Heavy mirror above medicine cabinet

[titleists]

We have a 2006 25' Safari and it has a heavy mirror that is top mounted above the medicine chest. When I opened it this weekend the hinge on the right side gave way and was just held by the hinge on the left side. I was able to close it, and it stays in place, but it is now unusable space. Has anyone else had this problem and if so, how did you fix it? Thanks.

[richg]

I had this happen on my 2004 classic, I believe I put longer screws thru the hinge into the frame.

[tinhut]

I also had the heavy mirror problem. I tried using longer screws and other that were only a short term fix. What i did next was a permanent solution. I removed the heavy
mirror and replaced with a smaller one that I centralized with the cabinet door. This left about 8 inches on each side and 4 inches on the top and bottom exposed with glue from the larger mirror. I ended up covering this area with shish ka bob sticks running vertically with the door. I then varnished the sticks. End results: no more door issues and the wife still has plenty of mirror to do her thing. Looks good and have had a few positive comments. Also a serious weight drop.

[Ntex]

Originally Posted by tinhut

I also had the heavy mirror problem. I tried using longer screws and other that were only a short term fix. What i did next was a permanent solution. I removed the heavy
mirror and replaced with a smaller one that I centralized with the cabinet door. This left about 8 inches on each side and 4 inches on the top and bottom exposed with glue from the larger mirror. I ended up covering this area with shish ka bob sticks running vertically with the door. I then varnished the sticks. End results: no more door issues and the wife still has plenty of mirror to do her thing. Looks good and have had a few positive comments. Also a serious weight drop.

This is an old thread, but I am having the same problem on our 2004 classic. When the mirror door was standing open, it just suddenly gave way on one side and two screws fell out. I was able to get it closed and haven't examined fully to know if the hinge mechanism or strut is twisted or otherwise damaged. I am reluctant to open it to see. It is very heavy. Has anyone found a permanent solution short of removing the mirror?

[litlgeezer]

This must be quiet a large mirror?

[ROBERT CROSS]

I removed the stripped hinge and screws, filled the stripped screw holes with wooden tooth picks covered with Elmer's wood glue, stuff 'em in tight!! Let dry....break off TP ends. Carefully re-thread the filled holes before mounting the mirror.
Using a toothpick fill the mount holes with MarineTex, let partially set, coat the threads of the wood screws with dielectric grease, replace screws and let MT cure. Remove screws, you now have some pretty strong threads.

The Elmer's trick is an old one,(you might try that first, if holes not too big), the MarineTex is a newer addition.

Bob

[Silver Goose]

Originally Posted by litlgeezer

This must be quiet a large mirror?

If this is the same as the one on mine, it measures 33x14 and is held in place by a pair of wood screws into the cabinet face for each hinge bracket. I haven't seen these screws loosening up on mine yet, but can see if they did they would probably pull out with a chance of wrecking something particularly if it came apart going down the highway. As PM I have added on my todo list to replace the wood screws with machine screws that pass through the cabinet and are secured on the back side with nylon insert locknuts and either suitable washers or a small metal backing plate. I had considered installing a piano hinge along the top of the mirror, but I believe the screws and nuts will be a simpler solution.

[Ntex]

Originally Posted by Silver Goose

If this is the same as the one on mine, it measures 33x14 and is held in place by a pair of wood screws into the cabinet face for each hinge bracket. I haven't seen these screws loosening up on mine yet, but can see if they did they would probably pull out with a chance of wrecking something particularly if it came apart going down the highway. As PM I have added on my todo list to replace the wood screws with machine screws that pass through the cabinet and are secured on the back side with nylon insert locknuts and either suitable washers or a small metal backing plate. I had considered installing a piano hinge along the top of the mirror, but I believe the screws and nuts will be a simpler solution.

Thanks for the good ideas on how to beef up the screws. I like having the mirror, but it is so large and heavy I was considering removing it.

[mandolindave]

My mirror unit also had a medicine cabinet. ( Very heavy )One side came loose, and almost tore completely off. I removed it. I don't need a mirror because I am very ugly. i am thinking about using HD velcro to attach a cheap, light, small mirror

[dstalzer]

The mirror in my 2005 Classic is extremely heavy also. The PO had broken the mechanism that held it up on the left side. After doing some research, I found Lift-O-Mat Gas Springs, Model 100N at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. I attached one to each side of the mirror and this helps by lifting and supporting the mirror when it is opened. Because the struts are on both sides there is no torque on the hinges like there was with the one bracket on the left side that held the mirror up.

Dennis

[dirigible25]

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f38/...de-104507.html

This is what I did to get rid of the heavy mirror and make it easier for my wife to open. It now has 3 vertical doors, framed in red oak and stained to match the rest of the interior wood.

[Ridgerunner3]

Originally Posted by dirigible25

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f38/...de-104507.html

This is what I did to get rid of the heavy mirror and make it easier for my wife to open. It now has 3 vertical doors, framed in red oak and stained to match the rest of the interior wood.

Very nice. I really like what you have done.

[dmslawson]

I replace the two corner hinges with a "piano hinge" and so far it seems to work. I'll bet someone else has posted this solution previously, but just thought I'd add it again if necessary.