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Seeking recommendations for ‘69 drivers side mirror
No doubt there are a number of threads on driver’s side mirror replacement, but I’d like to avoid getting a cheap reproduction product, and, based on what’s for sale today, it’s hard to tell. The mirror on my 1969 coupe flops down and won’t stay in position, so it’s time for a new one.
I see that a replacement driver’s side mirror plus mounting kit is more or less $50 from the various suppliers, e.g. Zip, Corvette Central, RPI, etc. Perhaps they all come from the same assembly line, but I thought I’d ask here first for recommendations and suggestions.
This might be a silly question about installation, but…if the existing rubber gasket and mounting hardware are in good condition, is it still preferable to use the new mounting hardware that will come with the kit, instead of reusing the old?
I saw the online mirror replacement tutorial on Zip’s website, and the project is rated a 1 out of 5 in difficulty, so I’m feeling that I can do this myself.
I exchanged my original for a Paragon repro because the glass was discolored. Like yours, the repro is now flopping around. I see a NOS mirror online for $1,039 and that ain't gonna happen. Now I am waiting for date coded glass and my intention is to replace the original's glass. If I remember, the original mount would not fit with the repro and I am glad I saved it. Hopefully someone else with direct knowledge of 1969 mirrors will chime in.
The replacement mirror now available (same one from everyone, around $50), is better than past ones. I have replaced the mirror on my '69 about 4 times since I've had the car (30 years). I repaired it one time but eventually it started flopping again so I decided might as well replace it. Each one lasted about 5 years, but the current one's been OK so far for about 10 years. I guess I'll just consider it a maintenance item. Yes, they are easy to replace, and though I didn't really have to, I used the new hardware each time.
One thing you can try is to move the mirror to its extreme positions and then take a small punch and make a slight mark of the ball. it you do this in several different locations it will firm up the mirror stability.
I did this to mine several years ago and it still works fine. AIso is also much cheaper than a new mirror, and if it doesn't work like you want you can always buy a new one.
No doubt there are a number of threads on driver’s side mirror replacement, but I’d like to avoid getting a cheap reproduction product, and, based on what’s for sale today, it’s hard to tell. The mirror on my 1969 coupe flops down and won’t stay in position, so it’s time for a new one.
I see that a replacement driver’s side mirror plus mounting kit is more or less $50 from the various suppliers, e.g. Zip, Corvette Central, RPI, etc. Perhaps they all come from the same assembly line, but I thought I’d ask here first for recommendations and suggestions.
This might be a silly question about installation, but…if the existing rubber gasket and mounting hardware are in good condition, is it still preferable to use the new mounting hardware that will come with the kit, instead of reusing the old?
I saw the online mirror replacement tutorial on Zip’s website, and the project is rated a 1 out of 5 in difficulty, so I’m feeling that I can do this myself.
Thanks, everyone!
After today’s drive, just as the sun set.
Just repair your old one. It's very easy. There are ALOT of threads regarding repairing the floppy mirror syndrome on the C3 forum. Here's my version of the repair:https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...got-lucky.html
Tape a towel or wax paper to the car under the mirror to stop any drips if you get sloppy.
Get in the car and set the mirror to the position you want
open the door gently but do not close it.
Put thick crazy glue on the mirror ball
Let it set.
If you want more firmness, gently unscrew the entire mirror and put crazy glue into the hole for the ball, not a lot , jist a little.
Lasts about 2 to 3 years
Thanks. This is helpful, and I appreciate it. I was thinking about using Loctite as well.
The replacement mirror has shipped already, so I’ll see how it looks when I get it. My existing mirror is pitted on both the mounting stalk/arm (whatever it’s called) and on the mirror surround housing itself. When I looked up the date code for the mirror, it appears to have a 1973 date. I’d be more likely to repair it if it were original. Regardless, I’m not going to toss what’s presently on the car.
The rear view mirror is silvered, so I’m tempted to swap that out, too. But, at least it works.
Last edited by Coronette; Nov 29, 2023 at 02:01 PM.
Seeking recommendations for ‘69 drivers side mirror
