15 replies to this topic

[Utopian2]

Dear All,

 

I have finally started driving my Mini after 4 months waiting - teriffic!

 

I'm not sure about the original black suction rear view mirror, so I bought a chrome one to replace it.

I could feel the 3 holes (covered by the headliner), so I tried fitting my old style chrome 3 bolt mirror using the 3 chrome bolts supplied.

There were no threads there to screw into, so at the moment I have reverted to the 'on windscreen' black rear view mirror - and have gained 3 ugly holes in the headliner.

Any help gratefully received.

 

[sparkymae]

Maybe you could use short over size sheet metal screws.  :)

[Utopian2]

Thanks for replying.

Wouldn't the screws make holes in the bodywork?

[Ethel]

No.10 unf - If they were still threading the holes, for no purpose, on MPIs.

 

Strictly speaking, it's likely not legal

 

http://www.minispare...10.aspx|Back to

[alpder]

Rivnuts in the holes - if you can find any with OD to exactly match the holes? Or maybe pop-rivet the mirror on - perhaps with trifold rivets if the holes are too big for standard rivets to grab?

[Chris1275gt]

Can’t you just tap a thread in them? Get some of the correct screws and see if the holes are the same size to take the tap. The screws will also give you the dimension of how far you can go in without hitting the roof panel. If my memory serves me you’ve got plenty of room.

[Utopian2]

It doesn't feel like there is a thread of any size in there, from my explorations using a thin nail.

The surrounding material seems like firm cardboard, or something similar.

I got some info from MiniSpares, the guy said that earlier cars had nuts welded onto the bodywork in the 3 places, but they stopped doing this on the later cars, but someone on the forum said they had had success on a 99 model (I've contacted the member for details, but no reply).

Could supergluing nuts into the same positions be a workable (but lower quality) substitute for a weld?
Screw the supplied bolts partially into a nut of the right size, cover the exterior of the nut with super glue and push the nut until it hits a hard surface and hold it there for a minute or so before attaching the mirror?

Rivnuts seem like a possibility, I wish I knew more about them.

The original black, sucker type mirror isn't terrible, its just not as attractive as the chrome version.
I could just put up with it, and cover the headliner damage with a nice metal Mini badge, but the sucker mirror does wobble a bit, and just feels like a Halfords add on.

All replies appreciated.

[Utopian2]

https://www.theminif...2423-midas-mk1/

Midas MK1, if you are out there, I would like to learn from your success.

[Quinlan minor]

Aren't all MPi mirrors clipped on to a base fixed to the windscreen?

Is your screen an original type?

[Utopian2]

Thanks for your reply.

I don't know is my answer, but reading other forum member's posts it seems so.

It is attached to the screen via a sucker, but not the basic type that gets used by driving test examiners etc.

The sucker has a lever linked to it to increase the suction to the glass, and is secure enough to withstand a dip function also.

The glass has no area intended to assist an adhesive attachment, unlike a lot of other cars (including mine), which also adds to the idea that the 'original' mirror is indeed that.

Please bear in mind, that although I have read half of the internet, I have only had a Mini for 4:months, and have a lot to learn.

P S Something I have learned in a short time, is that when you come off a motorway or dual carriageway, you don't have to slow down when making a full circle, in fact you can accelerate, without any sign of wheel slipage, understeer or oversteer - what a wonderful car!

[Quinlan minor]

Thanks for your reply.

I don't know is my answer, but reading other forum member's posts it seems so.

It is attached to the screen via a sucker, but not the basic type that gets used by driving test examiners etc.

The sucker has a lever linked to it to increase the suction to the glass, and is secure enough to withstand a dip function also.

The glass has no area intended to assist an adhesive attachment, unlike a lot of other cars (including mine), which also adds to the idea that the 'original' mirror is indeed that.

Please bear in mind, that although I have read half of the internet, I have only had a Mini for 4:months, and have a lot to learn.

P S Something I have learned in a short time, is that when you come off a motorway or dual carriageway, you don't have to slow down when making a full circle, in fact you can accelerate, without any sign of wheel slipage, understeer or oversteer - what a wonderful car!

The screen in my photograph is the correct MPi screen which has the SRS airbag script on it and the mirror mount https://www.minispar...|Back to search

It may be worth checking the thickness of the screen on yours. There is a danger, if it's a thinner screen, of catastrophic failure should the airbag be triggered.

Just sayin'

 

 

[Utopian2]

Thanks, I'm all for "just sayin'".

I've been itching to replace the factory airbag steering wheel with a nice wooden one - this information could provide me with just the right amount of self-justification I need.

I don't dislike the original, I just know I prefer the other.

[Ethel]

As above, the MPI screen is thicker because of the airbag. It's also supposed to add structural integrity. The £200 price difference will likely explain something.

 

Some form of plastic threaded insert is likely your best bet. Expect the holes are just a legacy from the original stamping, you might find a photo, or persuade someone to take some measurements. Otherwise a selection of drill bits might help you assess the hole size.

[Shooter63]

As others have said either rivnuts or rubber well nuts could well do the job.

Shooter

[Utopian2]

Thanks for all your replies.

 

Quinian Minor - My windscreen doesn't have any mirror seating on it, and lacks any screen writing seen in your photo, so likely it's not original, or perhaps, being a 97 model, the windscreen failure wasn't identified then.