Vanity mirror hinge repair complete

[bustedknuckles]

I noticed after a ride yesterday one of my vanity mirror hinge pin had broken. I thought about the idea that had been brought to light about using a piece of piano hinge to make the repair. So, I tried it and here are pictures of the repair. The use of a Dremel tool was all that was needed.
A little black paint and no one would even notice this was repaired.

[dandiver]

I had no need for the mirror, but wanted to save it for my bikes "next" owner, so i just removed it completely, along with the 6 CD changer in the right bag.. Maybe the next owner will want or need them. Seemed that by loading the container, I put the mirror in jeopardy when it was time to close!

[motorman587]

I did the same with advise that I learned here. Fixed mine the same way.

[Dick]

Looks like ya one-upped them injun-ears, Stephen.

She's good to go forever now - good job.

BTW - don't forgit to snub off the points on them leetle screws --- they'll chew up anythang you put in the compartment back there. DAMHIK! ;)

[bustedknuckles]

Gotya Dick, Ground them off flush with the nuts. Loaded all the "stuff" back in and closed the lid.

[wcarter]

I repaired mine the same way, except I did not bother to remove the piece from the topcase lid. Another great tip from this list.

I realized as I began that the hinge point was a little different from the original setup. I fastened the hinge to the mirror first, then put the mirror on the magnet to locate the attachment points in the topcase lid.

I used a shiny brass hinge. I don't think I'll bother painting it. I sort of like the contrast. [OK, the truth is I'm too cheap to buy a can of matte black paint.]

[WAL]

I noticed after a ride yesterday one of my vanity mirror hinge pin had broken. I thought about the idea that had been brought to light about using a piece of piano hinge to make the repair. So, I tried it and here are pictures of the repair. The use of a Dremel tool was all that was needed.
A little black paint and no one would even notice this was repaired.
Thanks for the pictures mine also is broken and I will probably fix it the same way. It really is poorly made as far as durability goes so replacing it will only postpone fixing it as you have described.

[meese]

Same here, Dan. My trunk mirror, CD changer, radio, and main mirrors all live in a box in the garage. The next owner can put them all back on if he wants.

[Tbird]

Man!...I forgot there even was a vanity mirror back there in the topbox. I gotta go look at it again.

Ken, You sayeth your main mirrors are not on the bike?!? Did you doll up the area where they were to somehow make it look finished...or does the area just look like they got lopped off? Either way...got a pic???

Just wondering,

Tom

[Zotter]

You that've done this - you prefer to use a screw 'n nut or a pop-rivet on that there piano hinge?

[Dick]

You that've done this - you prefer to use a screw 'n nut or a pop-rivet on that there piano hinge?
Tate - I just used the small brass screws that came with the hinge. They went thru the plastic easy, using a smallish screwdriver, and I then cut off the stickin'-out part of each one so's not to maul anythang inside the vanity compartment. Pop rivet would sure work, as long as it didn't have much of a 'stickin'-out' part inside!! My hinge has been there for several years and I use the mirror a lot - checkin' on helmet hair and bugs in the teeth, ya know!! :D

[bustedknuckles]

I used very small screws with nuts. I don't think you would be able to use pop rivets, as you would need to grind off the protruding end inside the small compartment.

[jorawro]

I just completed mine using pop rivets (very small size) and have no interior intrusion.

[cws]

The little plastic cover over the side pin of the vanity mirror broke on mine within a week of picking up the bike, and it was replaced under warranty. As it seemed to be caused by me loading the trunk and pressing it down to close with something hard (helmet?) putting pressure on these weak plastic parts, I've glued a strip of old mouse mat rubber over each clip. As its about 3mm thick it provides just enough protection that I can safely apply some pressure without it snapping the flimsy clip. So far so good....

[meese]

No covers. Just pulled the mirrors and use the RS handlebar mirrors instead. I keep thinking about making a full fairing bra, but haven't had the time to play with it.

[grifscoots]

And that would be a triple F cup?

[hschisler]

No covers. Just pulled the mirrors and use the RS handlebar mirrors instead. I keep thinking about making a full fairing bra, but haven't had the time to play with it.Photo, please? Inquiring minds want to know what this looks like.

[meese]

Here's the pic. You can also see my GPS screen, the shelf on the right handlebar for my GPS, and my toolbox tube under the right saddlebag.

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/7/8/Buttonwillow.jpg

[hschisler]

Here's the pic. You can also see my GPS screen, the shelf on the right handlebar for my GPS, and my toolbox tube under the right saddlebag.
Thanks!

Now:
1. What windshield do you have?
2. The toolbox tube idea looks interesting. Do you have any notes/comments on how you did it, what you might do differently, etc.? What holds the (I assume) rolled-up tool pouch in the tube?
3. Can we get a photo of your bike, head-on, so we can see the mirrors from the front angle?

[KMC1]

Yep, Mine broke also.
Thanks for the idea, I almost threw it away but my SO got that look in her eye when I started for the garbage can.. I THOUGHT it was my bike!