Westie Electric Wing Mirror Problem

[roj62]

Hi

The wife came in to tell me that the LHD Drivers side wing mirror was just flapping around. I went out to look at it and it was spinning in the housing and the bottom cover that goes under where the mounting bracket sits was missing - I can see the wiring inside and what looks like a washer and a plastic grommet round the cable - the whole mirror seems to be able to lift right out the housing bracket but the cable stops it coming all the way out.

Dunno whether the bracket has fallen off or someone was trying to nick it so couple of questions.

1. How can I get the mirror to fix back into place?
2. Can you get these bottom covers anywhere?

[Titus A Duxass]

Has the "nut" simply come on done?
The "nut" is not a hexagon, it looks like a large thick washer with two cut-outs for a peg spanner.
Or has the mirror pivot broken (which is the weak spot)?
If the pivot has broken you will see a piece of cast ally on the cable loom.

Pictures would be helpful here.

[roj62]

I had another look this morning.

Theres a plastic washer round the cables then in front of that is a large washer like thing with two grooves on one side and threaded on the inside. does look like its the thing you mention. any idea where to get a tool to get this back on or is there something you can rig up? it looks like an absolute pig to re-attach.

[Titus A Duxass]

You can get it back on with a pair of long nose pliers but it's an a*** of a job because you have work against the spring.
I got our machinist to knock me a tool up.

[Aidan]

cover is nla not even from classic parts
if someone is trying to nick them put a nylock on the inside where the bolt comes through the rivnut and they won't be able to undo it, may just trash your mirror instead though out of frustration

[Titus A Duxass]

..put a nylock on the inside where the bolt comes through the rivnut ...

Done that.
Great minds....

[roj62]

You can get it back on with a pair of long nose pliers but it's an a*** of a job because you have work against the spring.
I got our machinist to knock me a tool up.

i've had several goes with this - even knocked up a tool by hacksawing an old bike spanner so it would fit in the grooves. I can see the spring and the thread but no matter how hard i try to push it up and turn it just wont catch on the thread. It's driving me bonkers!

I'm hating having to drive the van with gaffer tape holding the mirror in place - sure to loose it altogether as I cant fold it in and some knob in a white van will whack it

[Titus A Duxass]

I told you it was an a*** of a job.
Make a peg spanner out of an old socket or box spanner.
You can do it with a hacksaw and a file.