C2 Original v. Reproduction Side mirror repair difference

[Dan B.]

I have an original spare bowtie mirror in my parts bin that needed a new glass. It also sounded like maracas when I shook it. I took it apart and see there is a metal support plate that goes between the springs and the glass (see below rusted out) that I don't see on the restoration mirrors (like in Dave Z's sticky). Also, the repair kits seem to only include the Glass, 3 springs, and the retainer ring also leading me to believe that's all they currently use. Am I correct to assume originals only use this support plate between the glass and the springs. I did not see that part available, so I went ahead and made one out of some galvanized sheet metal I had (below). Seems like a good thing to support the glass more evenly. Wondering what others have done when repairing their own.


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[Brian T.]

Re: C2 Original v. Reproduction Side mirror repair difference

I have several NOS repair kits. They did provide a galvanized part like you fabricated.

[Dan B.]

Re: C2 Original v. Reproduction Side mirror repair difference

Interesting, are they GM or aftermarket?

[Brian T.]

Re: C2 Original v. Reproduction Side mirror repair difference

Here you go. The kits were applicable to several different mirrors.

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[Dan B.]

Re: C2 Original v. Reproduction Side mirror repair difference

Thanks Brian, that's great info.

[Dan B.]

Re: C2 Original v. Reproduction Side mirror repair difference

Installed the new glass with my fabricated under plate and it went in very smoothly. The ball stud was tight, so I did not need to touch that, polished the chrome and it will make a nice driver original spare now. I always enjoy seeing photos of the finished jobs.
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[Dan B.]

Re: C2 Original v. Reproduction Side mirror repair difference

A little more information about these mirrors. I just took apart another one today with a 65 date coded glass and some wear believing it might be an original to tighten the ball stud. Turns out it was a Paragon reproduction like the one in Dave Z's article and it DID have the round metal glass support part.