Car15What does the internal mounting structure on a 72 side rear view mirror look like? I removed my mirror and found that someone previously had used a larger screw to mount the mirror bracket. I bought the correct bolts for that bracket but they are smaller. I was wondering by using the larger screw that it has stripped the internal mounting of the bracket?
73sharkNot sure if yours is the same as my 73 but it used Well-Nuts to mount the brackets to the doors. Well-Nuts are like a threaded insert with a compressible rubber piece in between the two pieces.
1973 L-82 4 spd
Car15This is the kit that I bought. Do the weld-nuts install from the inside out with the wider end inboard position inside the door structure?
73sharkThe Well- Nuts ate inserted small end first into the hole. The back and swell up against the inside surface of the door when the screw is tightened.
1973 L-82 4 spd
Car15The Well- Nuts ate inserted small end first into the hole. The back and swell up against the inside surface of the door when the screw is tightened.
So it is inserted small end first into the hole from the inside of the door out?
73sharkYou insert the Well-Nut from the outside of the car. You put the bracket on top of it, insert the screw, and thread it in and as you tighten the screw, it pulls the threaded portion that's inside the door panel back towards the outside causing the rubber to swell up bigger than the hole. Since you mentioned that your whole it's bigger than normal, you may have to buy a slightly larger Well-Nut than stock.
1973 L-82 4 spd
Car15You insert the Well-Nut from the outside of the car. You put the bracket on top of it, insert the screw, and thread it in and as you tighten the screw, it pulls the threaded portion that's inside the door panel back towards the outside causing the rubber to swell up bigger than the hole. Since you mentioned that your whole it's bigger than normal, you may have to buy a slightly larger Well-Nut than stock.
Really appreciate it!
EspressomorningAn alternate method is to use Heli-Coil threaded inserts; to be able to use the original size & type of bolts.
https://www.c3vr.com/member_uploads/39101_39200/39182/DSC_00172018915875r.jpg
73sharkI don't think a Heli-coil will work very well in a fiberglass door. ;)
1973 L-82 4 spd
manchestershark
manchestershark
lbbounderSo if I am reading this correctly I can install a passenger side mirror from the outside, no need to remove the door panel or the glass.
F4GaryYes. I put one on my 72. You use the template, drill 2 holes 😮, and use rubber well nuts that expand in the holes when tightened. No taking off the door panel.
73sharkBe sure you order the correct mirror for your year because it changed shape around the '75 model year.
1973 L-82 4 spd
F4GaryI ordered the larger size for my car (both sides) for better visibility than stock.
Also, get the more expensive "GM Restoration" mirrors. The cheaper ones are Chinese junk and won't stay in adjustment.
lbbounder77 large head… been on the shelf too long.
