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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: rramjet on June 22, 2013, 01:56:47 PM

Title: Removing screws from Sport mirror mount
Post by: rramjet on June 22, 2013, 01:56:47 PM
The RH mirror on my 73 is missing the glass. I have a remote RH mirror to replace it with. I can't figure out how the two mount screws are held on. They just turn without loosening. I can feel that there is a sleeve of some sort over the backside of the screws and I can hold the sleeve with my fingers but the screw will just turn in it.

What's the trick?

Thanks
Title: Re: Removing screws from Sport mirror mount
Post by: OhSix9 on June 22, 2013, 02:35:48 PM
I'll assume you mean the ones that mount it to the door skin, yes they have inserts and yes they universally sieze to the phillips head screws that hold the mirrors on. upside is yours spin instead of just stripping the heads on the screws.  the best solution is the same however.  find a nice drill bit and drill the heads of the screws and with a die grinder remove the inserts. you can get them at any nut and bolt supply place and some creativity with a long bolt washer and a nut will let you crush them without the special tool
Title: Re: Removing screws from Sport mirror mount
Post by: Fred Morgan on June 22, 2013, 04:03:22 PM
I have WD-40 let it sit then use pliers on inside to hold. In aircraft they call these riv-nuts they come in numerous sizes. They sell at my local hardware. You can install without the tools I have. Get 2" bolt instal nut then plain washer, screw into riv-nut until it shows through other end, now place in door while holding bolt head screw down nut to rivet tighten until it swells behind door and is locked in metal. Now remove bolt and your ready for mirror install.   Fred   :)
Title: Re: Removing screws from Sport mirror mount
Post by: rramjet on June 22, 2013, 10:22:09 PM
Wow thanks.

I had thought they might be Rivnuts that had broken but wasn't sure, especially since both screws acted exactly the same.

I had also suspected I might have to drill out the screw heads to get them out but was hoping I didn't.
Title: Re: Removing screws from Sport mirror mount
Post by: rramjet on June 23, 2013, 07:23:37 PM
Got the mirror off, installed new glass put it all back together and I'm back in business. As was suggested I grabbed the screw from inside with needle nose vice grips then drilled the screw heads off. After that I ground the old rivnuts away. I cheated and used automotive nylon inserts instead of rivnuts. They tightened up nicely. Time will tell if they last.

I really use my mirrors when I drive so it's nice to have the RH one back.

Thanks for all the help.