Citroen door mirror woe's
Discussion
If you've ever had the misfortune to remove or repair the Citroen mirrors on your V8S-Griffith-Chimera, you will know what a pain it is to remove and then reset them accurately.
This I discovered when somebody hit my passenger side mirror and wrenched it out of the door. Thankfully the only damage was some light scratches where the mirror swung on the wires.
Separating the threaded door mounting piece from the mirror, I screwed it back into the door but was unable to tighten it sufficiently without a specific tool and then when the mount was in, I was not able to get to the grub screw to set the mirror correctly, even with an extremely cut down hex "Allen" key.
I found that I had to insert the mount into the mirror and tighten the screw on to it in the position I thought it should be, before winding the whole unit into the door trying not to cross thread the mount in the brass door fitting.
This proved to be more than frustrating because, as expected, the mirror ended up in the wrong position. Several attempts and a twisted wiring loom later, I got it right.
I measured the tread on the cast "Mazak" zinc alloy mount and found it to be well undersize, which is probably why it was pulled out of the door.
Engineering being my trade for the last 40 years, I decided to make new ones but with a difference.
First thing was to make the thread the correct size and secondly to make the mount longer so that the screw was easily accessible, enabling the mount to be fitted and tightened to the door securely before fitting and easily adjusting the mirror body.
Measuring the door my first attempt was 20mm longer. While this made the mirror very easy to fit I felt that this was a little excessive so the next pair I made 15mm long. This still gives easy access to the screw but doesn't look obviously different.
In fact when I've asked fellow owners if they could spot anything different about the car, specifically the doors, nobody immediately spotted them. Only when they saw the neoprene rubber I had used to fill in the gap between the mount and the door did they get a clue but still did not see what I had done.
When I came to screw in the new improved version into my Griff's doors, they wouldn't fit! Upon closer inspection I realised that the threads in the brass bushes in the door were part filled with paint possible thread lock and general, now how shall I put this? Detritus!!
I looked into buying the appropriate M24 x 1.5 tap to clear the thread and decided that as I needed it there and then and it was also little expensive for a one off use, I would spend ten minutes picking out the offending crud from the treads to allow me to fit the new mounts.
I've since made a mild steel thread clearing tool to clean out any residual crud from the door fitting without damaging the brass thread.
My attention then turned to tightening the mounts securely into the door and seeing that the original mount had six radial slots cast into the top, I drilled four 3.5mm holes in my mounts at the same Pitch Circle Diameter as the Citroen part.
This then needed a pin tool to screw them in, so I made one with two 3mm pins protruding from one side and a hexagonal hole the other so that this will not only drive in the new mount but can also be used to remove the old one should this be stuck in the door.
Since I've been able tighten the mount firmly into the door and attach the mirror securely to the mount the view from them has improved as the vibration I used to get in the mirrors has been greatly reduced.
Another bonus is that I can now fold the mirror in closer to the door or fold it out and clean/polish behind it.
Talking to other owners it became clear that it was something they would be interested in.
So, I've come up with a kit of parts consisting of two new longer mounts, two new stainless steel grub screws, a thread cleaning tool, a pin tool, a modified Allen key and a couple of strips of neoprene foam rubber to wrap around the mounts and fill the void in the recess. I had enough material to make eight sets.
I would be keen to know what people here think and if i got enough interest I can make more.
please let me know.
This I discovered when somebody hit my passenger side mirror and wrenched it out of the door. Thankfully the only damage was some light scratches where the mirror swung on the wires.
Separating the threaded door mounting piece from the mirror, I screwed it back into the door but was unable to tighten it sufficiently without a specific tool and then when the mount was in, I was not able to get to the grub screw to set the mirror correctly, even with an extremely cut down hex "Allen" key.
I found that I had to insert the mount into the mirror and tighten the screw on to it in the position I thought it should be, before winding the whole unit into the door trying not to cross thread the mount in the brass door fitting.
This proved to be more than frustrating because, as expected, the mirror ended up in the wrong position. Several attempts and a twisted wiring loom later, I got it right.
I measured the tread on the cast "Mazak" zinc alloy mount and found it to be well undersize, which is probably why it was pulled out of the door.
Engineering being my trade for the last 40 years, I decided to make new ones but with a difference.
First thing was to make the thread the correct size and secondly to make the mount longer so that the screw was easily accessible, enabling the mount to be fitted and tightened to the door securely before fitting and easily adjusting the mirror body.
Measuring the door my first attempt was 20mm longer. While this made the mirror very easy to fit I felt that this was a little excessive so the next pair I made 15mm long. This still gives easy access to the screw but doesn't look obviously different.
