I was wondering if anybody have used a self tightening screw without a washer or bolt. My dad is old school and he wants to try the method. I prefer using screw with washer & bolt. I look at my 72 csm & am and neither talk about sport mirrors beside about drilling holes. Any help is appreciated.

 

Never heard of a 'self tightening' screw. Are you trying to describe a bolt with a locking flange head? The sport mirrors on the A bodies attach with regular rounded head flat blade screws. If you want to give them a better chance of staying put just add a drop of loctite 243 to the thread and be done with it.

 

Allan, what I meant by self tightening screw. My dad bought a phillip head screw from the hardware store that fit through the gasket holes and install driver side mirror. keep in mind there is no nut that tighten it up. He screwed it until it tighten itself. I fell there should be a washer & nut with it. Maybe am wrong.

 

self tapping screw I think is what you mean

 

If "self tapping" is what the O.P. really means, I would NOT recommend using them. The mass of the mirror head will cause a rocking motion that will eventually cause the screws to pull out of the thin sheetmetal. Keep in mind that GM always tries to build cars as cheaply as possible. If the less expensive self-tapping screws worked, GM would have used them from the factory.

 

RetroRanger those are the exact some screws my dad used. Joe, I liked your thought about GM would have used them from the factory. Back to my original question. Should I use bolts with washer and nuts on both mirrors? That is what the factory used right? If anybody have any pictures that would be great. Thanks.

 

I guess it's safe to say washers are needed according to some pictures I obtained online. Even though pictures don't show a nut am sure they requires them to tighten the mirror.

 

so, would you have to remove the door panel just to put the mirror on? In order to install a nut with a bolt I mean. Those factory screws look like sheet metal screws to me, no nut.

 

Yes, especially with the drivers side because of the remote control feature. There is also a stiffener that goes on the inside of the passenger side door skin (not shown in your pictures btw) so that panel needs to come off also, if you want to do it right.

 

I already have both panels off. I had to install new door locks about a month ago. I never put them back on because am waiting until both mirrors are installed. Allan, can you send me a picture of the stiffener thing your talking about. Thanks..

 

Here you go. They are reproduced. clik the link - it goes to the web page at ILT - motorcitysupercars.
70-71-72 442 W-30 Cutlass W-31 sport mirrors support

 

I got that picture online today too. I wasn't sure if that was the piece you were referring to. I will check with fusick to see if they carry them. Thanks Allan..