How's about some input on mounting mirrors?

[rick1956]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie here and wondered if I could do a little brainstorming with the rest of you.

I've got a plain Jane 84 C-10 sittin' in my driveway with some kind of horrendous looking aftermarket mirrors from Schuck's or Whitneys or something equally ugly mounted on it.

I while back I hit up a local boy for some parts, and in addition to a new windshield, scored a couple of gennie clamshell mirrors that everyone on here seems to love to hate. See, I want mirrors that function--Not mirrors that I can't see diddly out of.

The question is, what's everyone's preferred method of mounting said items? The original mirrors were apparently not the standard variety so I need new holes.

I may end up just drilling small pilot holes and punching them larger (my preferred method for maximum sheet metal to screw contact) for the time being, but has anyone done anything different? Seems to me the factory uses riv-nuts--Is that right? I'm thinking that would be the optimum setup regardless.

While we're on the subject, what's a good way to lay out the holes without interfering with stuff on the underside of the door skin? Anyone got any good measurement tricks?

Just trying to get input. I like things to be mechanically sound. Nothin' I hate worse than having to toss someone a sheepish look because I had something simple crap out on me.

Thanks folks!

[N2TRUX]

rick1956- Welcome to the forum. You mention you have a set of "gennie clamshell mirrors ". Could you show us pics? If these are what is commonly referred to as "dumbo" mirrors I can post pics that show where to mount them. Regardless of what mirror you have the mounting points need to be reinforced. If you don't use a threaded insert, you should use a backing plate. The door skin will crack if you don't.

[rick1956]

Thanks N2, Yep, they're the dumbo mirrors all right... I guess I was in denial and didn't want to badmouth em...

I'm aware of the need for reinforcement, that's why when working with sheet metal I always, as a bare minimum, punch my holes so it creates a "funnel" effect and more screw surface area. I'd rather do better than that on these though.

Apparently, the threaded inserts, or riv-nuts is the way to go eh?

[84 400]

I gotta agree with you on being able to see. I love the look of the factory sport mirrors I have on my 77 but they sure don't work anywhere near as well as the "dumbos" on my 84.

[N2TRUX]

Oh there is no dowubt the factory sport mirrors are there for decoration at best. The dumbo's are the way to go if you use your truck as a truck.

I understand what you are saying about punching your holes. I just don't feel that is enough. At minimium I would use the " riv-nuts", "nut-serts", etc style of fastner. Personally I prefer overkill and would use the factory style internal bracing as well.

PM me an email address and I will send a file for a mounting template.

[Slonaker]

Doesn't the factory mirror use a reinforcing plate behind the mounting points, inside the door?

Slonaker

[OJOE]

the factory uses 2 inserts and a reinforcment rod that runs from the third hole to the inside panel. this would be the upper hole closest to vent window

[dswancutt]

The nut zert, rivnut is still available from GM. It is Part #367292, Group 16.069, list price of $2.67. The bolt is part #14007511 Group 16.069, list price of $2.91