velvac mirrors

erictw · #1 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008, 10:40 PM

Hi, my box van (and apparently quite a few others) has the velvac towing mirrors, one of which is not staying in position. Can this be adjusted? It is a '98 E350 former ryder truck.
thanks
Eric

MuddyAxles · #2 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008, 04:35 PM

What you mean by "velvac" mirrors, but I'm thinking they're the old style truck-like mirrors mounted on a tubular frame with a stamped steel backing/holder for the glass. If that is the style, I'm quite familiar with them; they've been used for years.

So if that is the style, they can be adjusted if the ball and socket are not rusted up. On the back of the mirror there are three screws holding a collar that is inside between the glass and the backing putting tension on the ball. I have had some luck tightening those screws to cause enough increased friction to hold the mirror in place. If not, I have seen replacements in parts stores and truck stops for sale.

MuddyAxles · #3 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008, 04:42 PM

Does your mirror look like this? It is similar to that I explained and I think you could try the same with the screws either side of the ball stud. Again, I have seen these for sale for not a lot of money and pretty easy to bolt on.

erictw · #4 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008, 06:17 PM

thanks! No, mine are the ones between those and the ones used now. They are a single tube mounting in the corner 0f the window, like in the current ones. If you check ebay under velvac they'll come up, at huge prices. I am sure that the mechanics are similar, I'll disassemble them next chance I get and see what's up.
Eric