ferrari 355--wing mirror problem | FerrariChat
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ferrari 355--wing mirror problem

Discussion in '348/355' started by path, Apr 24, 2013.

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  1. path

    path Rookie

    Nov 8, 2008
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    path
    #1 path, Apr 24, 2013
    my offside wing mirror was rattling, so i unscrewed the small base plate at the bottom of the mirror body, which inturn exposed a large hexagonal bolt which was loose

    i unfortunately overtightened this large bolt, and the bolt head has snapped off the bolt shaft, which runs within a small coiled spring

    the mirror body is now only attached to the base that screws into the car door by the electric wires that control the mirror motor

    is there any solution to fixing this problem, other than to buy a complete new offside mirror body and base ?
     
  2. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,728
    #2 Mitch Alsup, Apr 24, 2013
    Do you have access to a lathe?
     
  3. phrogs

    phrogs F1 Veteran
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    Apr 13, 2004
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    Kzoo Michigan
    #3 phrogs, Apr 24, 2013
    If the bolt runs through a spring wouldn't that be a helicoil?

    If so it shouldn't be hard to fix but requardless take it off the bolt can be drilled out.

    I haven't had one apart so I am assuming its a helicoil.

    but you shouldn't have to buy a new one.
     
  4. path

    path Rookie

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    #4 path, Apr 24, 2013
    thanks for these replies

    i dont have a lathe, but can find someone who does
    what should i ask him to do with the lathe?

    the spring is entirely separate from the bolt----does this mean it is not a helicoil?
    i will ask a machining shop about retapping the bolt end as you have suggested
     
  5. phrogs

    phrogs F1 Veteran
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    #5 phrogs, Apr 24, 2013
    heli coils are usually for thread repair but some manufatures use them in certain places. Without seeing a photo I cant say but it sure sounds like one to me.
     
  6. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
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    #6 taz355, Apr 24, 2013
    If it broke off right at the bottom of the bolt you can do what I did. Take the mirror off the car. Take a sharp poker so you can get the bare wires out of the plug. This will allow you to get the wires through the nut. Put nut in a vise to get the broken piece out of the centre. Get a tap and tap the bolt that is attached to the mirror as far down as possible. If the tap is too thick but another nut the same size and use it as a tap. Be very carful of how much pressure while tapping the bolt if you break it your buggered. Once you have it tapped as far as possible measure how much thread you lost inside the nut that broke off and cut the spring this amount, do not cut too much. I think the nut has about five complete rotations to be all the way through. If you do everything correct or better than I did your mirror will be held on by about three and a half, it will still have a spring, won't vibrate, and can still move in and out if it gets hit. The other option is a couple thousand for a mirror. Or a used one or talk to Mitch not sure what he's thinking but I'm sure it will work and still be cheaper than a new one.
     
  7. phrogs

    phrogs F1 Veteran
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    #7 phrogs, Apr 25, 2013
    Can you post a photo of this?
     
  8. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
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    #8 taz355, Apr 27, 2013
    Sorry did not take any photos. Basically the stud with threads that broke, if it broke right next to the nut, the stud is still long enough if you shorten the spring a little. All you do is thred the stud a little more shorten the spring and reuse the original nut. If you want me to describe it again If you pm me i could phone you. I think Mitches fix but he can correct me if I'm wrong is you thread the stud on the inside and use a bolt from the bottom to hold it on.
     

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