Close to finishing my '37 LaSalle Opera coupe, the same car I drove through college from 1964-68, now equipped with a 500" Eldorado engine and a totally stock body. Since I've had much experience driving the vehicle years back, I want to install some side mirrors. I'm pretty familiar with literally every mirror that's been installed on pre-war coupes and haven't ever seen one I like. I'm attracted to the 'new style' rectangular mirrors that are abundant on new cars and wondering if anyone has ever modified a door hinge pin to accept such a mirror, and if so looking for suggestions. At worst I can fabricate a new mirror body but then am in need of all the internal gubbins necessary to make the thing swivel enough to get a proper line of sight. I do know there's a difference in the left-right side mirrors (Objects Closer Than They Appear). Thus seeking suggestions to install something other that what's been done previously. Here's a couple pics of a restored coupe and mine prior to restoration.
I think I'd start with a hinge type mirror, get it mounted, then adapt the desired mirror to the hinge mounted arm.
I considered that, and have already made a new hinge pin that accepts a round mirror with a long stanchion, but still not happy with the result. I'm getting awfully picky in my old age. But may make a new hinge to hold a rectangular mirror.
Not sure what you mean by new style rectangular mirror. It just conjures up images of chunks of plastic with remote control stuck on my daily driver. My old Plymouth has a chrome mirror from an old Vega. Saw one mounted on a Model A coupe years ago and it looked good on it so I copied. Another car that comes to mind is a Gen 3 Corvette. They came with a chrome mirror with a long stanchion. In any case, both these are oval mirrors.
Take a look at motorcycle mirrors. There are lots of options, especially if you look at custom Harley applications.
Carl, British car stuff ? https://mossmotors.com/spm-055-side-mirrors https://mossmotors.com/407-488-windshield-side-mirror-easy-fit-bracket-kit There are a dozen vendors. I just looked at Moss real quick. Mike
I just looked at VW mirrors, from the 50's on and several appeal to me. The VW convertible ones from 1968-79 are rectangular and have very nice mounting arms. I made a set of hinge pins that accept a stanchion that connects to a round mirror, but my preference is to have a rectangular mirror and to paint the mirror and bracket body color (very dark Admiral Blue) so the mirrors are not really noticeable, no flashy chrome. A place called M & T Manufacturing appears to have been in business for decades and supplies many high quality VW parts (800 999-2892). Since they say they do their own manufacturing I'll try to buy just the components, not chrome plated. So I think I've found about what I'm looking for. They make round, pear shape and oval in addition to the rectangular. I may have to make new hinge pins to accept the VW mounts but that's just more fun.
I'm real familiar with the British stuff as I've had a Vincent Black Shadow for over 30 years. I searched for a decade for the original Stadium mirror mounts, and finally had a pair cast. Thanks.
This is sure a great site. I've been working on the LaSalle for about four years and every time I have a question I get the most helpful answers a man could ask for.
These were VW mirrors on my '34 PU used as hinge pins...very simple Like your LaSalle ! P.S.... Just had my 80th birthday on Dec 7th and see you have one coming on Dec 17th, Carl Happy #80 Birthday
If you Google “racing mirrors” you’ll come up with some things that sound like what your looking for. I get where you’re coming from, the small mirrors on my old cars always leave me worried about what’s just out of view in todays heavy traffic. Maybe you’ll find something that gives you an idea, or a starting point. None will be traditional by HAMB a standards.
Square mirrors that are somewhat molded into the body just look like crap on older rigs. I ran the square 73 Chevy truck "sport mirrors" from 73 until I took the truck down for a rebuild in the mid 80's. The 68/74 Corvette mirrors aren't that cheap (around 50 each) and come in left and right but wouldn't be offensive on an older car.
My 80th is the 17th and couldn't be happier. Great looking truck and it looks like the mirrors will really do the job. The VW mirrors I'm looking at aren't round and I think they'll blend in with the body shape, especially if I paint them body color.
There are some VW mirrors that look about like the ones on your great truck and as I've said I want to paint them Admiral Blue, same color as the body so hopefully your eye will pass right by them. I'll put in a wide angle mirror inside as well, that should help seeing the right rear.
Love that LaSalle. Enjoyed your book "GO!" Saw Merle recently and asked him about it. What an amazing guy, family.
Thanks for the compliment on the "GO" book, my last one on Carl Fisher is probably the best I've ever done but sure didn't get the publicity and sales the Bettenhausen book did. I love seeing Merle, will go to Charlie Brown's for a Friday Racer Lunch once the LaSalle is done. They were all surprised I rode my Vincent to the last one I attended. I live 100 miles south in Madison, so don't get to Indy too often.
Should be running within about two weeks, then have to make a drive shaft, dis-assemble to paint, paint, re-assemble, etc. Coming along great.
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