Guest CaptainBristol Posted September 13, 2006 Share Posted September 13, 2006 Hello, allI need to remove the strip of stainless steel trim that runs just under the windows on the front doors of my 23rd Series Standard Eight. I want to do this so I can mount the side mirrors I got from Don Sommer. I have no idea how to get these trim pieces off safely; additionally, I have no idea how to get them back on after I affix the mirrors. I have attached a photo of my car, so you can see the trim strip I am referring to. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!All the best,Mark in Alaska Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted September 13, 2006 Share Posted September 13, 2006 Mark, Don't the mirrors normally mount on the door below the trim strip? If so, why do you need to take off the strip? If you want to mount them where the trim strip is, then you will need to modify the strip, unless Don supplies a special strip with his mirrors? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HH56 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 If you do take it off, it is held on by clips. Unfortunately, 2 different types and you may have one or other or both combined. First type is just a heavy wire spring that is pressed into a hole and shape and friction holds. Second type has a stud going thru the hole with nut inside door. After removing inner door panel, with glass up you can see which type and should be able to reach behind mechanism to get at them although it may take a bit of finesse. Unless you're luckier than I've ever been, the wire type will probably be rusted and may break when removed but various clips are available from Restoration Specialties hopefully in the size you need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CaptainBristol Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 Rick--Looking at photos of Packards from the 1948-50 era, I see the side mirrors were intended to be mounted on the trim strip below the windows. I have attached a page from a 1948 accessories brochure I spotted on Big Kev's website that shows where the mirrors were supposed to go. In my humble opinion, this is exactly why it's in all our best interests to share this documentation. The side mirror on my car is currently mounted on the door and I can't see anything worth a damn from it. The Don Sommer side mirrors (which are allegedly made from the original designs) are built to be affixed from the underside of the trim strips. All the best,Mark in Alaska Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 Okay, I've seen the mirrors that mounted with trim strip but I thought that type mirror was a factory option that required special trim strips that were made different? So, Don's mirrors will fit over the strip, that's great. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Hopefully when you get the door panel off you will be able to see what type clips or nuts hold the strip on. I know you were hopeing that you could do it all from the outside, but I'm sure you will need to take door handles and panel off to get to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Packards1 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 The mirrors do indeed mount on the staunless steel strip. No need to remove the chrome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twitch Posted September 15, 2006 Share Posted September 15, 2006 And as a side note there exist generic mirrors of the type that clamp on the door edge. My vehicle had those when I got it and I've seen identical new ones on Ebay for like $14 a pair which are part stainless and part chrome. Iv'e seen them and they look decent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted September 15, 2006 Share Posted September 15, 2006 Yes, It's hard to tell from your attached picture, Mark, (I enlarged it in Photoshop but still couldn't see it well) but it looks like the mirror is attached right at the door Edge, instead of back under the vent-window. Is that where Don's mirrors are supposed to attach? If it does, then maybe you won't have to take off door panel or the trim strip? If it's not obvious how it attaches then I would call Don and ask how he suggest it should be done. With what he charges, you are due Some tech-support. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> LOL <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernardi Posted September 15, 2006 Share Posted September 15, 2006 I need side mirrors for my 55 400. Does Don Sommer handle them? How can I contact him?Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randy Berger Posted September 15, 2006 Share Posted September 15, 2006 Souble-check with Brian. I believe he has had some problems with side mirrors from someone. Check with him first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Packards1 Posted September 15, 2006 Share Posted September 15, 2006 Don Sommer makes the mirrors. His company name is American Arrow Corp., Clawson , MI He will be at Hershey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted September 15, 2006 Share Posted September 15, 2006 Don's website:http://www.donsommer.com/aa/index.htmlIt doesn't show all that he has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CaptainBristol Posted September 15, 2006 Share Posted September 15, 2006 Rick, you can get a better view of the brochure by downloading it directly from Kevin's website, here:http://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/48%20Accessories.pdfMy Don Sommer mirrors are attached to the trim strip by means of a bolt through the strip's underside. Hence the need to remove the strips. The bolt is then screwed in to the mirror's underside. There is no way I can simply screw the mirrors down onto anything.I have bought some inexpensive mirrors off eBay. These are the kind that screw down onto the leading edge of the door. The mirror on the driver's side works fine--I can see what's behind me with no problems. But the mirror's placement on the passenger side door makes it impossible to see anything. No matter how I crane my neck I can't even see the mirror. I'm hoping the Don Sommer models will correct this deficiency. I really do prefer to be able to see what's behind the left AND right sides of the car. All the best,Mark in Alaska Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted September 15, 2006 Share Posted September 15, 2006 Okay, Thanks for the Info. The other picture of a door mount type mirror (in Brochure) is what made me think that it may be mounted from outside, since you can see what looks like 2 screw heads on outer mounting flanges. See Attachment: So I guess Don's are Not made like those originals ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted September 15, 2006 Share Posted September 15, 2006 I didn't notice the other picture of the mounted mirror until now. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> The original type sure looks like they just screwed on from Outside, with holes drilled thru strip into door? (No hidden bolts needed.) I wouldn't think that would be a very sturdy mounting, since the strip would tend to flatten and then the mirrors would get loose and let the mirrors bounce. So probably Don's mirrors were designed to correct that problem. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> See attachment: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now