body and interior Need Cage Nuts for drivers side mirror

[KFunk]

Is it possible to just reach from behind and put a regular nut on it?

[wegweiser]

Is it possible to just reach from behind and put a regular nut on it?

Nope. There's a second layer of steel, inhibiting access with a nut or tool, as I recall. I find this NLA cage nut business to be a super bummer. I think I have *one* left, in my stash. Better not lose that one.

[PaulTWinterton]

 

I think I have *one* left, in my stash. Better not lose that one.

 

Ha! I said the same thing.

[rdeeble]

problem solved!

https://vintageautobahn.wordpress.com/02-parts/

[KFunk]

Another dumb question:  Can they be removed/reused at all?  I'm just wondering if I need to be finding some too and putting in an order.  I know I have two in my old door, but the door that's currently at the body shop... well I don't know if it has them.  

[nbcbird]

They squash like a molly fastener for plasterboard, so they aren't easily reusable.  It might be possible to deform them enough to remove them from the original mounting hole, but I wouldn't depend on them providing a secure mount the second time around.

[rdeeble]

i think you can remove them...  but the good news is that they are being remanufactured aftermarket see post above

[harold]

Is it possible to just reach from behind and put a regular nut on it?

To correct the record, yes it is absolutely possible,  There is a corresponding clearance hole in the metal rail just behind the mounting holes.  That said, if you have the window installed, it would be impossible.  Just do it before installing anything else in the door.   It won't be particularly easy, but certainly do-able.  I just checked on my '76 doors which are in primer, and both passenger and driver's side have the clearance holes. 

 

It is what I intend to do, since I have only one set of the original cage nuts.

 

Harold

[KFunk]

To correct the record, yes it is absolutely possible,  There is a corresponding clearance hole in the metal rail just behind the mounting holes.  That said, if you have the window installed, it would be impossible.  Just do it before installing anything else in the door.   It won't be particularly easy, but certainly do-able.  I just checked on my '76 doors which are in primer, and both passenger and driver's side have the clearance holes. 

 

It is what I intend to do, since I have only one set of the original cage nuts.

 

Harold

 

Ah, thank you.  I will try to make sure this is done before the window goes back in the car.

[PaulTWinterton]

They squash like a molly fastener for plasterboard, so they aren't easily reusable. It might be possible to deform them enough to remove them from the original mounting hole, but I wouldn't depend on them providing a secure mount the second time around.

This is exactly what I mentioned in my previous post. I don't think they were intended to squash. I destroyed a few along the way, until I realized that moving the nut above the detente allowed the outer edges and the inner(nut) to converge on the door's sheetmetal to grip until firmly mounted. I've never had an issue since.

Take a look at the picture I posted on page1 of this topic.

[nbcbird]

If the fasteners weren't intended to squash, why did the factory install them that way?

[PaulTWinterton]

If the fasteners weren't intended to squash, why did the factory install them that way?

 

 

I don't know?   I wondered that myself.  

 

The détentes are not very pronounced so sometimes one side will hold and the other won't.  This causes an asymmetrical squash, destroying the cage nut.   One of BMWs lesser quality parts IMO.

 

Edit: I suppose that if the cage distorts perfectly, the nut is held firmly below the détentes.   Then the added distorted cage, along with the nut, abuts the sheetmetal to give a more secure fit.   I never found this to be an absolute scenario.   More luck than technique.

Edited January 23, 2016 by PaulTWinterton

[ibjettin]

problem solved!

https://vintageautobahn.wordpress.com/02-parts/

 

Were you able to buy just the nuts from them?

[rdeeble]

Were you able to buy just the nuts from them?

 

I was actually, they were not cheap as small parts go, but he was willing to sell them individually.  I had two good mirrors already otherwise I might of purchased the whole thing as they look beautiful.

[ibjettin]

I was actually, they were not cheap as small parts go, but he was willing to sell them individually.  I had two good mirrors already otherwise I might of purchased the whole thing as they look beautiful.

 

Thank you, I did shoot them a email and they don't have any spares at the moment but asked that I check back in a couple weeks. I'm in the same boat! My mirror is a perfect original, and although the mirror they offer is really nice (saw them at the Brisbane show), I would rather use what I have.