Taking apart Aero-Mirrors

Joeaksa · 08-01-2012, 09:18 PM

Anyone taken an aero-mirror apart? I have done the "flag" mirrors and they use a allen wrench but the aero version seem to need a "tri-wing" tool to get the base and mirror apart.

Also how does the glass come out? Flags just pop out but guessing that the Aero version are different.

Anyone have any tips on getting these apart and then back together again?

Thx, Joe

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Anyone taken an aero-mirror apart? I have done the "flag" mirrors and they use a allen wrench but the aero version seem to need a "tri-wing" tool to get the base and mirror apart.

Also how does the glass come out? Flags just pop out but guessing that the Aero version are different.

Anyone have any tips on getting these apart and then back together again?

Thx, Joe

964/993 mirrors?
if so an allen through the hole in the bottom

and rotate the little nubs on the bottom to lock/unlock the glass to the backing

wildcat077 · wildcat077's Garage

Joe,

They're a real PITA but the only way to get the glass off it to insert a small flat blade screwdriver in the hole at the bottom and rotate the locating pin over the two little locking tabs ...
Sounds confusing but i'm sure somebody with a better explanation will chime in.Look in the little hole with a flashlight and magnifying glass and you'll see the little tabs.I'll try to find the old glass that i replaced on mine and post a picture for you !

Cheers !
Phil

wildcat077 · wildcat077's Garage

There you go ... Bill beat me to it ... lol

Cheers !
Phil

Joeaksa · 08-02-2012, 05:35 AM

Bill and Phil,

Thanks much! Never would have figured that one out!

Now, any ideas how to separate the base from the mirror housing? One of the three numbs that hold the mirror on the door was broken off when I received these and the LH mirror will not stay on the door.

If I am going to keep these (may give up and send them back as I did not sign up for overhauling these when I bought them!) I have to find then put a new/used base on the mirror.

Thx,

Joe A

group911@aol.co · 08-02-2012, 05:58 AM

Joe

The bolt? that holds the 2 parts together is a spring loaded quarter turn device. If I remember right, I used a pair of the funny looking Vise Grips with the "c" shaped jaw that are normally used for welding.
Clamped them down on both sides of the bolt to compress the spring then turned ccw to release it.
Sorry I didn't photograph it.

Joeaksa · 08-02-2012, 06:55 AM

Bob,

Thanks and am just trying to figure out how to get something down inside and grab ahold of the fastener!

Joe

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

I just used a small flatbladed screw driver, when you put it back together it's finicky be sure that glass backing tabs are all seated, it is easy to have one or maybe two not seated and the mirror will eventually fall out

Joeaksa · 08-02-2012, 03:44 PM

Bill,

Was actually referring to getting the base off of the mirror housing. One of the mounting "tits" is broken off and the mirror will not stay in the door assy as it is right now.

Once I find and replace the mounting part of the mirror I can put it on the door. Needed to know how to remove the mirror so I can pull the wiring out of the way and get into the "nut or fastener" that holds the two together.

Thx,

Joe A

FPB111 · 08-02-2012, 06:05 PM

You can make a spring compressor out of 3/4" pvc, fender washer and flat head screw. Grind the screw head so it fits inside of the hex from the bottom- you need to be able to get the allen wrench into the socket, cut the pvc about 1/2" thick to allow the three tangs to be pushed up to clear the upper mirror socket, put the pvc fender washer nut assy over the tangs tighten the nut until the tangs clear the socket, turn the mounting bolt with the allen wrench to align the tangs with the release slots, unscrew the nut to allow the mirror assy to come apart.

FPB111 · 08-02-2012, 06:40 PM

Like this:

Joeaksa · 08:58 PM

Frank,

Thanks very much! Now I have something to work with on taking this puppy apart!

Does it come apart the same way? Trying to see how the above tool fits into the three notches on the bolt holding the two pieces together?

Will stay in touch and let you know how it works!

Joe A

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Bill,

Was actually referring to getting the base off of the mirror housing. One of the mounting "tits" is broken off and the mirror will not stay in the door assy as it is right now.

Once I find and replace the mounting part of the mirror I can put it on the door. Needed to know how to remove the mirror so I can pull the wiring out of the way and get into the "nut or fastener" that holds the two together.

Thx,

Joe A

The base is held to the door by the allen bolt that is accessed through the hole on the top inside face of the mirror, there may or may not be a rubber plug in the hole.

The glass is glued to a plastic backing plate which is locked in place by prying the notches w/ a small flat bladed screwdriver

Joeaksa · 04:34 PM

Bill,

Thanks but I needed to know how to take the old base off of a mirror, not take it off of the car.

I bought a pair of mirrors off of a pelican seller and truthfully its becoming more and more than I ever wanted to do. First he told me that the electrics are not working, and thats no issue, then he said that they would need painting and thats not an issue.

Then I get them in hand and one of the mounting tits off of the LH mirror base is broken off, so it will not mount to the car not to mention that it looks like its been outside in several winters in the NE. So my search for a new/used LH mount begins. Have found exactly one and its almost half price of what I paid for both the mirrors, so that does not help.

Then I start to look at the RH mirror and it looks like its been submerged in water for years, everything is rusty inside and the glass is cracked, but he told me about the glass. Then you look closer and its covered in small bumps in the paint, so it will have to be completely sanded down and repainted. This was not disclosed. Then we have the issue that all of the hardware inside is rusted so bad that its falling apart or rusted in and not coming apart.

Its just getting to the point where do I want to spend 40 hours working on the mirrors or send them back to the seller and let him find a new base for the puppy and fuss with the rest of the condition.

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

FWIW, this is a MoFo. The last one i did took two people and 4 hands..

Joeaksa · 08-04-2012, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

FWIW, this is a MoFo. The last one i did took two people and 4 hands..

Thats what I keep hearing and these two mirrors have either been out in the weather for a long time or possibly even under water and corroded or rusted everywhere possible, neither of which is going to make taking them apart and getting them able to work on a car very easy.

rbogh901 · 01:51 PM

Thanks Frank. This is very interesting and although a bit cryptic, I've seen it referenced previously. Does the tool make the whole thing easy or does it remain a MoFo as noted?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPB111

Like this:

7783911 · 7783911's Garage

we are going down the wrong path..the mirror body is very secure to the door, the problem is the actual glass moves too easily horizontally (left to right_ so spirited riving causes it to move out of set position, When i open the assembly (using a small screwdriver through the hole to rotate the plastic wheel anchor) i could nt see anything that appears to tighten the mirror to the ball its mounted on..there was a small oblong slotted flat piece but while it appears to have some affect, it was very minimal. There is also a rubber boot that surrounds the motor (i have not wired it up and dont intend to) and its not even shown on diagrams so must be part of #12

I am wondering now if that spring coller (11) can help create the friction to hold the mirror in a more stable placement? Any idea where to get one is the next question

thanks

JakobM · 09-14-2020, 01:39 PM

Just found this thread and thought I would add link and video here as well.
I found this tool removes the PITA process

Guide here: https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1072482-993-mirror-assembly-handy-diy-tool-video.html

Ken911 · 11-10-2021, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakobM

Just found this thread and thought I would add link and video here as well.
I found this tool removes the PITA process

Guide here: https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1072482-993-mirror-assembly-handy-diy-tool-video.html

Just sent you a pm i'd like get one if possible thanks