Mirror mounts

[theduke]

Looking for advice, both easy, quick fixes and full restore fixes. the mount for my right side rearview mirror is stripped out. thought about tapping a new thread, but would i have to do the same on the other side to match mirrors? are there clamp- on mirrors available unitl i can do a full fix?
TIA

[CatatonicBug]

You could drill it out and helicoil the hole to put the proper thread back in. I've never done it myself, but I know it's not uncommon.

[randy]

Don't recall which side is which, but we have two different threads. One side is a normal thread, the other is a left handed thread. (lefty-tighty instead of righty-tighty)

[dbeardslee]

I just checked on old Betsy, and the bad news is the right-hand mirror has a left-hand thread. I've seen references to left-hand helicoils, but they're hard to find. If you can find 'em Helicoil or permacoil will fix it. I've used the permacoil kits on several occassions, and they work great. A little cheaper than helicoil, but you have to supply a drill bit of the proper size. Might be easier to find a right-hand to left-hand mirror adapter and just tap the mount with a right-hand thread and the appropriate helicoil. Of course then you'll need the appropriate spacer for the other side to get the mirrors at the same height.

[randy]

Or, use a right hand helicoil and install new mirrors, The standard sets are a lot easier to find than the L/R combos and you have more style choices. I remember when I installed my set I wanted square mirrors like the special, but long stems to give me a better view 'cause i'm a bit tall. I wound up buying two sets and cutting threads on one of the stalks. What a PITA, but I got the look I wanted. There is also a L/R conversion adapter available to change the right hand thread to a left hand thread.

[dbeardslee]

Randy - sounds like what I have on mine. Clear view or something or other mirrors that came with the adapters. Had to put longer stemmed mirrors on 'cause I got tired of seeing my shoulders every time I looked in the mirror .

I did a little looking around, and found an outfit that makes left-hand thread repair kits. I don't know anything about 'em, but here's the link - http://www.metricscrew-toolco.com/pg157.html. Contact info is at the bottom of the page.

[bikerphil]

R/S mirror stripped out

Yep, I had that problem too due to previous owner. What I did is drilled a hole from the side, tapped some threads, and put a set screw thru to tighten down against the stripped shaft. Works fine for me.

[theduke]

thanks for the input! definitely got ruined when the PO tried to put the mirror on w/o realizing the left-hand threads. probably will go with long stems also cause im 6'3", and like the idea of the set screw phil. thanks again.
and thanks for the link dbeardslee.

[theduke]

btw, does anybody know off the top of your head i'd need for the helicoil or permacoil kits? its a 79f.

[dbeardslee]

Duke - Not sure what size kit you'd need. I think it's a 10mm X 1.25, but I wouldn't swear to it. I took one of mine off and I know the pitch is 1.25, but I didn't have a die that would fit the thread. Maybe someone else knows.

On the mirrors I got mine from Mikes XS (part #Part #16-3008). They're both right hand-thread and come with an adapter and a spacer that you won't need if you tap it right hand. $24 for a set - great mirrors that really let you see what's behind you.

[theduke]

thanks dbeardslee.
also curious about replacing the bolt for the gas tank. can't find the specs on the size in my manual or on the yamaha site. any takers?

[dbeardslee]

Duke - It's got a 12mm head, and I think it's an 8mm X 1.25, but again, not sure. Might be 8X1. Unfortunately where Betsy's sitting right now I can't take the seat off, or I would give you a more definitive answer. When I need replacement bolts I usually take what I have up to ace hardware. They have a little bolt size thing in the hardware isle, and I just keep trying to screw 'em in 'till I find a hole they like.

[Korr]

You could try putting on bar-end mirrors. They are about 20 bucks a pair!

[oldyam80sg]

Bar end mirrors are the way to go.I have a set on my ZRX.I didnt think i would like them but they are easy to get used to.Am currently looking at a set on a ZRX message board for $100.00.A little steep but i think you can get them cheaper.Check out a website www.constructorsrg.com

[theduke]

thanks again, dbeardslee, that should get me what i need. there's an Ace down the street, of which i'm a frequent customer. i think i can narrow it down with what you gave me.

thanks for the tips on bar-end. definitely something to look into!