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Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2021 3:58 pm
by sprint95m
A very common problem on our cars is a split mounting boss rendering the interior mirror unuseable.
A while back there was this thread with assorted ideas.....
https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... lit=mirror
I am thinking about revisiting this topic because I have a broken mounting boss.
Having been told that a late Spitfire has the same mounting hole configuration but too short a stem
(the visors can't be properly used)
https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID0058 ... AeEALw_wcB
What I am toying with is using a Spitfire stem and mounting boss along with a bespoke spacer in conjunction with a Dolomite mirror
to allow the correct use of the sun visors.
One of my friends is really red hot at design and 3D printing so getting a spacer made won't be a problem.
What I am wondering is this, what is the likely demand if any, for such a spacer?
thanks
Ian.
Re: Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2021 11:26 pm
by new to this
Ian
I was going to get a new mirror mounting block made i was thinking off using alli,but 3D printing may be better idea,why cant you copy the original design
Dave
Aye…
Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2021 2:37 pm
by sprint95m
Dave, it may well be that I am over thinking this….
The boss is designed to fail if the mirror suffers impact.
By replacing the boss with a different material I won’t know what the failure point is.
Using the Spitfire boss should keep the failure point where it is designed to be.
There is mention of this in the thread that I posted a link to.
Thanks
Ian
Re: Aye…
Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2021 7:40 pm
by new to this
sprint95m wrote: ↑Sat Jun 26, 2021 2:37 pm
Dave, it may well be that I am over thinking this….
The boss is designed to fail if the mirror suffers impact.
By replacing the boss with a different material I won’t know what the failure point is.
Using the Spitfire boss should keep the failure point where it is designed to be.
There is mention of this in the thread that I posted a link to.
Thanks
Ian
Ian
The way i was going to make the mirror bracket,was drill a hole in the plastic base so the mirror stem fits inside and use grub screws to hold the stem in place that should be weak enough for the mirror to brake off if involved in an accident
Dave
Re: Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 3:52 pm
by xvivalve
Re: Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 8:07 pm
by new to this
Are they available to buy
Dave
Re: Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:08 pm
by Mad Mart
I can 3D print one! The only trouble is I only have orange atm with red on the way. I guess I can buy some black too.

Re: Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2021 11:53 am
by Mad Mart
Thanks to Andrew Dutton for the design.
I printed this one in PLA because that's all I have at the moment. Andrew suggests ABS which, I agree, would be better. This was a very tight fit, initially, but a bit of scraping with a scalpel soon had it fitting better. I think if I printed it on its edge rather than flat on the bed, I can get rid of the ridges on either side.

Re: Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2021 8:00 pm
by TrustNo1
I use Triumph 1300 mirrors, not for the purist but they fit and do the same job
Re: Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:54 pm
by captain_70s
I have a wingard mirror with a suction cup on it for extra stability. I think it's from a BL era Mini or Austin 1100 or something. The holes in the plinth lined up with the holes in the headlining perfectly.
Okay…
Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 6:58 pm
by sprint95m
So the answer is no.
For myself, I will try to use the Spitfire parts that I have.
Thanks
Ian
Re: Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2021 11:40 am
by captain_70s
Eh?
There is a free .stl file with the 3D model to print a new plinth just 5 posts up...
The failure point in the result of an accident in a car as flimsy and light as a Dolomite is of complete inconsequence. If you have a crash severe enough to throw you into the rear view mirror you're probably going to have the pedals coming up to break your knees or whatever you've hit coming through the door... As well as the force of the leverage due to the length of the arm being easily enough to shatter plastic under considerable force and the cup and ball mount swinging out of the way if not.
Re: Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2021 3:20 pm
by geeksteve
captain_70s wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 11:40 am
The failure point in the result of an accident in a car as flimsy and light as a Dolomite is of complete inconsequence. If you have a crash severe enough to throw you into the rear view mirror you're probably going to have the pedals coming up to break your knees or whatever you've hit coming through the door... As well as the force of the leverage due to the length of the arm being easily enough to shatter plastic under considerable force and the cup and ball mount swinging out of the way if not.
Even if it does come off as it should, the next stop for your face is the windscreen so your day is going to be slightly ruined either way!
Re: Alternative boss for interior rear view mirror?
Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2021 10:37 pm
by xvivalve
The 'failsafe' was designed prior to compulsory seat belt legislation, after which the likelihood of contact with the mirror was significantly reduced...for front seat passengers, at least.