I guess I'm gonna have to run rear view mirrors on my '54 Chevy out of sheer neccessity. I don't want to crunch her up. I had cheap ass Taiwanese peep mirrors that were barely functional and chipped up the paint on my door tops really bad. I'd really rather not drill my doors or fenders unless there's some nice attractive mirrors available. I'm really at a loss for ideas, any help would appreciated, pictures would be great.
How about a mirror mounted on the dash? We had a conversation about this very thing this weekend. I drove my 53 for the first time and it is aparent that I need some sort of rear view mirror. We discussed using an early corvette style mirror mounted on the dash.
I'm using the stock inside mirror Jester. What I really need are side view mirrors. There's very little rear view vision in this car and I need all the help I can get. If'n I could afford a camera that would be great, mebbe I'll check the RV store today.
Nads, When I run peeps I don't clamp 'em on I drill the door and stud mount 'em. Outside mirrors are a problem on a custom. I used to think that the California Mirrors were a good solution, but they are pretty spaceship lookin. And definately not right on a traditional sled. If you were building a '60s style sled, you could do something kinda molded in. I remember a few cars setup that way when I was a kid. But here's an idea, don't know how well it will work but worth a try. They make a wide angle mirror for the inside, Not the wink thing like they run nascar, but a convex thing that you can clip over your normal rearview mirror. A friend has one in an old hammered coupe, I gave it a shot and it does make a difference. You do still have to swivel your head alot, but its better than just your normal rearview mirror. Well, that oughta get the creative juices flowing.
porknbeaner, I like the molded idea. I'm thinking maybe a regular peep could be welded solid to a door frame and the stalk could be molded, the head could be left stainless. Thanks man, this is the best idea yet. I might have to do it tonight even.
All right Nads, I know your going to hate this but an early volkswagen bug has a tiny little oval chrome rearview. Thats what I used in my merc its just the right size for the chop too.
Do you NEED them? I personally have never used a side mirror, just the one that hangs near the windshield. I find alot more piece of mind in glancing over my shoulder and knowing that there is nothing there. I don't run them on my '55, but I have a clamp on style mirror in the trunk in case I get stopped. On a side note...My buddy used to bicker and bitch at me about my arguments against side mirrors for years. I always maintained that I never trust them because of blindspots, and the blindspots are different in every car. One afternoon, he was driving down the highway, with me in the passenger seat, when he glanced into his driver's side mirror (equipped with fisheye) and almost merged into a BMW 7 series. If I hadn't glanced, he would have hit it. That event finally shut his mouth about the whole thing.
[ QUOTE ] I'm thinking maybe a regular peep could be welded solid to a door frame and the stalk could be molded, the head could be left stainless. [/ QUOTE ] That would be original. You'll probably have to make the stalk out of steel rod and some tubing. The accessory peep mirror arms are made out of pot metal.
My 49 (well, FatHacks now.) had 53 Ford mirrors mounted on the fenders. I was told by the PO it was his grandfathers car, and he towed a teardrop type camper with the car, so he used the mirrors for when he was towing. But on a full custom, I guess it would look kinda hokey... Jay
[ QUOTE ] ...One afternoon, he was driving down the highway, with me in the passenger seat, when he glanced into his driver's side mirror (equipped with fisheye) and almost merged into a BMW 7 series. ... [/ QUOTE ] It probably wasn't there when he glanced, especially if he signalled for the lane change. It's my experience that it's first nature for 99%* of all BMW drivers to nail the gas the instant they see a turn signal so you no longer have that space to move over. That's why I painted my Astro van flat black instead of shiny black, they KNOW I don't give a shit with that ugly van and I'm coming over anyway! (I almost love running BMWs off the road, especially when they are trying to pass on the right in an ending lane... ) * (excluding two Mikes of course)
Im running a 58-62 corvette mirror off the dash. The support looks good. It has a bullet where the ball of the mirror attaches, so it matches the wiper and plate bullets on the front of the car. I then flipped the mirror part upside down. The shape then looks exactly like the instrument cluster of my 59 ford. Now if I could only figure out how to post a pic. Here is the link. You somewhat get an idea of what it looks like. http://photo.starblvd.net/59ford/1-4-3-1078807326?m=1&pg=0&ro=3&co=2
Hell Nads I ought to rip mine off and mail them to you, I sure as hell can't use them. You can't see squat out of one of these! Mirrors? I don't need mirrors I need a spotter like in NASCAR!
I had a neighbor a while back with a Ruff (?) altered Porsche 911, and it had side view mirrors mounted INSIDE the a pillar. They were convex wedges mounted about where peeps would be height wise, but inside and right against the glass. Very discrete, and worked pretty well.
nads.. do those cars have vent windows?? I really dont know.. I once saw someone stick an adhesive mirror onthe backside of the vent window.. then when they were running down the road they would crack the vent window to the appropriate angle to obtain a decent rear view.. again I have no idea if your car has or ever had vent windows.. later sawzall
[ QUOTE ] ... I used to think that the California Mirrors were a good solution, but they are pretty spaceship lookin. ... [/ QUOTE ] What are those? I don't recognize the title.... Are they like French Fries, English Muffins and Danish pastries, they never heard of them in the respective countries?
If you don't like the swan neck peep mirror which is one of the few the masses aren't going to denigrate (different is wrong to a lot of people I'm afraid,) then find some clean Cadillac factory mirrors from a Cadillac about the same year as the tail lights or hubcap you're running to keep it all tied together. I was just looking at some pics in a coffee table book of Caddys and they had cool mirrors in the 50's.
The Jalopy Journal
