How to tighten top part of sport outside mirror?

[Evans Ward]

For the factory door mounted mirrors, the top rounded part (body color) of mine has loosened up and needs tightening. I'm sure the door panel will need to come off and I'd guess that one could access an adjustment screw in the mirror base to tighten this up? Could someone detail the procedure including steps in removal of door panel. Any special tools needed? In my case, it is driver's side. Thanks!

Evans Ward
Macon, GA
87 Turbo-T
70 GS455

 

[MeanBuicks]

Yep. The door panel's got to go.

The fasteners that hold the two mirror components together are accessed through the mirror base so you're going to have to remove the mirror from the door.

Start by grabbing a phillips-head screwdriver. Pop off the two pull handle end-caps. Remove the screws & handle. Remove the screws holding the armrest on. Remove the door lock pull. If you have roll-up windows, you'll need to remove the crank, of course. (A special tool works best for removing the retaining clip on those.)

It's best to have something broad to pry the plastic panel retainers away from the door. There is a special tool for this but not really necessary. (You'll more than likely wind up with some bad retainers upon removal. Auto stores like Napa carry them though.)

Remove the lower door panel, then the upper. If I recall correctly, the mirror is held on with 10mm nuts.

Hope that helps.

 

[Evans Ward]

Thanks Greg! You're always there to help out!

Evans Ward
Macon, GA
87 Turbo-T
70 GS455

 

[John Larkin]

Greg is right. However, you can do it by only removing the upper panel. It might save you a few broken clips. A 6" extension on the 10mm socket is basically required. Once you lower the window, it's a straight shot to the bolts.

 

[Evans Ward]

John,

Thanks for the tips- did the repair yesterday and was a breeze. With window down, all could be easily accessed. Only top part of door panel also needs to come off as you said. You were correct on the length socket extension needed and confirmation of 10mm socket to loosen mirror. Once there, all that was needed was a TORX bit screwdriver to tighten the two screws within the base that sturdy the top part of mirror. For those doing this procedure, make sure that you reroute your remote mirror cable line to door edge in channels keeping in away from glass as not to bind. I was careful with my panel and all my retainers still work very well. Road test yields that I have a sturdy, wobble free DS door mirror! Thanks!

Evans Ward
Macon, GA
87 Turbo-T
70 GS455

 

[whitehot1]

If you have roll-up windows, you'll need to remove the crank, of course. (A special tool works best for removing the retaining clip on those.)

I had to remove my window crank handle to remove the upper door panel and i made a tool to remove that retaining clip on the crank handle.

I took a coat hanger and broke off the upper hooked section with a pair of pliers,that piece is about 4 1/2'' long once you straighten it out and then bend one end of it into an ''L'' about 3/8'' long,this made an easy tool to remove that clip. All that needs to be done is push in on the door panel around the window crank handle so that you can see where the clip is then use the tool to reach in and hook it under the clip and give it a little pull it will come off and drop on the floor and the handle is free to remove.

This is just to let any of you that may need to remove the window crank handle an alternative to looking for / buying a special tool to do the job.

John :smile: