Mirror placement / install

[dewbers]

Not sure if this is where I should be posting this, but thought it was safe here... This really isn't a mod per say, but since my car didn't come with a right side mirror, maybe this is considered a mod? Sorry, still a little confused on when I should use this thread versus the standard threads.

Onto my topic...
I have a passenger side mirror that I'd like to install on the car. Before I get into this project, I thought I'd ask you all what I can expect in doing this. I hate the idea of drilling holes in a perfectly good door, but I am a driver that relies on a right hand mirror a lot and I miss having one on there. So, I am going to do this!

I see that I must screw the bracket directly onto the skin of the door. Do I just use sheet metal screws to hold in place or do I need to take the inside door panel off to secure?
What surprises might I encounter?
Helpful hints, suggestions or warnings?!?!
Thanks in advance for your help guys!
Steve

[Gum,beest]

Hi Steve
There was a thread about this topic by Herman Rodriques but can't find
I thought it was this one http://www.buickcenturion.com/forums/showthread.php?1172-Right-Side-Mirror
Perhaps you could ask him

A small piece of advice make a template from the left side en flip it over to the right side
So the mirrors will be in the same spot at both sides and if you have to drill the holes for the mirror put a piece of tape on the sheet metal and drill true that
It prevents the drill walking away on the paint job (i don't know if that is the correct fraze)

[Smartin]

You can either use self tapping screws or drill a pilot hole for some regular screws. No need to pull the panel UNLESS you have the 73 and up style that used bolts and nuts to connect to the door skin.

Another way to keep the drill from walking is to use a center punch on the metal to make a small dimple. That will keep the drill bit in place.

Get out the drill!:Brow::Brow::Brow:

It's easy...I did the same thing to mine last Fall on the original paint...I was scared to say the least.

[The German]

Hi, Steve, as you might know I added such a mirror to my car last year and also was anxious to bore the holes into the door, but afterwards found it relatively easy. I had to put away the door panel because I installed the remote controlled mirror. I had to mount this mirror with a special sheet metal which is lying on the inner side of the door just under the mirrors holder. So guess you will have it much easier.
My advice to do the job is :
- plan every step before doing it,
- take a transparent paper and draw the outer line of the bracket and the holes you have to drill exactly on this paper, then cut out the holes and fix the paper to the door where you want to install your mirror. This way you could see better how the bracket will be orientated afterwards before drilling and you can mark the holes exactly to the doors paint !
- fix a plastic bag under the backside (inside) of the door so that the small metal pieces of the drilling process will be caught and not fall into the doors window lifter mechanic where it could cause rust or other problems. You only need to take away the upper doors panel which should be easy.
- lube the fresh bored holes and the screws with good grease before installing the mirror so that rust will have no chance to bite the metal during the next years.

BTW: It´s really easy to take away the upper inner doors panel and so I recommend doing this because you will see the place where the holes will be drilled at the inner side of the door before so that there will be no surprise for you !

GOOD LUCK, Steve !

[73 Centurion]

I would recommend getting stainless screws. You should also get a small bottle of touch up paint and paint the holes after you drill them. The last step would be to dip the screw into an RTV sealant like GOOP, just before you screw it in. The GOOP will not prevent the screw from coming out if you have to remove the mirror for some reason, but it will protect the bare edges inevitable with a sheet metal screw.

In New England any break in the paint will begin to rust as soon as you turn your back. So I tend to go overboard.

John

[My3buicks]

if you give me a day or so I can come up with the original template so that you can mount it spot on and not have to guess where it actually goes. I can copy the template and send you a copy.

[My3buicks]

Steve, I do have all the mounting instructions and template you need - if you private me your address I can copy this stuff off and send it to you.

PS: for the record, this is not a modified Centurion question - It pertains to what is correct, proper and was available on a Centurion when new - the modified section is for those straying from what's correct and proper for Centurion's. Examples: Donking, custom paint jobs, lowering, Boinking and any other silly modifications that the owners see fit to bestow on their once proud Centurion.

[dewbers]

Steve, I do have all the mounting instructions and template you need - if you private me your address I can copy this stuff off and send it to you.

PS: for the record, this is not a modified Centurion question - It pertains to what is correct, proper and was available on a Centurion when new - the modified section is for those straying from what's correct and proper for Centurion's. Examples: Donking, custom paint jobs, lowering, Boinking and any other silly modifications that the owners see fit to bestow on their once proud Centurion.

Couple of things guys...
1. Sorry it took my so long to reply. My notifier did not notify me that you all posted. I was curious what was going on and then got side tracked, so I didn't check back in. Then a buddy of mine on here sent me a PM to tell me I had a bunch of replies were on here, so here I am! SORRY!

2. Thanks Keith, really appreciate you on this! I will PM you my address. I am still a bit nervous to do this, but every time I drive the car, I feel I am not being a safe as I can b/c I don't have that mirror on the car! I am anxious to do this... "Nervous" anxious and "excited" anxious! Again, appreciate your help!
Also, I'm good either way, mailing directly or scan and email. Which ever makes your life easy.
Look for a PM as soon as I finish this post.

3. Thank you also for the info about the mods vs non-mods... that does help. Not only me, but others. I will not add fuel to the debate about modifying the cars though. I am an "in between" guy. I love the pure original cars like you and Bob Alberini have... They are what made me fall in love with these beauties to begin with. That being said, I do enjoy some "slight" modifications too. (Like my great looking raised white letter tires that Bob Alberini says are like wearing sneakers with a tuxedo!:laugh:) Though I am not a huge fan of the extreme mods, (simply my personal opinion) I do find it interesting to see what the others have done with their rides. I guess it's about personal preference.

All that being said, I really do appreciate your input on this b/c I was confused about where to put this thread. You've cleared that up for me...
:beers:

See ya!

[dewbers]

I would recommend getting stainless screws. You should also get a small bottle of touch up paint and paint the holes after you drill them. The last step would be to dip the screw into an RTV sealant like GOOP, just before you screw it in. The GOOP will not prevent the screw from coming out if you have to remove the mirror for some reason, but it will protect the bare edges inevitable with a sheet metal screw.

In New England any break in the paint will begin to rust as soon as you turn your back. So I tend to go overboard.

John

Good advice John! Being in DE, we don't get quite the snow and cold that you get, except this year, but nonetheless, that is very good advice!
Appreciate it!

Thanks to the rest of you for your input too. All of it was worthwhile!
Good solid advice!

I have to go and check to see if I have the rubber peice that goes between the mirror and the car. I think I do... one of you fine fella's sold me one, if memory serves me!

[dewbers]

Hey Keith... the templates arrived over the weekend. Looks like even I could do this without much difficulty. Greatly appreciated.
Steve

[Gum,beest]

Steve when your done

We need Pics!!!!! :laugh::laugh::laugh: