SIDE VIEW MIRRORS POSITION QUESTION

Not sure if this has been discussed as a topic, but curious what those who've "seen" it all think about mirrors. I like a clean look and West Coast mirrors aren't my favorite choice.

Assuming that those have the best visibility and functionality (if not, let me know), does anyone have a preference or opinion on what is better when installing smaller mirrors in terms of location? I've seen them up high near the roof sill and in standard position near the base of the window.

Does either position have an advantage in terms of seeing what's behind and beside?

Anyone put a back up camera in their rig?

Hi there =I have a set of factory origional round small mirrors that i will be installing next year after paint done - I could copy the instruction sheet & shows factory layout for u is u wish?? let me know-Happy Vannin
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The factory small mirrors are hard to find, very cool looking but I bet seeing with them is tough. 2nd gen econoline mirrors would look good on any early. Bigger mirror head to see better too

these are the same mirrors GM used on 1966 Sportvan Deluxe's the same as 50's caddy's. Not cheap, but look great
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1950-1951-1952-53-54-1955-Cadillac-Pasenger-Side-Mirror-/250898770158?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a6abb68ee

G-Man wrote:these are the same mirrors GM used on 1966 Sportvan Deluxe's the same as 50's caddy's. Not cheap, but look great
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1950-1951-1952-53-54-1955-Cadillac-Pasenger-Side-Mirror-/250898770158?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a6abb68ee

That's a lot of change for an inexpensive piece of glass and some chrome plated metal. I'd rather have old stock or originals for that price...

I really like those mirrors on Malles new score if I was going to stray from stock. I get along fine with the West Coasties, but I drive a dump truck, only thing I may add is a spot mirror on the right side. that or keep a seat cover with ya that can watch traffic for you...

I have those old stock small mirrors. They look great but you really can't see anything through them. With the window van I just shoulder check each way cuz the mirrors realy are that useles.



M1D

m1dadio wrote:I have those old stock small mirrors. They look great but you really can't see anything through them. With the window van I just shoulder check each way cuz the mirrors realy are that useles.



M1D

Digz, I hear you. I just feel they detract from the sleek, somewhat curvy lines of the First Gen.

M1D,You posted a photo of these a while back when I inquired about the 2nd Gen Handivan I looked at that had Cali mirrors. Good info. I figured they were not very good. That is the only downside of not having passenger side windows. I guess the key is just cruising and staying in the right lane. I wondered if a rear camera would help. They sell super cheapo ones at Auto parts stores.

I always hated driving rental vans because I couldn't see a darn thing. Budget trucks as well. Just closed my eyes, put on my turn signal, and eased on over to the right. I figured they would honk me back over if I cut them off...Those are sweet mirrors, nonetheless.

I always hate having to decide coolness vs. functionality. I always want coolness first

If you think 7 months is a long time to find a van, you won't like how long it takes you to find those mirrors M1D has. They are also a $$$ item

Sure they do looks sweet, but sure that's why they are hard to find because everyone pull them off to get ones that were bigger. If I had to do it again I would get 2nd gen ford mirrors

I use about 1 or 2 square inches these for backing up. The rest is lick 'em stick 'em convex mirrors for checking my blind spots. Neither view is decent, but much better than nothing, especially with a short stealthy hybrid just sitting there on your passenger side rear quarter.

One of the mirrors fell out on the way home late one night. Cheap pieces of...

http://www.jcwhitney.com/chrome-plated-top-flight-mirrors-5/p2008322.jcwx?filterid=c3213j1

These also look cool:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/classic-style-door-top-mount-round-mirrors/p2008325.jcwx?filterid=j1

G-Man wrote:Sure they do looks sweet, but sure that's why they are hard to find because everyone pull them off to get ones that were bigger. If I had to do it again I would get 2nd gen ford mirrors

These? Definitely have more surface area. Still not streamlined, but not as much "going on" as the WC mirrors.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NOS-FORD-ECONOLINE-VAN-LEFT-MIRROR-61-62-63-64-65-66-67-68-69-70-71-72-73-74-/290609467792?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43a9ac9190

My little mirors are worse then you might think. Unlike other flat glass small mirrors I've seen, mine have curved glass. The one where objects look further away!!!! When I look into my driver side mirror in my driveway with my other car parked right behind the van; the car litterally looks about 1/4" high by 1/4" wide in a 5" dia mirror. You have to stare at the mirror to focus on a car 4 feet off the back bumper. When I look for the same in the passenger side mirror I can't hardly see it at all!! When I'm driving in the left lane and a car is a full 2 car lenghts behind me in the right lane I truely can not see it in the mirror because its so small.
Like I said, useless. I now understand why I have seen larger square mirrors mounted onto those "swan mounts"

I am going to get some flat glass replacements

M1D

Lazarusman yes those are the ones and they will look great on your 64. They are not as big as your west coasts with those bars, and they will look more stremlined than you think


In the end it's your choice, just know you'll be using it for your business driving around and don't want you to get screamed by not seeing where your going.

G-Man, those don't look bad. Depending on what we do in terms of the paint, those West Coasters would be coming off. I would like to see what's behind me without all those metal arms. Curious what the later 1st Gens used since I read that the mirrors were changed a bit. Assume they have less "armiture."

Main issue is if I don't change the paint, I'll have holes from removing the current mirror. Just have to see.

I would give them a try first, I have them on my 69 and they are a good seeing mirror.

I have back up cameras for both of my Econos.