In fact when I've asked fellow owners if they could spot anything different about the car, specifically the doors, nobody immediately spotted them. Only when they saw the neoprene rubber I had used to fill in the gap between the mount and the door did they get a clue but still did not see what I had done.
When I came to screw in the new improved version into my Griff's doors, they wouldn't fit! Upon closer inspection I realised that the threads in the brass bushes in the door were part filled with paint possible thread lock and general, now how shall I put this? Detritus!!
I looked into buying the appropriate M24 x 1.5 tap to clear the thread and decided that as I needed it there and then and it was also little expensive for a one off use, I would spend ten minutes picking out the offending crud from the treads to allow me to fit the new mounts.
I've since made a mild steel thread clearing tool to clean out any residual crud from the door fitting without damaging the brass thread.
My attention then turned to tightening the mounts securely into the door and seeing that the original mount had six radial slots cast into the top, I drilled four 3.5mm holes in my mounts at the same Pitch Circle Diameter as the Citroen part.
This then needed a pin tool to screw them in, so I made one with two 3mm pins protruding from one side and a hexagonal hole the other so that this will not only drive in the new mount but can also be used to remove the old one should this be stuck in the door.
Since I've been able tighten the mount firmly into the door and attach the mirror securely to the mount the view from them has improved as the vibration I used to get in the mirrors has been greatly reduced.
Another bonus is that I can now fold the mirror in closer to the door or fold it out and clean/polish behind it.
Talking to other owners it became clear that it was something they would be interested in.
So, I've come up with a kit of parts consisting of two new longer mounts, two new stainless steel grub screws, a thread cleaning tool, a pin tool, a modified Allen key and a couple of strips of neoprene foam rubber to wrap around the mounts and fill the void in the recess. I had enough material to make eight sets.
I would be keen to know what people here think and if i got enough interest I can make more.
please let me know.
Edited by Griffo400 on Saturday 11th February 18:19
Discopotatoes said:
depending on cost Id like a set please
Griffo400 has put alot of time and effort into machining those bespoke parts, if he has turned them on a manual lathe, the man hours are considerable. I have been a turner for 20 years and if it was me I could not sell them for any less £100 per set to be worth my time, IMHO.Edited by Discopotatoes on Friday 3rd February 22:02
portzi said:
Discopotatoes said:
depending on cost Id like a set please
Griffo400 has put alot of time and effort into machining those bespoke parts, if he has turned them on a manual lathe, the man hours are considerable. I have been a turner for 20 years and if it was me I could not sell them for any less £100 per set to be worth my time, IMHO.Edited by Discopotatoes on Friday 3rd February 22:02
Discopotatoes said:
portzi said:
Discopotatoes said:
depending on cost Id like a set please
Griffo400 has put alot of time and effort into machining those bespoke parts, if he has turned them on a manual lathe, the man hours are considerable. I have been a turner for 20 years and if it was me I could not sell them for any less £100 per set to be worth my time, IMHO.Edited by Discopotatoes on Friday 3rd February 22:02
What price would be your top limit to pay?
portzi said:
Discopotatoes said:
portzi said:
Discopotatoes said:
depending on cost Id like a set please
Griffo400 has put alot of time and effort into machining those bespoke parts, if he has turned them on a manual lathe, the man hours are considerable. I have been a turner for 20 years and if it was me I could not sell them for any less £100 per set to be worth my time, IMHO.Edited by Discopotatoes on Friday 3rd February 22:02
What price would be your top limit to pay?
I understand these are not going to be cheap,( I never suggested they should be) but it's my decision if I'm prepared to pay what the OP is asking not what your suggesting. He may have wanted more the £100 per set.
Well thank you for all your comments and interest. This is very encouraging and it looks like I'll have to go and buy more material, screws and keys.
Portzi, it's good to hear your comments, you obviously appreciate that this is not a quick "just knock a couple of these up for me in your teabreak mate" type of job. I'll bet you've had a few of those!!!
Thankfully, having spent my early career on manual lathes, Colchester's Harrison's etc then Ward and Herbert manual capstan lathes, I progressed onto these new fangled CNC machines. This means I can make them somewhat quicker.
So I'm going to offer them at an all in price of £50 including p&p.
Please P/M me your order and postal address and I'll let you know my bank details or you can send me a cheque if you wish, sorry, I don't take luncheon vouchers :-))
As I said in the description I've only got eight sets that I can send out straight away for those that might need them immediately.
So if you're not in any rush for a set and can wait, It will take me about four to six weeks to make some more, as I've got to buy some more aluminium and steel then fit them in on the machine when It's clear and I've a free weekend or two.
I'll thank you for your patience in advance.
I intend to be at BHP, the Growl and other events this year and I'll make sure I bring some along with me. You might also catch me at the Herts Beds and Bucks meet at Old Warden.
Once again thanks for your comments.
