Flappy flag mirror question
 

Ive read every thread/tech article on here about this (I think) but im still confused about the first step

My problem: the mirror/glass portion is ever so slightly loose on the base. I can wiggle it a little (for the past 15 years) and I want to tighten this before it gets loose and surprises me as im driving down the road by falling off and damaging the door

there is an allen bold holding the mirror to the door

I understand that this must be loosened to remove the entire mirror in order to access and tighten the bolt where the wires pass through

what I dont understand is that I have read here that you do not totally loosen the bolt because if you do, some piece will fall into the door

Can anyone give me some direction regarding what I should see as I am doing this?

In other words, how do I know if I am loosening too much before its too late??

Also, Im further confused by the below video showing the guy removing the bolt completely in order to remove the mirror from the door....obviously it must be that not every model porsche with flag mirrors bolts to the door exactly the same....but Im not 100% sure

should I absolutely not do what this guy does, on my 1983?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2pxP2m-Pn1c" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

the vido shows the worst attempt I've ever seen!
collateral damage precalculated!
though it seems to work.

Non electrical mirror guys will have no issue at all, simply remove full unit by unscrewing allen bolt at mirror base.
Then take apart safely on bench to replace spring/stud

electrical mirror guys:
usually you leave flag seated as is, then pop the mirror and start inside unbolting to reach wires.
take picture of wire-socket where the colors go then pop wires with automotive tweezers.
once wire-socket is removed you can loosen allen bolt at mirror base and pull unit from door.
secure wire at door with zip-ties.
repair mirror safely on bench

Thanks for the reply

But I am wondering how much to loosen allen bolt that holds mirror to door - step 6 in the below thread. Thrasher said he had about 1/3 of the threads left before the mirror came off. I am assuming that the procedure is to hold the mirror with one hand and loosen allen bolt with the other, slowly loosening until the mirror comes off., which should be prior to the clamp falling into the door....not having seen exactly how the mirror is mounted to the door, makes this procedure a bit mysterious at this point. I know I am probably over thinking this

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/468847-loose-mirror-tech-article.html

ps. i guess im really overthinking this as I have taken the door panels off 50 times so should be no big deal to retrieve the clamp piece should it fall into door

Yes, you are totally over thinking this. It will be self explanatory when you actually do it. The mirror base will become looser as you back the screw out. Once you've backed it out enough for the "hook" to clear the door skin you are done, and yo just lift the mirror off.

Got it.

I dont know why this job seems so intimidating. Ive put it off forever worrying I will crack the glass or destroy the wires, etc.

Same thing with replacing sunroof seal...I bought the replacement seal 12 years ago but its still sitting on my work bench. Time to man-up and get these things done