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That old mirror problem

Posted: 03 Nov 2015, 23:10
by colinthefox
I may have stumbled upon a solution to the "Repacement-Mirror-folding-in-at-speed" problem.

Bought a new mirror last year. It folded in at 50mph.
Didn't have an OEM spring, so..........
Tightened it up. It folded in at 51mph.
Roughed up its balls. It folded in at 60mph.
Put a rubber washer in the joint. That cured it until I'd adjusted it a few times. Then it folded in at 50mph.
Put sand in the joint. OK for a while, then folded in at random speeds.
What I needed was something VERY tacky. I scraped some larch resin off the timber cladding of my barn, and smeared it on the ball. It has not moved a mm since, even at 70mph with additional truck blast. It is still adjustable.

I know everyone has their own favourite solution, but I hope this helps someone.

Re: That old mirror problem

Posted: 04 Nov 2015, 00:03
by CovKid
Better than larks vomit. :D

Re: That old mirror problem

Posted: 04 Nov 2015, 08:25
by ghost123uk
colinthefox wrote: I scraped some larch resin off the timber cladding of my barn, and smeared it on the ball. It has not moved a mm since, even at 70mph with additional truck blast. It is still adjustable.
:lol: 8) :lol: 8) - Not something we all have easy access to though, unless you start selling it on Ebay :ok

Re: That old mirror problem

Posted: 04 Nov 2015, 10:23
by CovKid
They already do. Its a herbal 'remedy'.

No idea what effect it might have on plastics but to be honest, providing contact area is roughened and the spring is good quality under adjusting nut, it won't move.

Re: That old mirror problem

Posted: 04 Nov 2015, 10:23
by Oldiebut goodie
Easily available - used on violin, cello strings and the like.

Re: That old mirror problem

Posted: 04 Nov 2015, 20:35
by colinthefox
Christmas is coming. There will be enough on the cut stem of most real Christmas trees to do the job.

Or on the garden fence.

Re: That old mirror problem

Posted: 04 Nov 2015, 20:50
by itchyfeet
my guess is it will soon dry out and turn hard, then mirrors will be flappy.

I found an oem mirror as I stupidly threw away my original broken mirror.