What a judging history>1966 Inside Rear View Mirror

[Larry E.]

Before my question on the Interior Rear View Mirror> LET'S GO DOWN MEMORY LANE:

When we started to restore my 66 L72 Convertible we used Judging Guide #3
It indicated verbatim>"The Non-Glare (Day-Night) mirror" IS the standard mirror for 1966

So we take off the non day-night mirror (GM Guide Version) and try to find the Day-Night version.
Finally found one (Paid Dearly). No dates where on this mirror like the Judging Guide said. It
was eventually judged and passed with flying colors. Car Earned a Top Flight award.

Now we go to the 5th edition of the 66 Judging Guide. It states>"1966 models were equipped
with one of two possible mirrors"> A standard mirror and an optional non-glare (day-night) mirror.
So the day-night mirror that was once "standard" now becomes "optional" in the Judging guide.

Fast Forward in time>Now the current judging guide (#6) indicates(if I read it correct) there was
only one mirror available from the factory namely>The non (Day-Night) mirror.

So I go through all my past parts inventory(No 10 minute job) and find my original non day-night
mirror(Gm Guide) Finally my question>

AFAWK> OK to switch them out now before we get judged? Any current thinking to think this can
change again?? Please Comment and thanks>Larry

MORAL OF THE STORY> When dealing with old cars>NEVER THROUGH ANYTHING AWAY AS AN
OLD PART CAN BECOME A "MODERN DAY PART"! BTW> Yes still got my "leisure suits" in the closet;
waiting for a comeback>only a matter of time!!

[Don H.]

Re: What a judging history>1966 Inside Rear View Mirror

go with the latest edition JG.. It's gospel as best we know today.. Don't bring out the leisure suits. They're still bad news.

[Jack M.]

Re: What a judging history>1966 Inside Rear View Mirror

For years, I thought there was a good possibility that the Day/Night Mirror was available as an option in 1966.
The initial brochures/documents/photos/dealer order form... all mentioned the Day/Night Mirror.
After more research, I've come to the conclusion that it was NEVER an option... only a dealer installed accessory.

Allow me to illustrate a few points:
1) The early 1966 Corvette Dealer Order Form did indeed mention option 'Z01 Comfort & Convenience' (which included the Day/Night Mirror).
(finally found some early 1966 AIM pages that show this option was CANCELED on 7-26-65)

2) Finding an early order form submitted in September 1965, it was eventually RETURNED to the dealer by the Regional Zone...
There were several hand notations in RED... one of which seemed to indicate that option was now STANDARD.
1966-Dealer-Order-01.jpg

1966-Dealer-Order-02.jpg

3) Some of the early 1966 brochures have an addendum page... showing back-up lamps were now STANDARD (via new regulations).
1966-Custom-Features-Accessories-ALBUM.jpg

4) Since the bean counters had these new additions to deal with, I believe this is when the Day/Night Mirror moved to the accessories.

To illustrate further, letz review some actual 1966 Corvette Production line photos:
5) The closeup photos come from these two vehicles... the convertible in the front, and coupe with the body drop from 9‐28‐65.
1966-Corvette-Body-Drop-(9-28-65)-01.jpg

5a) Interior of the convertible... the Day/night Mirror couldn't be standard, as there is no 'knob' under the mirror.
1966-Corvette-Body-Drop-(9-28-65)-03.jpg

5b) Same with the coupe... showing the absence of the Day/night Mirror.
1966-Corvette-Body-Drop-(9-28-65)-02.jpg

6) And we have two 1966 Corvettes coming off the assembly line... just the STANDARD mirror (no knob).
1966-Assembly-Line-1-(800).jpg

7) Finally, since the updated 1966 Corvette Order Form completely omitted any reference to the Day/Night Mirror... how could it be ordered?

BTW- Itz well known that DEALERS often installed the Day/Night Mirror BEFORE delivery... which has caused some confusion.
As usual. your mileage may vary...

[Mark F.]

Re: What a judging history>1966 Inside Rear View Mirror

Jack,

As always, your work and analysis is spectacular...
and you should know - you have a beautiful '66 ! maybe post a pic (no knob included ) ?

[Gary B.]

[Tammy D.]

Re: What a judging history>1966 Inside Rear View Mirror

Gary, that time frame sounds right, and we got a few pages with the corrections to the manual in the mail.

[Jack M.]

Re: What a judging history>1966 Inside Rear View Mirror

Gary- I was hoping published research & analysis would simply allow for a better 'general understanding' on this topic.
And for those interested, this was the older mirror note I have from Bill:

Rear View Mirror Revision 1966
There has been on-going research on the “origin” of Day/Night Non-Glare mirror installation on 1966 Corvettes. The objective data/research compiled by the membership has determined that the Day/Night mirror was NOT a factory RPO installed option. It was a Dealer offered/installed item. The only mirrors that will be considered typical and appropriate for 1966 Production cars for Flight Judging etc. are the 2 Standard Mirrors, which were supplied by Donnelly Mirror Inc. AND Guide. Only Donnelly Mirrors are dated.
Regards,
Bill Calorico
1966 National Team Leader

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Mark- Thanx for your very kind wordz.

[Gary B.]

[Jack M.]

Re: What a judging history&gt;1966 Inside Rear View Mirror

Gary- No problem at all... didn't take it that way.
The info from Bill came to me during an inquiry in 2015... I'm guessing it was published prior to that.
But just his note could possibly lead someone to wonder... will this change again (like Larry questioned)?
I was just attempting to impart a few simple points for justification... trying to remove that lingering doubt.

[Gary B.]