Durant mirror glass replacing

[Jens Herman]

Hi all,
I have searched the forum but I'm specifically looking for the correct 'trick' HOW to remove the original glass from the mirror case and install a new one in place on an original Durant mirror.

Thanks for your responses
Jens

[Bruce Smith]

It depends on which mirror you've got, but with some it's an interference fit with the seal. I've done this on a 911 Durant mirror, and you might find some tips online if you search 911/912. If yours is broken, it will come out easier than if its whole. You could get replacement glass cut at a good glass shop, or online with dimensions. I think I got glass from Stoddard, but can't remember. The seal will be harder to find if yours can't be reused.

[Jens Herman]

Hello Bruce, thanks for your response. It is about a small durant mirror on my 1963 B T6. Some small pieces of the original glass were broken and previous owner glued a new mirror over it. But not really in a nice way. Therefore I want to replace everything.

[Mike Wilson]

The Durant mirror glass is held in like the glass on gauges with the rim curved over it like the gauge bezels. No plastic retaining ring. So, to remove the glass, you have to bend back the lip of the mirror housing. In the pics, I used a small pair of duck bill pliers to accomplish that. The challenge will be getting a smooth resealing of the housing. Since it is stainless steel, it is harder to work with than a gauge bezel.

In the one pic, you can see I replaced the factory "nut" with a hex nut to tighten the head to the base. I know a lot of us have encountered a loosening of the head to the base. Considering the effort and end product, it might be better to purchase a replacement mirror.

Mike

[Bruce Smith]

Mike's advice is better than mine. The later 911/912 mirrors are different.

[Jim Liberty]

Buy a new one and be done with it. I tried to replace the glass years ago, and the finished product looked awful. That said, you may be a lot more talented than I. ...............Jim.

[Mike Wilson]

Exactly why the one in the pic is in a box...

Mike

[Thomas Sottile]

Some folks feel an original part is the Holy Grail

[Ronald Sieber]

Thomas:
I may be holding the Holy Grail, because I have what looks to be an original Durant in my hand. Three stars on it, "Made in Germany" in a half circle. Is that the Durant trademark?

The metal looks to be excellent, but I haven't cleaned it yet. The mirror has a smattering of tiny spots, probably mildew. I would not bust this apart to clean that off, or even replace the mirror, but rather, just drive with it. Why ruin an original?

Jens: I'm going to sell this. PM me if you want to look at it.

Regards,
=rds

[Jens Herman]

To Mike and others; thank you all for your responses and shared experiences on this topic. This all made me decide to leave the original for what it is and go for a genuine Durant repro with convex glass. Thanks again to everyone here,
Jens

[Mike Wilson]

We're here to help each other, Jens.

Mike