Author Topic: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow  (Read 1866 times)

wayne R

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Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« on: September 20, 2020, 14:31:23 »
Every time i drove my Pagoda,since i have owned it,has  really annoyed me, because not being clear ,
and dirty like marks on inside, so thinking i would have to replace the actual mirrow inside because of age,
i was wrong.
When i stripped it,was just old grimy dirt and dusty marks,reason it has a cavity in side between the front glass,
and mirrow,so just required a good clean inside.
It also had the build date stamped on inside,just readable,---June 1965, the 65 not very clear.
Anybody wanting help ,with this small resto,let me know.

Jordan

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Re: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« Reply #1 on: September 25, 2020, 11:18:37 »
Nice job.  It's always very satisfying fixing something AND it not having cost anything but some time.  ;D
Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed

Pawel66

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Re: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2020, 21:20:46 »
Great you posted. This mirror comes as one piece as spare part. I am sure a lot of us have a need to clean or replace the glass piece.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

RobSirg

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Re: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« Reply #3 on: October 06, 2020, 10:25:08 »
Has anyone replaced the aged mirror (just mirror glass) in their rear view mirror?

I couldn't find the actual mirror glass for sale with our usual suppliers. SLS have it listed but no stock.

I see there are links on the net about re-slivering it yourself, etc, not sure I would try.

Rob
1969 280SL Auto RHD 906G,  H'top 387H, Parchm't
1970 280SL Man. RHD Dark Red 542G, Bamboo MB Tex
1962 E Type Jag BRG with Tan
1974 White Alfa Spider 2000
2023 Range Rover
1982 280TE (my daily)
1967 Alfa Spider ("Duetto") Red
1977 Yellow 911 Targa
1991 Nissan Figaro
1959 190SL Black
1970 300SEL 3.5

Pawel66

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Re: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« Reply #4 on: October 06, 2020, 11:10:56 »
I would try local glass shop.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

wayne R

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Re: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« Reply #5 on: October 06, 2020, 13:14:20 »
Yes ,  thats why i posted this, i should have mentioned, my intension was that
i thought i was going to have to replace the mirrow,as i have done this alot over the years with
different  makes,but with my Pagoda the mirrow is fine and clear after cleaning.
As Pawel says you can go to your local glass shop,and they will cut a mirrow for you,alot dont have that thickness ,they are very thin.
but what you would have to do is to remove the old  metal spring clip carefully from the old mirrow and Araldite the clip
to the  back in the exact position  as the old one.
The other thing you may have to do, that i did not,is remove the front glass  and reseal it around the front chrome surround,
reason, the old cream colour seal the factory used gets old and starts to fall coming loose and thats what makes the mirrow
get dirty.
Warning-be very careful when removing and refitting your mirrow from its base, take your time,they are expensive to replace if you break it or drop it.
I can give anybody a few tips on removal and refitting if required.  regards .
« Last Edit: October 06, 2020, 13:30:17 by wayne R »

RobSirg

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Re: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« Reply #6 on: October 07, 2020, 03:00:30 »
Thanks Pawel - straight after I posted that I did think that it might be easier to just get one cut via a local glazier.

Thanks Wayne - Sounds a little complicated, so I would indeed welcome some tips if I attempt it.

I remember pulling apart my Alfa mirror and it was near impossible to get it all back together and working perfectly (they also have an in-built interior light). I eventually got it back but lost the dimmer function  :(

Feel free to shoot me some tips or leave a number so I can call you to discuss it.

Cheers

Rob
1969 280SL Auto RHD 906G,  H'top 387H, Parchm't
1970 280SL Man. RHD Dark Red 542G, Bamboo MB Tex
1962 E Type Jag BRG with Tan
1974 White Alfa Spider 2000
2023 Range Rover
1982 280TE (my daily)
1967 Alfa Spider ("Duetto") Red
1977 Yellow 911 Targa
1991 Nissan Figaro
1959 190SL Black
1970 300SEL 3.5

yves

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Re: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« Reply #7 on: October 07, 2020, 09:27:50 »
+ 1  ;)
Happy owner of a 69 blue 280SL ,  63 FHC  osb E-type , 55 FHC XK 140 to be restored...

wayne R

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Re: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« Reply #8 on: October 07, 2020, 11:48:58 »
Thanks Pawel - straight after I posted that I did think that it might be easier to just get one cut via a local glazier.

Thanks Wayne - Sounds a little complicated, so I would indeed welcome some tips if I attempt it.

I remember pulling apart my Alfa mirror and it was near impossible to get it all back together and working perfectly (they also have an in-built interior light). I eventually got it back but lost the dimmer function  :(

Feel free to shoot me some tips or leave a number so I can call you to discuss it.
Cheers,   Rob no problem, you are correct Alfa mirrows are worse than our Pagoda to work with.Pagoda one is fairly  easy ,
Here is a couple of photos ,of when reataching the mirrow back on to its base,have to be careful as dont want to break windscreen .
I thought about small rubber hammer ,but no no--as the spring on the mirrow arm base is very strong,i found useing my good American made Chanel lock 12inch pliers and  a small piece of old leather i carry in my tool kit, a small piece of  pine wood you place on top of
windscreen frame chrome in the rebate,its safe there and no wear near the windscreen, then just squeeze  gently and it will pop on.
Removing is easy just use small 3 to4 inch flat screw driver at one end to start, then right next to it use a slightly bigger 8 to 10 inch flat srewdriver it will pop down, but get someone to hold mirrow while doing this ,it as its quite heavy.
Just send me a PM if want info or help, or ill leave my ph number, regards, Wayne.
« Last Edit: October 16, 2020, 10:54:06 by Peter van Es »

RobSirg

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Re: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« Reply #9 on: October 07, 2020, 12:58:44 »
Thanks Wayne,

That's a handy technique there. I managed to pop mine out and punch it back in the past (when I polished the stem).

I should have mentioned this is for my 280SL with the plastic base. I was digging around some old posts on theforum just now.

I have read that they (plastic base 280SL type) cant be pulled apart to replace mirror glass.

Then I read that someone suggests you can by heating up the base (Eg: Hot water), slide the glass to one side and use a plastic lever to pry it out.

I found on ebay (Germany) someone selling replacement glass for a 280SL Mirror (reasonable price). I also saw that someone on the UK eBay is selling a refurbished 280SL mirror (high price) which would again suggest that it is possible to replace the mirror glass on the 280SL version.

I wish I had an old one to practice on. Might have to take some brave pills and give it a try!

Regards,
1969 280SL Auto RHD 906G,  H'top 387H, Parchm't
1970 280SL Man. RHD Dark Red 542G, Bamboo MB Tex
1962 E Type Jag BRG with Tan
1974 White Alfa Spider 2000
2023 Range Rover
1982 280TE (my daily)
1967 Alfa Spider ("Duetto") Red
1977 Yellow 911 Targa
1991 Nissan Figaro
1959 190SL Black
1970 300SEL 3.5

wayne R

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Re: Bad to see through ,interior mirrow
« Reply #10 on: October 16, 2020, 03:00:10 »
-- Hi Denny  this  photo may help, regards .