Author Topic: Removing rear view mirror  (Read 2428 times)

WRe

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Removing rear view mirror
« on: June 05, 2021, 12:35:20 »
Hi,
I am trying to remove my rearview mirror, unfortunately without success so far. All pulling, tugging and jerky tilting has not helped so far. Trying to jam something in between didn't help either. The mirror doesn't move, it seems as if welded on.
Maybe someone has a tip that might help.
I know the bracket from an old / 8, which, in contrast, could be removed almost playfully.
... WRe

Nicolas Aristodemou

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Re: Removing rear view mirror
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2021, 15:17:19 »
Try pulling down strongly and at the same time push back and sideways till it comes off, one side at a time. If still no luck try with a screw driver to make a small opening to spray some WD 40 inside the spring loaded metal balls. If you are really unlucky someone could have glued it in place with epoxy......  it will be harder to put it back though.....
Nicolas Aristodemou
Nicosia - CYPRUS
280SL Auto 1970 US spec (W113), 380SL 1982 R107, Citroen DS23 Pallas 1973, Triumph TR4 1963, Triumph Stag 1973, Mini Cooper S Mk1
1965, Jaguar 3.8 Mk2 1962, VW Beetle 1978 Karman Converible, 1987 Ferrari 328GTS

WRe

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Re: Removing rear view mirror
« Reply #2 on: June 07, 2021, 07:32:41 »
Hi,
I finally got it to remove the rearview mirror. And as you can see, the retaining spring and pin don't look bad at all and are not corroded. But the spring is very tight. The solution were thin (1mm) metal strips and flat screwdrivers, which I tapped in from all sides. A plastic wedge immediately said goodbye and broke off.
The next step is to dismantle and recondition the innards.
Thanks for your advice!
... WRe

« Last Edit: June 07, 2021, 14:07:01 by WRe »

kampala

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Re: Removing rear view mirror
« Reply #3 on: June 07, 2021, 13:15:44 »
If you are planning on taking apart the black plastic part and remove the glass --- please post how you do it.   I was going to attempt to take this apart on an old spare mirror by trying a little heat but have not tried yet.

250sl - later - manual
280sl - 1971 - Auto - LSD

Aslam

Charles 230SL

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Re: Removing rear view mirror
« Reply #4 on: June 07, 2021, 13:26:44 »
hi WRe, glad you were able to remove it and it was probably a bit nerve-wracking prying it. When I saw your initial message I thought about going out and popping my rearview mirror off and taking a photo of the spring for you - but I lost my nerve :-[

GM

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Re: Removing rear view mirror
« Reply #5 on: June 07, 2021, 14:59:51 »
I echo Kampala's request - please post the procedure for how you do it.
Thanks!
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex

WRe

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Re: Removing rear view mirror
« Reply #6 on: June 07, 2021, 20:34:56 »
Hi,
the trick that makes it easy to open the late rearview mirror is to put it in your oven for 10 minutes by 120°C.
I will describe it and put it in Technical Manual.
Attached a German Version.
...WRe

WRe

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Re: Removing rear view mirror
« Reply #7 on: June 08, 2021, 06:10:14 »
Great Gary!
... Wolfgang

WRe

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Re: Removing rear view mirror
« Reply #8 on: June 08, 2021, 07:39:47 »
Hi,
reattaching the mirror turned out to be just as difficult on the first try as dismantling it. With the help of a one hand clamp it was very easy.
Start on one side, fix it with one hand and pull up the second side with the clamp.
...WRe

WRe

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WRe

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Re: Removing rear view mirror
« Reply #10 on: June 08, 2021, 16:54:31 »
Hi,
I have completed the part in the Technical Manual with the dismounting and mounting of the rearview mirror:
https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Interior/RearviewMirror
...WRe

GM

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Re: Removing rear view mirror
« Reply #11 on: June 16, 2021, 22:17:03 »
Just some feedback for Wolfgang's (WRe) method after doing it today - very simple, it worked perfectly! As you say, "it's not rocket science!"
Thanks again!
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex