Rear view mirror replace restore?

[JOZW30]

Rear view mirror mounted above windshield for a 72 442. The silvering is going bad, does anyone make just the glass? Has anyone taken one of these apart?

I've seen the chrome backed type reproduced, but I have the black housing type.

What's the best way to make this look new?

Thanks

Joe

[3macs1]

Hi Joe:
We just had the mirror changed in one for a 68 impala which would be very similiar to the olds just not as long. The local auto glass shop did the work with no problems. I cannot tell it was ever apart. Did not cost that much either $28.00 they charged me which was better than looking for a nos one. Worth a try.
take care
Joe

[P.J.]

No one I know can reproduce that bevelled glass for your windshield rear view mirror so I took
mine apart and had the glass re silvered at a Mirror plating company. It cost me about 36 dollars for 3 Mirrors.
They are difficult to take apart but if you are real carefull
you can take a heat gun and heat the back of the Mirror
untill the glue becomes pliable and then jently lift the rubber form the steel with a thin flat screw driver to start the parting and continue to heat the steel periodicly
to maintain the heat on the steel. Continue to strip the rubber off of the steel.Then when it comes off you need to heat the back of the rubber untill the glass comes off of the rubber.Be verry carefull not to over heat the rubber as it will start burning. Before you take apart your own mirror I would suggest that you practice on your friends mirror. Or another mirror that is no good.Clean the rubber
with a paint thinner untill it is looking new. Then polish the stainless back untill it shines again to your liking. Use crazy glue to put it back first the mirror on the rubber and then the rubber on the steel. Be quick about it as the glue sets fast. I have done about 6 already and they came out better than GM made them.
Remember to use gloves and dont forget to lubricate the swivel before you reassemble.
Good luck
PJ

[3macs1]

Hi PJ:
No bevelled glass in ours just a flat mirror. May be the newer ones are different meaning 69 and up. I just checked my 66 and it is flat for sure also, no rubber and I can see the edges square.

[P.J.]

Joe
I was responding to the first post re the 72 mirror I guess
its like my 70 chevelle.
Yours is different and probably easier to restore.
Thanks
PJ

[3macs1]

Old is good sometimes. I see what you mean on the other style however.