Rear view mirror clean I found that the rear view mirror on my newly purchased 1983 308 GTS QV was very dusty and I was unable to see anything clearly in it. I cleaned the glass front with a glass cleaner swab only to find that more dust seemed to be behind it. I then carefully pulled the outer surround off the mirror housing. This is held on by two tabs on the top and two tabs on the bottom of the surround. I lifted the surround up at the top to release the two top tabs and then carefully pulled the surround towards me. This is where you find there is a clear glass plate in front of the mirror; its loose so be careful not to drop it, as its thin. I was then able to clean the glass and the mirror properly using the glass-cleaning swab and then polish it off using a cotton towel. The rear view mirror can then be reassembled I placed the glass into the surround and fitted the bottom tabs into position the using them as a hinge pushed the top tab surround into place until the top tabs clicked into position. This has to be done carefully as the plastic is old and brittle and could break if excessive force is used. You are then in a position to enjoy lots of safe motoring again.
Franco: And now my friend, the first-a rule of Italian driving. [Franco rips off his rear-view mirror and throws it out of the car] Franco: What's-a behind me is not important I did the same to mine, but the glass in front of the mirror was treated with something to give it a less-than-transparent finish. I suppose this is for glare, but I'm tempted to get a new glass cut for it for better visibility.
Clyde Did not notice any coating on mine it looked to be totally clear, even had a small square transparent sticker in one corner which looks as if it may be orrigional. Could this be a US spec difference to the Euro spec?
I had a horribly scratched mirror in mine, and used that thin stick-on mirror film found at auto-parts stores. Worked great, cuts with sharp scissors, & you can't tell its not original.
I'd like to take mine apart but I'm concerned about breaking something in removal as the OP stated. I don't use the mirror all that much but it is helpful at times. Never thought of trying mirror film, good suggestion. Jeff
Thanks for the advice of the OP. I'm like jonesdds and am afraid to break something, but I also like the idea of mirror film. I may (very cautious may) try to pull the mirror, but I'd hate it if I broke the original............... James in Denver
I just took my mirror apart, not because it was dirty but because it had gotten floppy and wouldn't stay in the 'up' position. Piece of cake. It comes apart and goes back together extremely easily. I wouldn't worry too much about breaking anything. Just don't use a lot of force on it, you don't need to. Luckily for me, the little plastic tab that I figured was broken off was actually ok, the interior mirror frame had just popped down out of position.
The clear glass over the mirror is some sort of polarized lens, at least on my 328. Without it the day/night function on the rear view mirror does not work. I took mine off a couple times to clean it and the mirror. Leaned forward with a helmet on one day and broke the clear glass. If anyone knows where I can get one let me know.
