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Jocat54 · 10-27-2010, 08:41 PM

On our way back from Maine from Texas while on a Tenn. secondary hwy we came across a REALLY narrow bridge about a half a mile long all was going well until right at the end a truck was coming from the other side--long story short I clipped the passenger side mirror on the bridge structure. Popped the mirror loose(didn't break it) and loosened the mounting screws holding it to the body--got the mirror back in and used some super glue tape? to hold the screws till we made it back home. The screws were almost rusted in half. Got home and got the mirror off but can't figure out how I'm going to fix it, there are four 1/4 x 20 bolts that hold it on--there must be inserts in the body(rusted away)-looks like the whole dash will have to come out to access the back side of the upper screws not really sure about the bottom screws yet.
I'm thinking about trying to epoxy some threaded inserts into the exsisting holes. Anyone ever have to fix something like this? If so how did you go about it.

Thanks,

John

1999 Monaco Diplomat

two slides · 10-28-2010, 06:29 PM

I cannot help with any ideas but I had the same kind of thing happen to me last year--- passenger side mirror was completely ripped off. I had to buy a complete mirror for $350 plus shipping. I did install it myself which used up all of my ~~~~~words.

Ray,IN · 10-28-2010, 06:29 PM

I'm not familiar with MH mirrors, but for threaded inserts in the existing holes there are threaded nuts that apply kinda like pop-rivets, don't know what they are named though.

RVhauler · 10-28-2010, 07:24 PM

The threaded nuts are called "Riv-nuts" and widely used in aviation. Installation kits can be found at most hardware/auto parts stores. Harbor Freight has kits for about half price compared to others which can also be ordered on line.

leadman · 10-28-2010, 08:50 PM

Another name for these inserts is nutserts.

Another option might be to J-B Weld some nuts in the holes. It is a 2 part epoxy that you mix up. To do this select a nut and screw appropriate to secure the mirror. Degrease the nut so the epoxy will stick. Use paste wax on the screw threads as a release agent. Make sure the hole has good clean material on the edges. Turn the screw in the nut the depth of the threads. Mix the epoxy, put some in the hole, insert the screw and nut, then fill the hole with epoxy. Might have to use masking tape to keep the epoxy in the hole until it sets. When set you should be able to turn the screw out if you paste wax worked. I have used this method to repair many different things that were not easily accessable from the basck side.
Good luck.