Parking Brake Switch Issues

[Chuck-68-Cam]

Me again. I have been reading all most everything I can but I have another WTH moment. My parking brake is not aligned with anything that would depress the switch when parking brake is applied. I have triple checked the switch, verified it's location and mounting (12 B9 AIM page 168) See the picture below. Any ideas as to what's going on?

On a side note, anyone know any tricks to tightening driver door mirror? It's the ball pivot and socket that has all the play.

Thanks

[x66 714]

You're missing this....Joe

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/all-years/pontiac/firebird/parts/14652.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3tPK15ua-QIV_8LCBB3p-wPBEAQYAiABEgJNbPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Chuck-68-Cam]

Thanks Joe. I don't remember seeing that in any of the manuals.

[bertfam]

You're missing two things. The "clip" (1968 AIM UPC 5, Sheet C1 Item 14, P/N 3908628) and the "strap" (1968 AIM UPC 12, Sheet B9, Item 4, P/N 3916762). The "strap" is the part that Joe linked.

And if it's an aftermarket mirror, good luck!! Do a search and you'll find a few ways to TRY and tighten it, but most won't last. Anything from peening the housing to superglue!!

Ed

[David K]

That Ed guy beat me to it again!!
Upload a picture or 2 of the mirror screw in question .

[Chuck-68-Cam]

Thanks Ed. I Looked right at it and thought "I don't need a strap" and moved on. I think if the name said clip, or retainer I might have caught it.

I saw the clip for it when I started looking around for price. If anyone is interest, the price range was $11.00 to $28.00. I have half a mind to just make the thing.

Anything from peening the housing to superglue!!

Ed

LOL, don't think it it didn't cross my mind.

Dave, thanks for the attempt. I'll throw some pics up in the morning. I am going to read up on removing the mirror. Maybe there is something inside to crimp or tighten...who knows.

I want to thank you guys for always replying. Very much appreciated. I am still looking for new post I can help/answer, but all of them are above my paygrade...LOL I just got this car so this is all new to me.  But I'll get there.

[Chuck-68-Cam]

Here are those pictures Dave. And to be clear, it's the ball and socket that is not tight.

[camaronut]

The mirror is glued in place in four spots underneath the mirror.  If you can get MEK, place the entire mirror portion in a metal container and pour some MEK up to the ball.   Wait a day or so, and the mirror might fall out.  If not, I used fishing line and got it underneath and up again and gently pulled up on both ends of the line.  It should come off.  Tighten what you can where the ball is and reglue the mirror back with silicone. Just be careful using MEK….. it’s nasty stuff.

[Chuck-68-Cam]

Thanks. Kinda what I was thinking, the only difference was I was thinking heat. I have nothing to loose by searching and trying. I need a new one right now if it doesn't hold position. I'll let you guys known if I have success with anything...help out some others.

[David K]

The old college try might work, but I would buy a new one and move on. Then try your luck at the mirror trick. My2 cents.

[bertfam]

Tightening the ball stud might work with an original mirror (see instructions HERE), but (unless they've made a design change), the reproduction mirror isn't built the same way and doesn't have any adjustment. Is your mirror a factory original?

Ed

[Chuck-68-Cam]

Nice info there Ed. That is what I was hoping for. I have no idea if mine is original or not, never looked.

[Sauron327]

Tightening the ball stud might work with an original mirror (see instructions HERE), but (unless they've made a design change), the reproduction mirror isn't built the same way and doesn't have any adjustment. Is your mirror a factory original?

Ed

They do have adjustment. I own a shop and do this everyday. Most hobby people do not and have very little mechanical skills

[bertfam]

They do have adjustment. I own a shop and do this everyday.

This is a VERY common problem so would it be possible for you to give us a tutorial on how to adjust the repop mirrors? Maybe a few pictures too?

Ed

[169INDY]

Wow! #12     Yes, Please post a DIY
I did the glass replacement on mine, but a friend had a wobbly mirror and I always enjoy others-sharing Tip(s) & Trick(s) to improve most of my hobbyist skill set.