47-55.1 47 - 53 Rearview Mirror

[No Handle Sam]

Does anyone know of a convex rear view mirror that still looks period correct for the AD trucks?

[mr48chev]

In/ out what mount?

The best mirriors on and AD truck are the ones you don't notice the first time you look at it. By don't notice I mean that they look like they belong there from the start.

[No Handle Sam]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

In/ out what mount?

The best mirriors on and AD truck are the ones you don't notice the first time you look at it. By don't notice I mean that they look like they belong there from the start.

I agree. That's why I said "still looks period correct". But I would like to have the additional visibility that a convex mirror offers. Especially with the original inside mirror having such a limited view. It's almost as if the thing would have a better angle if it were mounted on the dash rather then at the top of the windshield?

[mr48chev]

You can't see much of anythign with the inside mirror mounted on the dash.

I keep looking at these polished stainless mirror arms for 67/69 Trucks https://www.classicparts.com/1967-69...ctinfo/58-120/

https://www.classicparts.com/1967-69...ctinfo/58-119/

The big truck guys sell 5 inch round flat or convex mirrors that would go right on those like this. https://www.zoro.com/velvac-stainles...CABEgICwfD_BwE

I've got 67/69 doors that I got for my 71 and plan to run those arms and similar mirror heads on it. Those doors because a friend found them for me dirt cheap and they are some of the nicest 67/72 door shells I have seen.

A guy would have to make backer plates to go inside the doors to support them right but that is real easy to do Just cut a couple of pieces of maybe 1/4 inch flat bar that you could drill and tap and maybe even hold in place inside the door with some epoxy or double back tape.

[Tempest67]

Sam, I liked the look of these swan necks from Speedway, but the pass. side would not adjust to make it useful, so I picked up a 5 in convex and stuck it on the glass.

just an idea

[mr48chev]

I've got those same swan neck mirrors for my 48. I don't have vent wings but Tempest 67's photos show that they have the look I want.

[MARTINSR]

I have to say I was moving in a 2022 Corvette the other day at work (it hit a deer and had only 99 miles on it) and I was BLOWN AWAY by the center rearview mirror. It was a video off a camera over the center of the rear window. I wish I could show you the video, I posted it on facebook. Maybe you can? https://www.facebook.com/brian.marti...4462688032012/

It is so awesome it's crazy! It was bright lit even when it was dark outside!

Brian

[Rickysnickers]

Just looked Brian. Says the content isn't available.

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

Just looked Brian. Says the content isn't available.

Didn't think it would work, I couldn't down load it to my computer, don't understand. Anyway, it looks just like a normal mirror, but it's a video screen. It is amazing!

Brian

[MARTINSR]

This video gives you a good idea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZxqYjOuwpc

Brian

[72Mountaineer]

How do you open the wing windows with those swan neck mirrors?

[Tempest67]

there is no lack of air movement is these cabs with the windows down and the the cowl vent open (and the back window too ..... ha ha)

[leegreen]

Please tell us more about this opening back window!

[Tempest67]

good eye.

I used the hardware from the sliding door of an Astro Van, and had a larger window made, but, unfortunately it seems to draw in hot air, so I don't use it that often.

[joedoh]

thats such a great mod. I wanted to do that on my 65 only have it open on the top.

[leegreen]

very nice.
My immediate thought was how cool dual swing out windshields would look on an AD. But then I remembered where the wipers are and how many hours I put into making electric wiper bolt int

[Tempest67]

Model A's had a flip out windshield from the bottom, and the wiper (vacuum) was on the top.

That is what is great about doing these old trucks, anything goes. Make it the way you want it, there is no wrong way, and no bad idea, if you like it, that is all that matters.

[leegreen]

I took Mr48chev's suggestion and went with 67-72 chev truck sport mirror arms and added AD style round mirrors:



The arms are intended for a flat surface and would rock on the round AD doors. They are stainless and there is enough material to grind a concave into them, but I chose to cut a thick rubber filler to go inside them. Also bent some SS plate to match curve of inside the door and tapped mounting holes:


The arm sits close enough to flush on the door


The passenger side arm is a bit more than an inch longer than driver which moves the mirror back a bit to clear the vent window divider bar so the mirror mount holes can spaced back the same on both sides....just far enough back to clear the vent window swing.

I'm happy with the look. And the mirrors seems to provide pretty good view, at least in the garage. Once I get it on the road the pass side may get a convex mirror or I may go to larger mirrors on the same arms. Truck stores will have a variety of diameters

At some future point I might fabricate mirrors along the style done on page 8 of this build thread https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/....267054/page-8 But right now I want the truck on the road more than I want another 2-3 day project.

[Tempest67]

mirrors look good, nice job