Frustrated with Flamed Billet Interior Mirror!

[jlsl1081]

I purchased the extreme billet flamed mirror (with the top flames) from Moss Motors ($129). I installed it recently and I am very unhappy with it. First of all let me say that I love the style of the mirror, but I’m having the same problem as another member in our local PT Cruiser club had.

Every time I go over a bump in the road, I have to readjust the mirror because it “falls down”. And then when I try to readjust it, the mirror comes loose either where it connects to the mounting post or where the mounting post screws into the mounting bracket that attaches to the windshield. It is a major pain in the a**. My main focus when I’m driving is trying to keep the mirror straight and tightened. This is not a very safe situation. Also, I didn’t over tighten or strip it when installing it.

The problem appears to be in the design of this mirror. Either/and:

1) The main flame mirror part is too heavy for the post and it pulls it down.
2) The mirror screws into the mounting post and then the mounting post screws into the mounting bracket on the windshield. So when you try to turn the mirror to adjust it, it unscrews itself at either of these two points. (The OEM mirror for the Cruiser has no screw points, therefore, it never came loose. It is all one piece.)

I don't necessarily want to return this mirror. I love the styling of it. I want to find a way to make it work. Plus I’m not sure if Moss Motors will refund my money.

The other member in our club recently removed his, because he figured in the snow and ice this winter the mirror would never stay in place.

The mounting post that comes with the mirror has a short and a long screw attached to each side. I had been running the short screw side into the windshield mounting bracket, and the long screw side into the mirror. I decided to try to reverse this, but it was worse. The mirror really wanted to come loose then. Anyone that owns one of these, which way do you recommend it be mounted?

This mirror is made by Trenz company & they make a smaller version of the mirror. So I'm thinking maybe the smaller mirror would weight less and possibly not pull down the mounting post. However I’m not sure how the smaller mirror would look in the Cruiser.

Has anyone who owns this mirror experienced these problems? If so, what have you done about it? I emailed Trenz company tonight for their advice.

Would I buy this mirror again? At this point, definately NOT! However I'll hold off judgement to see if the problems can be resolved.

Thanks for your help.
John

[AndyKay]

How about trying a couple of drops of thread locker (I think the LocTite 'Blue' is the non-permanent one). Maybe that would hold the locking screws tight enough so they don't loosen up every time you hit a speed bump.

[Rolo]

Andy beat me to it, try the Loc-tite 242.

I like that style too; does yer buddy wanna get rid of his mirror? heh

[PT4U2NV]

Did you ever think of putting a prop under the mirror from the floor up ? Guarantee it will not fall down after that !! All joking aside John ...is it possible to drill / tap a second hole at all and put another set screw on the post so you will have 2 screws holding it in position ???

[FranksredPT]

I've got the same mirror but haven't had any problems(so far).

[jlsl1081]

Thanks folks for the suggestions. In fact, I had picked up some Blue Threadlocker, #24200, made by Permatex. I just didn't want to use it yet until I heard back from Trenz Co. Unfortunately they didn't get back to me today.

Rick: Putting a 2nd screw into the post might be tough to do. I think I'll try the Threadlocker first.
redhotpt: You must have some smooth roads down there in NC!

On a side note I contacted a company called "Billet Specialties". This company sells a billet flamed mirror similarr to the one that Trenz makes (the one sold by Moss.) Here's a link to Billet Spec's mirror: http://www.billetspecialties.com/ite...pid=566&rdir=1
Their mirror costs $109. Personally I like the style of the Trenz mirror better. It's a little more "radical" looking. However I received an email from Scott Sandoval, the Marketing Manager at Billet Spec. He told me that they use a similar mounting system as the Trenz mirrors, & that their company recommends you use loc-tite when installing the mirror. He also stated that their company stands behind their mirrors 100% and that if I had the same problem with theirs that I'm having with my Trenz, they would replace it for me no problem. He even gave me his personal email address. Now that's what I consider customer service from a company. He was trying to help me with my Trenz mirror problem and it wasn't even his product. I hope I can say the customer service is just as good from Trenz (or possibly Moss Motors), when I'm through with my problem.

[joseph szostek jr]

I have the flamed mirror that has the flames out the side made by trenz and bought thru moss also, trenz supplied a adapter that slides over your existing mirror mount and my mirror has never come loose its been on for long time their heavy billet aluminum.

[NSCR FAN]

You really need to contact Moss Motors. I've purchased several items from them and had a couple of quality related problems. Their customer service has been excellent. I think you need to give them a chance to recitfy the problem before you start "fixing" things yourself. My $.02.

[Rolo]

Originally Posted by jlsl1081

Personally I like the style of the Trenz mirror better. It's a little more "radical" looking.

I agree! The other product is a mirror with flames, the Trenz product is flames with a mirror!

I was going to hold off on getting it (will it not match the stock chrome stuff?), but I think I will wind up ordering one this weekend, heh.

[FranksredPT]

Maybe jlsl1081 will sell you his.