More aerodynamic door mirrors?

Post by **Jill** » 22 Aug 2006, 20:09

Hi All,

I find when I'm driving above 50 that my mirrors slip. They seem to be the standard mirrors for my '84 bus, but It's a pain in the butt having to constantly realign them whilst driving.

Is there a more streamlined design that wouldn't look totally stupid and will fit the existing holes in the vehicle, please?

I'm not terrifically mechanically minded and am only 18 months from my bus pass, so any clues please, (in words of one syllable too!)

Cheers, Jill

Post by **Don-Tucker** » 22 Aug 2006, 20:16

Hi Jill
If they are the same as mine you can take them off,only 2 screws,and you will see a 10mm nut that can be tightened to adjust the tension and hold them steady.
Don

Post by **Jill** » 22 Aug 2006, 20:21

Hi,

They seem to be a ball and socket adjustment, one has definitely got to be changed as the socket is splitting, and the other one just moves in high winds or over 50.

Its the type of mirror that looks like a tv screen on it's side.

Cheers, Jill

Post by **Don-Tucker** » 22 Aug 2006, 21:12

Give it a try Jill,they sound like the same as mine.You will be pleasantly surprised.Unless they are rusted.I bought a new one from GSF £18 but saw them at Volksfest at £12.50.
Don

Post by **Jill** » 22 Aug 2006, 23:13

Ok, Don, I will try it, hope it works.

Cheers, Jill

Post by **HarryMann** » 22 Aug 2006, 23:28

But if they are old or a non VW copy, you can either split the plastic or shear the silly-sized hexagon bolt or even tighten them and they still slip.
basically its marginal design at those component sizes.

Some do some don't. Degrease the ball and socket...

The full fix is to cut-off and drill the whole hex bar out, right through the plastic in-line with the moulded-in bolt and replace with one size up. Araldite it's shank and head in place (maybe counterbore plastic for a socket-cap head style bolt or leave the bolthead proud if appearance doesn't matter), then plug the hole with filler, plastic bung or dowelling and re-paint..

that's the full fix...

or fit Syncro 16 or LT mirrors

Post by **Don-Tucker** » 23 Aug 2006, 06:50

The lady said "keep it simple" Harry.
Don

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 23 Aug 2006, 09:01

I use my mirrors to help keep my speed down. Goodness knows how fast I'd go if I removed them!

To be honest I had the same problem but a new pair made a big difference. Only other option is a custom aerodynamic pair really but not much suits a T25 - it likes its 'ears'.

Post by **Jill** » 23 Aug 2006, 11:29

Thanks, Harry, Don, Cov Kid,

I think it would be best to replace them, it's a bummer having to keep holding the driver's side one so I can see what's up on motorways!

Might see what JK have, they are local to me, just want ones which stay where they are put!

Cheers, Jill

Post by **Jill** » 23 Aug 2006, 11:46

Having just looked at the mirrors in the Wiki, Mine are not the Synchro style, they are just a single fixing tp the door with 2 screws. This attachment goes to the ball and socket joint and the mirror swivels on that.

I think I may try for Synchros or LTs.

My Bus is my daily drive and I can't afford to customise and bring it back to new, especially as it is a strange home convertion. Lots wrong as I am now discovering, but may just have to live with the problems. Would love to do it, but age, lack of expertise and cashflow don't permit.

Cheers, Jill

Post by **HarryMann** » 23 Aug 2006, 11:57

Syncro or LT ones are expensive Jill... and require extra fitting holes above the window. But really give a superb view, being much larger like truck mirris

Maybe just try tightening that nut under the spring inside it up a bit, I was just saying, don't go mad because the rod or plastic can break... you'll need a No.3 posidrive (large) screwdriver to get the wing mirror off. Then a 10mm spanner

Unfortunately, keeping it simple rarely conveys enough information to avoid repeat posts Don

Post by **Don-Tucker** » 23 Aug 2006, 12:25

It was Jill who said she needed something simple to do,not the discription.I felt I had given enough info.
Cheers Don

Post by **HarryMann** » 23 Aug 2006, 12:51

Ok point taken

I went down the buying new JK ones route as well, and they did just the same thing, even after tightening up - but at 10mph more. But some real old manky ones on another T25 are never any trouble.

Post by **Don-Tucker** » 23 Aug 2006, 13:02

You are right Harry,I broke my old one trying to adjust it,it was so stiff.The new one is still a bit loose evan after tightening,but I've got a bit to go yet.
Don

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 23 Aug 2006, 13:07

Lets face it, the mirrors are crap:)

Its a case of tighten - nope still flaps

Tighten a bit more - not bad

Tighten a bit more - oh poo!

Heh heh heh....