Disassemble the Driver’s Sport Mirror for Paint?

[69 Rustang]

I am working on the doors and mirrors this week for my ‘72.  The Passengers Side is easy, everything comes right apart and gets sanded.  The Drivers Side...another story.  The mirror is off, but I want to paint all the bits nicely—is there any to take the cable apart and actually put it back together again?  I did it on my ‘69, it was a bitcXXX. But it was possible.  The design of the cables is different on the 71-72, and after a cursory inspection I thought I should ask the experienced crew.  Any body ever do this successfully that can coach me?

 

[Kilgon]

See attached thread.

Driver Side Mirror - Interior, Seats, Door Panels, Trunk, Glass, etc - 7173Mustangs.com

 

[69 Rustang]

Thanks, confirms my thoughts.  “Enter at own risk”...

 

[Carolina_Mountain_Mustangs]

I just stripped my mirrors for paint also. I did not take the cables off just wrapped it all up. I could see it screwing up too easy especially going back together.

 

[69 Rustang]

Question revision:  is the knob something that unscrews or does it need to be drilled out, threaded, and then replaced?   Mine broke, it doesn’t seem to unscrew as I can see.  I considered drilling and JB Welding. But, ????  Is there some missing information here on the replacement item?  Is it not just a bolt in or does it require drill and tap?

 

[Hemikiller]

The original knob is just staked in on the back side. You'll need to drill it out and tap for whatever threads are on the repop piece. 

 

[Fabrice]

I've learned from @secluff that Ford had a special tool for this, helping to guide while drilling. It came with the original Ford knob replacement.

Where to find that baby now days will certainly be tough, so you might need to fab one so you drill straight into that old knob material.
I need do same on my 71 at some point, so please @69 Rustang document the process so I can do mine the easy way!

 

[mjseakan]

The original knob is just staked in on the back side. You'll need to drill it out and tap for whatever threads are on the repop piece. 

Could the same process be used to replace a snapped off rear defroster switch knob?

Mike

 

[71 gbvert]

Use a convertible top switch knob. I believe this video was from a member on here.  I’d contact Don at OMS for the switch.
 

 

[mjseakan]

I have heard about using the convertible top switch, definitely would look more correct. Just wondering about the mirror knob.

Thanks for the reply and the link to the video.

Mike