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Old Aug 20, 2010 | 10:53 PM
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I ordered two books but have yet to recieve them. So I am asking this question that may have already been answered. But could not find. What is the difference between the mirrors on c3 vettes? Chrome old style vs. moderen color matched aero-design? Is it the option package? Base models with chrome, option package with them? Is it possible to get a L82 with chrome style on the 76-77's? Or if I see the chrome I should assume its a base model with the lower hp engine? Thanks.
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Old Aug 20, 2010 | 11:01 PM
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Sport mirrors were not available till 77-82. I do believe they were all chrome prior with no sport mirror as an option.
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Old Aug 20, 2010 | 11:04 PM
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Originally Posted by oldsarge
Sport mirrors were not available till 77-82. I do believe they were all chrome prior with no sport mirror as an option.
I have a book "vettes from 53 to 85" there are pics of a 76 with the new style, and I even believe a 75. I will double check. I could be wrong, or they were modified.

Last edited by daanbc; Aug 20, 2010 at 11:06 PM.
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Old Aug 21, 2010 | 09:00 AM
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Hi d,
I've found that often the pictures in the "Corvette Through the Ages" type books OFTEN have pictures of cars with a few "owner enhancements". (For example you'll see mid-year cars with six tailights.) You sometimes need to do some homework to know for sure what the car for a particular model year had as standard, optional, dealer, and owner installed equipment.
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Old Aug 21, 2010 | 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi d,
I've found that often the pictures in the "Corvette Through the Ages" type books OFTEN have pictures of cars with a few "owner enhancements". (For example you'll see mid-year cars with six tailights.) You sometimes need to do some homework to know for sure what the car for a particular model year had as standard, optional, dealer, and owner installed equipment.
Regards,
Alan
Thanks, that's one of the reason's I purchased these books. To help clarify some concerns/questions I had. Seems like the more I think I know about vettes, I realize the less I know. LOL.
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Old Aug 21, 2010 | 09:42 AM
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I have a '69. Side mirror is chrome, driver side only, measures roughly 5.25 x 3.25", connects to body with one allen head screw, base is teardrop shape. Sorry - son has camera or I'd send pic.
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Old Aug 21, 2010 | 10:07 AM
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Sport mirrors first became an option in 1977 and became standard equipment in 1980. As Alan says, lots of owners retro fitted their cars trying to keep them up to date.
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Old Aug 21, 2010 | 10:11 AM
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The modern "aero-design" outside mirrors did not become available until the 1977 model year. It was available as the D35 Sport Mirror Option.

Late in the 1976 model year, a lot of the 1977 interior parts were installed into 1976 models as a running change. There is a remote chance that the sport mirrors might have been included in that running change.

I just reviewed my 1976 AIM book. There are several sections that list "Rolling Model Change". The section with the driver outside rear view mirror (F01 to F12-15) does not list a rolling change.
Jim

Last edited by Jim Shea; Aug 21, 2010 at 10:26 AM. Reason: 1976 AIM Review for Rolling Model Change
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