1 After trying numerous times to adjust the passenger side mirror to assist in backing into our driveway, I found that it couldn't be moved. After removing the plate that conceals the bolts that attach the mirror, I saw that it haqd been glued, and a block of wood stuffed inside with a woodscrew holding it in place. My father was adept at making these kind of repairs, using whatever he had on hand. The problem is: they aren't functional or aesthetically pleasing. I ordered a replacement mirror.
| 2 This was good enough to pass inspection, but not enough to make it useful.
| 3 The vent shades overlap the area where the mirror fastens. So that will have to be trimmed. This is a whole lot easier if done prior to installation. I am confident that I can overcome this drawback.
| 4 I used a scribe to outline the section that needs to be trimmed away.
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5 Using my Dremel tool, I will slit the plastic, hopefully without marring the paint.
| 6 Now,switching from a cutting blade to a sanding stone, I will fine-tune the removed portion.
| 7 Here's what I ended up with.
| 8 Pressing the mirror against the car body, the gasket doesn't quite align, making the bolts barely protrude through the openings.
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9 After a lot of grunting and groaning, I was able to get the flare nuts to grab. One was missing. I am not sure if I lost it or Dad did. Two should be enough to do the trick until I can find a replacement.
| 10 Here's the finished product, this actually is adjustable.
| 11 I used a neodymium magnet on my window crank removal tool to keep the clips from flying away and getting lost. This brainstorm worked, although I'm not convinced it will every time.
| 12 I got this from Amazon.com, it is thin enough to not get in the way, yet rather strong. So this is a trick worth passing along.
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13 My Dad was ingenious in fixing things with what he had on hand, but with automotive aesthetics in mind, his work was crude, despite being functional.
| 14 This is his repair to a broken door handle. I ordered a replacement, which I feel is better suited to the task at hand.
| 15 The pieces I ordered were the wrong colors, yet they still look better than gobs of glue oozing off the repaired piece.
| 16 Unfortunately, the replacement piece is the wrong one.
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17 It's got the control lever on the wrong side. Oh well...
| 18 After returning the handle for the wrong side, i ordered a pair of gray handles. This time I couldn't go wrong, because They sent both sides. This time they were matching colors, and I got both sides. However they were a lighter shade of grey than I had hoped for, but they fit.Removing the door panels was the first step...
| 19 Installing the handle was easy, since I have now done this several times and I know the tricks necessary to complete the job.
| 20 Both sides match, despite being a much lighter grey than what came with the car.With any luck, I won't have to change them any more.
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