think it might not get enough air to ever dry enough inside the hole.
I could try drilling new holes, but it don't want the mirror displaced by too much, and I'm afraid the wood would be too weak with the holes close to the old holes.
Anchor screws perhaps? Some other method?
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ihavenoid
San Antonio Texas
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Joined: 12/19/2007
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Try filling the holes with Two part epoxy. then redrill them.
I've done that it works..
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Tinstar
McKinney, TX
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Joined: 09/13/2003
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I don't know what you're trying to install this into but you say it is wood. Just drill out the present oversize hole to a larger size. If it's a 1/4 inch hole, drill it out to a 1/2 or 5/8 inch. Take a hardwood dowel, the same size as the hole you drilled out and glue it in place with waterproof wood glue (Gorilla Glue is good). I promise it will dry. Re-drill a new hole for your mirror screws.
 Never pass up a chance to go somewhere
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itsalleasy
USA
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Joined: 07/20/2007
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There must be something more than wood they are mounted to, a piece of steel or aluminum inside the wall. Filling a hole in a thin piece of plywood or luan with glue isn't going to hold the mirror with the air pressure. You need to figure out the mount to know how to repair it properly.
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zigzagrv
Nazareth, PA
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Joined: 08/12/2004
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Either of the two methods described above will work. Loose mirrors are one more thing that should be added to your regular maintenance list.
What happened to me was the screws gradually worked their way loose allowing water to enter the screw holes, which softened/rotted the wood they were screwed into. After allowing the wood to dry, I used the dowel method mentioned above to provide new gripping for the screws. I also pumped silicone into the holes before I reattached the screws. After about 6 months, the screws have not loosened so far.
Ron
2003 Gulf Stream Ultra Supreme 33'
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mkrueger
New Berlin, WI
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>I don't know what you're trying to install this into but you say it is wood.
>There must be something more than wood they are mounted to, a piece of steel or aluminum inside the wall.
It's four (lag?) screws going into just wood (with a very thin layer of the external fiberglass over the wood). And the screws do not go very deep, because the walls are not terribly thick, so they would penetrate into the cab if much longer screws were used.
I agree, this seems like a bad design. With the wind pressures involved, you would think these things would be bolted onto a plate on the other side of the wood, but at least on mine it is not.
The ideas above sound good. I suspect I'll try the dowel method based on the comments on that one, although the "two part epoxy" method "sounds" like it could be easier.
I wonder how common this problem is.
Thanks everyone for all the replies!
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robatthelake
Vancouver Island
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Joined: 08/24/2003
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Use JB Weld. But First investigate a better method of attaching that Mirror! You haven't said what Your Vehicle is , which would help Us here on the Forum.
Anyway Mirrors are a Safety Item and Must be properly Mounted. You may have a Case against the Manufacturer!
Rob & Jean 90 Southwind John Deere/Oshkosh/Freightliner Class A Ford 460/ Toad 92 Tracker 2 wd 5sp Convert Still running Great!
" Everything in it"Still" Works"
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mkrueger
New Berlin, WI
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>You haven't said what Your Vehicle is , which would help Us here on the Forum.
Sorry I forgot: Class-A gas motorhome - Forest River Windsong (340S).
I could be very wrong, but I suspect many mirrors (all?) are attached in this same way on class A's?
I'm not sure I could mount it better, except maybe with something obtrusive on the inside of the cab like a plate or board for the screws (or bolts in this case) to attach too.
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