Questions about re-chroming

[Larry S]

I want to do some re-chroming on my Ace 100B. Most of it is simple - headlight ring - front fender bracket, but a couple of pieces are giving me fits.

How do you remove the glass from the mirror without breaking it? How do you remove the internal parts from the horn/dimmer switch?

I know I'm probably hijacking my own thread, but Fred Guidi had some wonderful things to say about us (Hodaka people) in the current issue of the AHRMA newsletter Vintage Views.

Larry S

[Zyx]

The switch will probably come apart by bending tabs. Haven't looked at one in this half of a lifetime, so don't remember. The mirror most likely won't come apart. My guess is it is stamped into shape around the perimeter. While you might get it apart without breaking the glass, I doubt the mirror body would survive in a useable form. Better to buy new ones, which Paul just happens to have.

[rlkarren]

The switch comes apart easily. If memory serves, there is a very small screw on the underside holding it together. You can also re-solder new wires in place if you wish. Unscrew the screw and it all rotates out.

As far as the mirror... It can be done. But difficult to explain. You need to pull back only two sides and part or all of a third to get it to come out. It does not need to be pulled back very far either. Using a pair of pliers that can hook the edge next to the glass, make a firm grip and rotate the pliers downward so that the hooked end pulls up on the rim very slightly. repeat, repeat, repeat.... until it comes out. I might suggest using a piece of rubber on the pliers where the teeth engage the backside. Basically, you're doing a combination of raising the edge next to the rubber gasket and rolling the edge back. It does not need to go vary far.. maybe 1 - 1.5 mm. Eventually you can place a very small common screwdriver in between the rubber and the mirror and it will lift out. Remember, too much prying and it will break the glass. If it doesn't pry up freely, the edge needs more "rolling out". To replace it, simply put the glass int he rubber gasket, replace the whole thing and gently squeeze the edge back down with soft pliers so that you are pinching down on the rubber gasket only.

The other option is to get a new mirror, Honda part numbers 88120-041-811 and 88110-041-000, the mirror heads are exactly the same, and use the glass and rubber gasket from them.

I successfully removed the glass in my mirror so that I could get another piece cut. I haven't finished the project yet. Can't find glass thin enough that anybody will cut for me. I think I will use the second mirror option above to solve my mirror issue.

$0.02

Roger

[Larry S]

Thank you Shorty and Roger. I took your advice and worked very slowly and very carefully and got everything apart without breaking anything. Now, off to the chrome shop.

Larry S