1963 SWC Side Mirrors

[Manuel T.]

Did the 1963 SWC come with both side mirrors stock? I know they changed the design half way through the production year (taller with a smaller base), but I've seen some cars with only the driver side mirror. My 1963 SWC has both side mirrors - the redesigned taller mirrors with smaller base - but I was wondering if the passenger side was added, or if it came with both out of the factory.

Manny GT

[Don H.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

Manny, Welcome to the discussion board. Your car came with a driver's side mirror only, the passenger side was added.

[Manuel T.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

That's what I thought. Thank you for the reply. One more question, my production date is May 31, 1962 and my VIN is 30837S116354, is there any way to determine if they had already switched to the taller mirror with the smaller base by my date and production number? I'd like to know if my driver side mirror is original or if it was replaced. Here are some pics (of both sides). Thanks!
- Manny GT

IMG_5694.jpgIMG_5695.jpg

[Don H.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

Manny,

You mean May 31, 1963. Your build date at the end of May is well after the change-over to the later mirror, which happened mid March 63, around vin 11100. You're driver's side mirror should have a date marked into the glass, very small fine font, right along the rim edge somewhere. Do you see it ? 2 or 3 DMI 3

[Manuel T.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

Ah, yes, 63 - sorry for the typo. I don't see a date marked into the glass... I'm able to zoom in to this picture quite a bit, but I'm not seeing it. Not sure if you can zoom in and check it out? You might have to save it in your photos to zoom in close
IMG_5696.jpg

[Don H.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

No date there. Meaning, mirror or just glass not original.. Do your mirrors have the bowtie logo impressed into the front side? You can buy reproduction mirrors with or without the bowtie, and with or without the date marked on glass..

I mis-typed.. your date would be 5 DMI 3. May 63

[Mark F.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

I was typing my response when Don replied again...
I copied it out and zoomed in.
I didn't see one either

Your image from about 9 o'clock to about 1 o'clock is dark and if the date code is in that area, you won't see it because it will appear as "frosted" or etched glass.

it will be all the way at the outer perimeter of the glass - if it's there.

I suggest you get a magnifying glass to see if you have a date code...although mine is clearly visible with the naked eye...

[Manuel T.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

They do not have the bowtie logo. See below, they both have the Chevy logo. A, I correct to assume this is not an original feature? If the bowtie was part of the original mirror, I'd like to buy a reproduction with the 5 DMI 3 on it. Any recommendations as to where I can buy it? And thanks for your help!
Manny GT

IMG_5697.jpg

[Bob J.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

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Manny,
your drivers side mirror appears to be replaced.
Original 63 mirrors, both long base and the taller mirrors, have a bevel next to the snap ring that holds the glass in.
This feature continued into early 64. If your mirror is flat in that area it's later than 63.
Bob Jorjorian

[Steven B.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

Nice '63 Manny! The bow tie and the Chevy emblem are the same thing. 😊 Looks like someone traded out your shifter. Which engine do you have? Again, nice looking Vette! 👍

[Manuel T.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

Looks like that might be the case. I don't see a bevel. Looks flat.

Let me ask another question (hope y'all don't mind. I'm eager to learn, and I just brought my 63 home last week!).

I love the look of the exhaust: pipes do not extend beyond the two round trimmed openings. Is this factory? I've seen some 63s with pipes that extend out beyond the openings - I would say a good 4"-6" - but I do not like that look. I prefer the look my car has (see pic below).

IMG_5698.jpg

[Manuel T.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

Ah! Good point on the logo. I misunderstood the bowtie to mean the crossed Corvette flags. Got it.

The engine is not original to the car. It's a 327 with 340hp.

Also, while I didn't know it at the time of purchase, I have learned that my car included factory AC - which I understand is rare for the 63s. The AC does not work, and for some reason, a previous owner removed the center AC vent and fill it in (poorly, I might add)as you can see from this pic. Not sure why they would do that.

IMG_5663.jpgIMG_5658.jpg

[Don H.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

Manny
All your questions are welcome...
So, your driver's side mirror is a later replacement.. that has the Chevy bowtie imprinted.. You can get another replacement, dated, from any of the vendors.. Your passenger side mirror is a dealer or owner added accessory..
You car originally had exhaust muffler tips sticking out of the valance bezels.. Most of us would say you should restore that look again, but it's your car, your choice. Your exhaust bezels look a little "naked" now, in my opinion..
IMG_1802.jpg

ps, I might add that you will find that your beautiful blue paint will get fouled with exhaust black residue if you don't have the muffler extensions as you see on mine above..

[Mark F.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

Manny...ps, I might add that you will find that your beautiful blue paint will get fouled with exhaust black residue if you don't have the muffler extensions as you see on mine above..

In addition to what Don says, you may also run the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if the exhaust gases are not properly vented at the rear of the car.

Yes, there's a good possibility that the venturi effect will suck them out the back (along with undercar air flow) when the car is up to speed, but the rear end of the car is shaped such that some of the exhaust could swoop upwards (or be driven up by under car air flow) and work it's way into the cab...

As someone who was once gassed with CO in my 8th owner '66 "transportation special " Mustang, I wouldn't take the chance.

And if you really want to keep the look you currently have, maybe get a beater set of extensions as Don shows and cut them off slightly rearward of the exhaust bezels in the valance panel ? At least that way you get the gasses going where they should be...good luck and stay safe !

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 SWC Side Mirrors

No Exhaust Tips are just plain wrong and could be dangerous!

JR