Brian.
Portzi, it's good to hear your comments, you obviously appreciate that this is not a quick "just knock a couple of these up for me in your teabreak mate" type of job. I'll bet you've had a few of those!!!
Thankfully, having spent my early career on manual lathes, Colchester's Harrison's etc then Ward and Herbert manual capstan lathes, I progressed onto these new fangled CNC machines. This means I can make them somewhat quicker.
So I'm going to offer them at an all in price of £50 including p&p.
Please P/M me your order and postal address and I'll let you know my bank details or you can send me a cheque if you wish, sorry, I don't take luncheon vouchers :-))
As I said in the description I've only got eight sets that I can send out straight away for those that might need them immediately.
So if you're not in any rush for a set and can wait, It will take me about four to six weeks to make some more, as I've got to buy some more aluminium and steel then fit them in on the machine when It's clear and I've a free weekend or two.
I'll thank you for your patience in advance.
I intend to be at BHP, the Growl and other events this year and I'll make sure I bring some along with me. You might also catch me at the Herts Beds and Bucks meet at Old Warden.
Once again thanks for your comments.
Brian.
Edited by Griffo400 on Tuesday 17th April 17:37
Edited by Griffo400 on Tuesday 17th April 17:38
Edited by Griffo400 on Wednesday 8th August 09:46
Griffo400 said:
Well thank you for all your comments and interest. This is very encouraging and it looks like I'll have to go and buy more material, screws and keys.
Portzi, it's good to hear your comments, you obviously appreciate that this is not a quick "just knock a couple of these up for me in your teabreak mate" type of job. I'll bet you've had a few of those!!!
Thankfully, having spent my early career on manual lathes, Colchester's Harrison's etc then Ward and Herbert manual capstan lathes, I progressed onto these new fangled CNC machines. This means I can make them somewhat quicker.
So I'm going to offer them at an all in price of £40 including p&p.
Please P/M me your order and postal address and I'll let you know my bank details or you can send me a cheque if you wish, sorry, I don't take luncheon vouchers :-))
As I said in the description I've only got eight sets that I can send out straight away for those that might need them immediately.
So if you're not in any rush for a set and can wait, It will take me about four to six weeks to make some more, as I've got to buy some more aluminium and steel then fit them in on the machine when It's clear and I've a free weekend or two.
I'll thank you for your patience in advance.
I intend to be at BHP, the Growl and other events this year and I'll make sure I bring some along with me. You might also catch me at the Herts Beds and Bucks meet at Old Warden.
Once again thanks for your comments.
Brian.
That is a fantastic price Brian, I do appreciate the work involved . And you have mail Portzi, it's good to hear your comments, you obviously appreciate that this is not a quick "just knock a couple of these up for me in your teabreak mate" type of job. I'll bet you've had a few of those!!!
Thankfully, having spent my early career on manual lathes, Colchester's Harrison's etc then Ward and Herbert manual capstan lathes, I progressed onto these new fangled CNC machines. This means I can make them somewhat quicker.
So I'm going to offer them at an all in price of £40 including p&p.
Please P/M me your order and postal address and I'll let you know my bank details or you can send me a cheque if you wish, sorry, I don't take luncheon vouchers :-))
As I said in the description I've only got eight sets that I can send out straight away for those that might need them immediately.
So if you're not in any rush for a set and can wait, It will take me about four to six weeks to make some more, as I've got to buy some more aluminium and steel then fit them in on the machine when It's clear and I've a free weekend or two.
I'll thank you for your patience in advance.
I intend to be at BHP, the Growl and other events this year and I'll make sure I bring some along with me. You might also catch me at the Herts Beds and Bucks meet at Old Warden.
Once again thanks for your comments.
Brian.
Griffo400 said:
Well thank you for all your comments and interest. This is very encouraging and it looks like I'll have to go and buy more material, screws and keys.
Portzi, it's good to hear your comments, you obviously appreciate that this is not a quick "just knock a couple of these up for me in your teabreak mate" type of job. I'll bet you've had a few of those!!!
Once again thanks for your comments.
Brian.
You're right Brian plenty of people asking for a 5 minute job!!!!!!Portzi, it's good to hear your comments, you obviously appreciate that this is not a quick "just knock a couple of these up for me in your teabreak mate" type of job. I'll bet you've had a few of those!!!
Once again thanks for your comments.
Brian.
Colchester harrison and Ward lathes, wow some great companies there.
Dean, smith & grace were the rolls Royce of the lathe world supposedly when l was doing my apprenticeship.
Colchester are with Harrison now 600 group,, and l believe Hardinge have been bought out by Bridgeport now?
£40 is a bargain for a quality product l tip my hat to you Brian
Edited by portzi on Saturday 4th February 14:46
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