| Author | Message | ||
     Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) New Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2003 |
I recently purchased a 96 Disco, and the former owner told me the rear-view mirror had "popped" and didn't work anymore; I went down to Autozone, and got a replacement and stuck it on with molding tape for the 6 hour drive home. ... ordered a manual mirror from Atlantic British, once it arrived I realized it was a $70.00 POS that didn't fit the post for the auto-dimming mirror; thought about finding an auto-dimming one from a junker, but then saw the former owner had cut the wires that lead to the mirror; decided I could do something less expensive. Enter JC Whitney -- ordered a mirror from them, they didn't send it, but did charge my card, I cancelled the order, the mirror shows up on my doorstep, it's the wrong size. Customer service doesn't respond (according to their records, they still haven't shipped me anything). So ... head down to WalMart of all places, find a nice looking 10" replacement mirror, take a dremel to the post for the auto mirror and grind it flat to give a good surface to mount to. Now: I can't find a way to attach my new mirror to the old metal on the windscreen!!! The stuff they sell to attach mirrors just pulled right off, even though I followed the directions explicitly. I'm now trying contact cement to bond the two metal pieces, but have my doubts. Is this something JB Weld would fix? Should I just give up and mount my new mirror just to the right of the old post? This is frustrating, and I'm convinced there must be a readily available material to bond metal to metal (and doesn't have to be above 60 degrees) Thanks for the help!!! | ||
| Will Cupp (W_cupp) Member Username: W_cupp Post Number: 209 Registered: 07-2003 |
duct tape. JB weld might work, but you will have to hold it for a long time. Just fix it right the first time with an oem replacement from Rovers North. | ||
| Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) New Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2003 |
Will, Thanks for the reply, but the OEM replacement is $300!!! That's simply not worth it for something that notoriously breaks anyways. Also, the former owner cut the wires way back in the headliner, and I've since ground the mounting plate flat. These conditions preclude an OEM replacement ... this is an issue that all vehicles can face, I'm hoping someone can share some insight from previous experience. ... what about the possibility of me fabbing up something to fit over the stock tab that a replacement could attach to? | ||
| Will Cupp (W_cupp) Member Username: W_cupp Post Number: 213 Registered: 07-2003 |
Fab a plate and screw it to the head liner. You might try and find a fast dry epoxy. I use a glue at work that would hold it, but it is not avalible "over the counter" and is pretty pricey. | ||
| Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) New Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2003 |
Wish I had access to your epoxy! ... I'm thinking there's gotta be a 2-part epoxy from the hardware store that will work. Has anyone ever removed the factory mounting plate? One of the guys I work with just told me he had to remove his, and all it took was 5 seconds with a cigarette lighter and a light tap from a screwdriver, and it popped right off. If that's the case, I could always just use the stuff to mount to glass. Any ideas? Thanks! | ||
| Bill Bettridge (Billb) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Billb Post Number: 1299 Registered: 02-2002 |
Alan - check previous threads - you can get the original replaced for FREE from the manufacturer, Donnelley. Bill | ||
| Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) New Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2003 |
Since I have removed the tab that the auto-dimming mirror attaches to, and the wires were severely removed by the previous owner, I don't think that a free replacement will do me much good. Besides, I prefer a manual mirror, and really do want to go this route. ... never could get my auto-dimming one on my Volvo to work to my satisfaction; given the general destruction that can happen when that thing loses fluid onto the dash, I really don't want the Donnelley part anyways. Thanks for the idea though -- if I'd known that a month ago, I may not have removed the tab. | ||
| Will Cupp (W_cupp) Member Username: W_cupp Post Number: 217 Registered: 07-2003 |
Bill, could you fill me in on the free replacement mirror. My 99 D1 has a problem. The mirror looks foggy and the auto dimmer does not work. | ||
| Victor Biro (Vabiro) Member Username: Vabiro Post Number: 54 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hi, I found the thread in the archive. Apparently, when the the mirror screws up like yours you can get it replaced for FREE by the manufacturer. Here's the thread: ../17/26781.html> and the URL for the manufacturer is: http://www.donnelly.com/contactus.asp Victor | ||
| Bill Bettridge (Billb) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Billb Post Number: 1302 Registered: 02-2002 |
Alan - too bad New mirrors are NOT fluid filled - works on a different technology apparently. Personally, mine works quite well and I'd miss it alot. Bill | ||
| Alan E. Foster (Vt_alan) New Member Username: Vt_alan Post Number: 13 Registered: 11-2003 |
Doubt I could have done it anyways, since the former owner kept or discarded the original, so I couldn't have sent in a core. Oh well ... when I find a good solution I'll try to post info and pics in case someone else ever wants a manual mirror. BTW, the Rover manual mirror is of poor construction, and will not fit the tab for the auto mirror, so a generic replacement is best if you do decide to go manual. |
