Rear View Mirror

[blanchardkeith]

I was recently told that to remove the rear view mirror that you just pull on it an it pops off. I don't want to break anything.....Anyone done this?
Keith

[mbouse]

yes, and no.

the stock rear view mirror has a snap on mount at the wind shield frame. it will, with gentle persuasion, pop right off. the bracket beneath is screwed to the wind shield frame.

replacement mirrors generally replace the entire assembly and directly screw to the wind shield frame.


i wish i knew before i bought a replacement mirror that some of our catalogue parts suppliers furnish a mirror replacement kit, where the foggy glass is replaced with new...keeping the original frame assembly intact.

[sjmst]

On the Alfa BB, they have this write up for cleaning the mirrors. Those mirrors are the same as Fiat’s IIRC.

“First, the entire mirror assembly - stalk and all - just pops out of its base above the windshield. Just give it a tug and a twist. Then, the black plastic band around the glass comes off with a little bit of wiggling and prising. Once it is off, you will come to the clear glass protective cover for the mirror. Just take it off and go wash it up. Most of the fogginess will be on it. Beneath the clear glass is the mirror itself. Give the mirror a shot of Windex and a little rub. Take note of the springs inside the mirror, which operate the day/night feature. I recall that they can pop out; but they are easy to put back together.

Now, put the clean clear glass back over the mirror and secure it with the black plastic band. Make sure the plastic band snaps firmly back into place. Go stick the whole assembly back into its base.“

[ga.spyder]

I did what Sam suggested with my Spider.Mine went from completely opaque to crystal clear after cleaning.The sad part is I drove it for 6 months before I realized you could disassemble and clean!!
Craig

[mdrburchette]

Does this work on the early mirrors? It seems mine are all metal with a metal band that's crimped on. It sure would be nice to see the car I just passed in my rearview mirror.

[kristoj]

I did what Sam suggested with my Spider.Mine went from completely opaque to crystal clear after cleaning.The sad part is I drove it for 6 months before I realized you could disassemble and clean!!
Craig

I did the same thing, only I ordered the replacement mirror first. As I was taking it apart to change the mirror, I discovered that all that was needed was a good cleaning of the clear glass. I was able to return the kit I purchased and it looks good as new.

[mbouse]

you guys are gonna make me dig thru my box of spares to see if i actually kept my stock mirror.

[manoa matt]

What year is that metal mirror, my 78 is all metal. It has two dimples on top and two on the bottom of the retaining frame, you have to lift the frame off so the dimple clears its corresponding recessed point.

If you can just take the glass out and leave the mirror assembly on the windshield. Sometimes if you pull the mirror assembly off the mounting nub on the windshield frame the springs in the mirror bracket won't hold as securely to the nub and the mirror constantly vibrates.

[manoa matt]

The all metal ones are made and look better than the plastic ones, besides they have black crinkle paint!

[mdrburchette]

The all metal ones are made and look better than the plastic ones, besides they have black crinkle paint!

You hear that Mike? Go black crinkle paint!
I'll have to try disassembling and cleaning the glass on mine.

[mbouse]

yes black crackle is the way to go.

[So Cal Mark]

Mike, make sure you only paint the part of the mirror that faces the windshield otherwise it will look like night all of the time

[mbouse]

dang too late!

wondered who turned out the lights...

[mdrburchette]

That's okay Mike. It's probably best to leave you in the dark.

[mbouse]

Hey, now Denise! I resemble that remark.