Mirrors on '79 SC

FrankF · 08-12-2005, 02:51 PM

Well, I made some progress today! When I bought my '79 SC a couple of months ago, I knew there were a few things to fix. For one, the driver's door lock (outside) would just spin freely - wouldn't operate the lock. Secondly, the passenger window switch on the driver's door did not work - the PO warned me not to try it, as if the door might fall off or something. Anyway, this afternoon before picking up the kids, I finally had some time to work on the car. I removed my driver's side door panel and fixed the door lock, lubricated everything with lithium grease (including all the window parts) and got the passenger's window switch (on the driver's door) to work. I know it's not much, but I'm new to this and I'm pretty fired up - especially since I didn't have to buy a new window switch as I had expected. Anyway, got everything working and cleaned up. Or almost everything.....

You see, my side mirrors seem way to loose - they fold inward every time I get up to speed. Thing is, I can't figure out how to tighten them. The allen screw on the backside of the mirror allows me to remove the mounting bracket from the door, but doesn't affect how tight the actual mirror is on the shaft of the bracket. To my surprise, the mirror just lifts up off the shaft with no trouble - I had assumed that it was attached somehow (other than by the wires). For what its worth, there is no sort of spacer or gasket between the mirror and the bracket. Not sure if there's supposed to be one. Anyway, I would appreciate any advice as to how I can tighten the mirrors so that they stay still while driving. Thanks in advance.

Frank F.

x911x · 08-12-2005, 03:22 PM

The mirrors should have a spring inside to hold the "flag" part to the base. My guess would be to buy a new/used one to replace the one you have. I don't know if it's repairable. For the meantime, why don't you slap on some contact cement/rubber glue until you replace the flag mirrors. You don't want your mirrors flapping and beating the hell out of your door skin when cruising at high speeds.

Someone who would know better would chime in later.

javadog · 08-12-2005, 03:57 PM

Frank;

It sounds like you are missing a part or two. First, remove the mirror glass by gently prying between the back edge of the glass and the adjustable portion behind it. If you have the original mirrors on the car, they'll be held in place at three points with an expandable body clip that is glued to the glass. If you can pry between this clip and the mirror base, so much the better, as these clips are glued to the back of the mirror and you don't want to break them off. Next, remove the three screws holding the adjustable base to the flag portion of the mirror and remove this part enough to get to the electrical connector behind it. Disconnect the connector halves and set the adjustable portion of the mechanism aside. Make a diagram of which wires go where into the connector half still attached to the car and remove the pins and wires from the connector. This will allow you to pull the wiring through the mirror assembly when you pull the mirror off of the car. Loosen the allen head screw that holds the base of the mirror tight to the car and remove the mirror. At this point, you should be able to see how the two halves go together. Separate them and see what you're missing. You should have what Porsche calls a guide tube, two washers and a spring. The parts are held together by the guide tube, the spring is compressed and supplies the force to push the two parts apart and small ridges on the mating surface of the base to the flag portion create an over-center effect when the mirror flag is rotated. It will be obvious once you get a look at it.

Hope this helps.
Jeff

scottcip1562 · 08-12-2005, 04:28 PM

As jeff said, once the wires are out of theway you will need Snap on tool STSM12A to tighen the nut that holds the mirror to the base. There is a sping inside, so becarful.

FrankF · 08-13-2005, 09:16 AM

thanks for the advice, fellas! Sounds a little more involved than I expected, but there's only one good way to learn how to do it, and that's to just do it. The kids are going down for their naps right now, so I may have a couple of hours to fool around with it. Thanks again.

Frank

darkbeer · 08-13-2005, 10:52 AM

STOP THE PRESSES....

New, top secret Porsche "speed sensitive mirrors" accidently installed on car that left the factory...

...mirrors designed to fold into the body at high speed to reduce drag....
...Porsche engineers stated.... "vin goink dis vast...who vonts to look behinzemzelves anyvay???"...
...the factory is unsure WHO ended up getting these prized research mirrors on their car, "zay are ya, very lucky dude..."