1970 Cuda Driver's ext mirror removal?

[72and86]

1970 Cuda Driver's mirror removal?
I can't seem to remove the Driver's exterior side mirror, the exterior screws just spin and spin. So I removed the inner door panel and access is very limited to the closest screw which feels like it has something similar to a wall actor on it thats not mounted so it just spins and spins. The further screw inside I dont have a prayer to get to.

Any trick on removing these w/o removing the glass?

[Racer57]

Have you tried pulling up on the mirror while turning the screws ?

[71GranCoupe]

Possibly put some small drops of kroil oil on the heads of the screws and let it work its way down to the threads of the inserts. Be sparingly so as not to get on the paint. Then if you are a contortionist, have the window up and clamp on some vise grips then use a small Makita impact or similar and work out the screws. An old trick that works many times is to actually make a small righten motion with the impact before you go into reverse. Another possibility is to drill out the threads of the screws as you will want new fasteners no matter how you get them out.

Keep us informed on what you did and how it worked out. Good luck.

[anlauto]

Carefully drill them out ? If you can't get vice grips on the inside, you're in for a bit of a fight

[Fern]

Needle nose vice grip might have a good shot to clamp on the inside nut. I like the impact idea on the screw.

[72and86]

Have you tried pulling up on the mirror while turning the screws ?

Yeah, first thing I tried. Didn't work.

[72and86]

Possibly put some small drops of kroil oil on the heads of the screws and let it work its way down to the threads of the inserts. Be sparingly so as not to get on the paint. Then if you are a contortionist, have the window up and clamp on some vise grips then use a small Makita impact or similar and work out the screws. An old trick that works many times is to actually make a small righten motion with the impact before you go into reverse. Another possibility is to drill out the threads of the screws as you will want new fasteners no matter how you get them out.

Keep us informed on what you did and how it worked out. Good luck.

Actually before I posted: Tried the vice grips (needle nose) and didn't work. The cap or whatever is on the threads is too slippery, the screw just turned. Even if I could get the one screw, the other is hopelessly out of reach behind, no matter the window up/ down. This is how Plymouth designed this? Seriously?

[72and86]

Carefully drill them out ? If you can't get vice grips on the inside, you're in for a bit of a fight

Actually before I posted: Tried the vice grips (needle nose) and didn't work. The cap or whatever is on the threads is too slippery, the screw just turned. Even if I could get the one screw, the other is hopelessly out of reach behind, no matter the window up/ down. This is how Plymouth designed this? Seriously?

[72and86]

Needle nose vice grip might have a good shot to clamp on the inside nut. I like the impact idea on the screw.

Actually before I posted: Tried the vice grips (needle nose) and didn't work. The cap or whatever is on the threads is too slippery, the screw just turned. Even if I could get the one screw, the other is hopelessly out of reach behind, no matter the window up/ down. This is how Plymouth designed this? Seriously?

[71vert340]

I believe the mirror screws go into a rivnut that is installed in the door skin. You may just have to drill the head off of the screw.
Terry W.

[Katfish]

Have you tried pulling up on the mirror while turning the screws ?

This has worked for me for similar issues.
A little upward pressure, small screwdriver or similar under base, while unscrewing it.

[Fern]

I second drilling the head off the screw.

[72and86]

Didn't work. That was what I tried first. One screw backed outa little-- the other nothing.

[72and86]

I believe the mirror screws go into a rivnut that is installed in the door skin. You may just have to drill the head off of the screw.
Terry W.

ahhhh...!

[B5fourspeed]

I probably would drill the head off the screws.I was wondering if you got a sleeve about an inch long that would fit over the head of the screw.Start with a very small drill bit and work your way up with other bits.Have someone hold the sleeve with vise grips so the drill bit will not slide off.Protect the door with a thick blanket or something else just in case the the drill slips.