Ways to tighten wing mirror ball and socket?

It's been a while, but if it's one of the us type flag mirrors, I think there is a screw at one end of the base that tightens the ball joint. Both of mine were loose when I got mine, now they are tight.

 

I had the same issue on my US model 328, on the pass side.
On mine, there's a plastic cover on the elongated base.
If you remove that (carefully prying it out along its flex length), there's a hex screw under that which tightens the mechanical ball joint between the base and the "L" shaped flag portion.
(Separate from the electrical adjustment of the mirror within the flag shell.)
Then the plastic cover pops back on.

 

I used a little locktite on the hex screw and it seems to help it stay tight on my 89.

 

Did the same thing six years ago and it's still holding today.

 

Probably due to the ball and sockets coming loose on the early ones and not being fixable!

(The saddest part of that statement is, it could well be true!)

Hope you get it sorted one way or another

 

I roughed up the ball/socket with some 60 grit. Really helps.

 

I looked up the Baby Tornado. It's not the mirror on my 328.
I think Ferrari used different side mirrors on different years and models.

The Baby Tornado looks like the mirrors on my Alfa Spider.
(Driver's side was OEM, the dealer added a passenger side duplicate at my request.)

I've had those mirrors on the Alfa since '79, and haven't had a problem.

But a web search turned up the following thread on Pelican Parts forum:
Loose Vitaloni Baby Tornado Mirror - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

According to that site, if you remove the two screws that mount the mirror to the plate, there's a screw underneath that will tighten the ball.

I haven't tried this, myself, as my Alfa's mirrors are still tight after 38 years.

But I suspect there may be a couple different "Baby Tornado" mirror types.
Pegasus Auto has the ones with the two mounting screws for $92 each.
Kaferhaus has the ones with an end screw for $32 each.
So one may be a simpler model without adjustment.

(Image lifted from the linked discussion)
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My passenger mirror tends to come loose, especially if a passenger slams the door. That's why I keep an appropriate hex key in my glovebox!

 

I had the same issue on my 328. I decided the solution was additional resistance. I found it in the form of the adhesive that is used on credit card offers that come in the mail with a false card attached. The card is attached with a clear pliable substance that has just the right properties. Remove the card from the letter and extract the strip of clear rubbery material. You can use multiple offers if you desire a larger quantity. You can place this material in the socket area of the mirror and tighten it up. It won't be necessary for excessive force just a firm set. My mirrors have held ever since. I now save my credit card offers in the garage in case I need some resistance for other applications.

 

That is a great idea! Will give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

 

Ha I thought was the only guy using this stuff
we use, what we call mail boogies, for lots of uses

 

One of the first things I learned, in my 328, was to leave enough following distance to see the potholes emerge from the car ahead in time to avoid them.

On one pothole, the Alpine threw a CD at me.
(I now have an MP3 player in the car.)

But these are cars that are precise enough to drive *around* the potholes.