TC EXU Mirror

[loustaller]

This may be the most lame question ever! I feel lame asking it but I can't figure out what's going on. I bought a reproduction interior mirror which is a copy of a DEMSO mirror but for the life of me I can not figure out how to adjust it! I loosen the Acorn nut which allows the mirror head to swivel to the side but when I tighten the acorn nut the mirror head will not stay in the needed position, It moves back to the straight forward position. Granted, the mirror is a piece of crap but it should still be able to adjust so the driver can see behind him! Anyone with this type of mirror experience this? What's going on?

[Rob Reilly]

There should be a wave spring inside that provides tension or friction to hold the mirror in any position.
Perhaps you are over-tightening the acorn nut. It should be tight enough to produce friction, but not so tight as to pull the mirror back to straight.

[loustaller]

IMG_8257.jpg (111.05 KiB) Viewed 3068 times

It seems I'm lacking a wave washer. As far as over tightening the acorn nut, I could have but as soon as it has any pressure it starts to return to the straight ahead position, while the head is loose enough to droop down. I bought the mirror from FTFU so I'll contact Doug for his input. A minor issue but also an important one.

[Duncan M]

Lou, you have not taken it apart all the way. There should be a sort of ball and socket joint inside. Maybe it needs a light application of grease? These do operate a bit on wishful thinking, and tend to be a bit difficult to deal with as far as adjustment. Tightening it too much will lock it in place. I have a split lock washed behind the nut. I may have added that...

Tell us what Doug's thoughts are. Always interesting to hear what the vendor has to say.

[loustaller]

Here's a photo of the interior mirror completely apart. There doesn't seem to be anything that would help the mirror head stay in the needed position. I spoke to Doug at FTFU and he will be sending me a replacement mirror.

IMG_8258.jpg (106.05 KiB) Viewed 3025 times

[loustaller]

Doug sent me a new mirror which seems to be fine. I didn't take it apart to see what was missing from the first one. I'm just happy I have a mirror I can adjust.

[tomalger]

I had the same Mirror & same problem...this one was from Moss.
also the Acorn nut is precariously close to the windscreen.
? how robust is wave washer ? would a split washer work ?
cheers*

[loustaller]

I don't know if FTFU has the mirror reproduced or if they use Moss's mirror. I would think he just sells what he gets from Moss. Because the replacement mirror is adjustable (slightly but enough) I didn't disassemble it so I don't know what's in there, I'm just glad I can adjust it. Someone else mentioned the use of a lock washer so I guess it might work. And yes, the acorn nut seems to be very close to the windscreen glass. Mine is even closer than most other cars because I slightly laid back the windscreen assembly requiring the use of a small Nylock nut to replace the long acorn nut they used. I'll look for a small short dome acorn nut one day but for now, all is good!

[robertscottcostello]

Mine is an import, having two screws about and inch and a quarter apart. Was this standard, or aftermarket? I'll be looking for a replacement soon.

[Duncan M]

Robert-
Only a small number of TC's were EXU with the oddball mirror. I think it is quite similar or the same as a TD mirror. You do not have an EXU and your car would have come with the different-- standard TC mirror. I think that is what you are showing.

[loustaller]

I swear my car is haunted! I bought a second reproduction interior mirror which seemed fine until a few days ago when the screw that holds the mirror head in place loosened allowing the mirror head to slip and almost fall off the mounting stand. My car is an EXU so I ordered that particular mirror but am ready to give up on it and order a non EXU mirror. Any input? Thanks!