Tripod Mirror Mounting - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Your41Plague12 · 09-04-2012, 10:05 PM

I just got a pair of early 70's small tripod mirrors that I would like to mount on my new aftermarket doors. The doors are already painted so welding is not an option. The doors came with no provision for mirrors at all: no holes, no braces, nothing. To mount these tripod mirrors and avoid ripping my door skins off, what should I do?

I've heard of using Riv-nuts or something similar, but that seems like it would place a lot of stress on the skin of the door, even when just adjusting the mirror. How could I mount these mirrors correctly and in the most durable way? Does anyone have some pics of the factory mounting setup? Thanks!

Steve

ray_mcavoy · 09-05-2012, 03:28 PM

Hi Steve,

Dad's 77 GMC came with these RPO DG4 tripod mirrors from the factory:

If this is the style of mirror you have, they were originally installed using 1/4"-20 "jack nuts" with a rubber type coating to protect the paint. Just like the one shown on the left side of this pic I snagged off the Estco Enterprises website:

The originals didn't use any sort of bracing on the inside. But if your aftermarket doors have thinner skins than OE doors, you might want to consider adding some backing plates or flat washers to the backside of the doorskin at each mounting hole location before installing the jack nuts. Using some sealer to keep moisture from getting in between the door skin & backing plates or washers might not be a bad idea either.

bmchevy1979 · 09-05-2012, 06:18 PM

on my 79 they are mounted with a nut that is attached to a giant washer that is epoxied to the panel

Your41Plague12 · 09-06-2012, 07:07 AM

Sounds good guys, thanks a million! These should look good on my 83 I think. I always liked these style of mirrors. I may have the only 80's truck with these mirrors, 9 inches of lift, and a cap I've ever seen!

TexasJeff · 09-06-2012, 07:52 AM

I have used the the same nut inserts that Ray_Mcavoy shows in his post with good luck, they can be a little tough to seat in the first time if you are not careful.

09-04-2012, 10:05 PM	#1
Your41Plague12 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,009	Tripod Mirror Mounting I just got a pair of early 70's small tripod mirrors that I would like to mount on my new aftermarket doors. The doors are already painted so welding is not an option. The doors came with no provision for mirrors at all: no holes, no braces, nothing. To mount these tripod mirrors and avoid ripping my door skins off, what should I do? I've heard of using Riv-nuts or something similar, but that seems like it would place a lot of stress on the skin of the door, even when just adjusting the mirror. How could I mount these mirrors correctly and in the most durable way? Does anyone have some pics of the factory mounting setup? Thanks! Steve __________________ Steve Member of the Foot Pedal Club '83 Chevy K20: 6" Rough Country, 3" Performance Accessories BL, Bushwacker Cutouts, 38x15.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws, 350 HP 350 crate engine from Jegs, Turbo 400

09-05-2012, 03:28 PM	#2
ray_mcavoy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sherman, ME Posts: 2,360	Re: Tripod Mirror Mounting Hi Steve, Dad's 77 GMC came with these RPO DG4 tripod mirrors from the factory: If this is the style of mirror you have, they were originally installed using 1/4"-20 "jack nuts" with a rubber type coating to protect the paint. Just like the one shown on the left side of this pic I snagged off the Estco Enterprises website: The originals didn't use any sort of bracing on the inside. But if your aftermarket doors have thinner skins than OE doors, you might want to consider adding some backing plates or flat washers to the backside of the doorskin at each mounting hole location before installing the jack nuts. Using some sealer to keep moisture from getting in between the door skin & backing plates or washers might not be a bad idea either.

09-05-2012, 06:18 PM	#3
bmchevy1979 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Visalia, Ca Posts: 707	Re: Tripod Mirror Mounting on my 79 they are mounted with a nut that is attached to a giant washer that is epoxied to the panel __________________ <Brandon> 1974 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 350sbc/SM465/NP205, dana44 front, corp 14bolt rear with 4.10s and a powertrax locker, custom rear bumper 400sbc in the works. 1981 GMC C1500 stepside 250i6, 3spd, 12bolt with 3.08s 2.5/4drop on 15x10 with 275/50r15 81 GMC C3500 cab-chassis dually with utility bed 350sbc, Sm465, 14bolt with 4.10s nv4500 getting ready to go in 1979 Chevrolet K5 R.I.P. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=434096 1976 Chevrolet C10 R.I.P. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=434195

09-06-2012, 07:07 AM	#4
Your41Plague12 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,009	Re: Tripod Mirror Mounting Sounds good guys, thanks a million! These should look good on my 83 I think. I always liked these style of mirrors. I may have the only 80's truck with these mirrors, 9 inches of lift, and a cap I've ever seen! __________________ Steve Member of the Foot Pedal Club '83 Chevy K20: 6" Rough Country, 3" Performance Accessories BL, Bushwacker Cutouts, 38x15.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws, 350 HP 350 crate engine from Jegs, Turbo 400

09-06-2012, 07:52 AM	#5
TexasJeff Don't Crush em Restore em Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pinehurst, Texas Posts: 764	Re: Tripod Mirror Mounting I have used the the same nut inserts that Ray_Mcavoy shows in his post with good luck, they can be a little tough to seat in the first time if you are not careful. __________________ TexasJeff 2009 Silver with Linen Interior Cadillac DTS 1990 Red with White Top and Interior Ford Mustang GT convertible 1998 Red with Gray Interior, C3500 Chevy Crew Cab Dually



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