What have you guys used for custom side view mirrors?

[derotoreut]

I'm looking for some custom side view mirrors for my 71 SWB build. FYI I have decided NOT to go with one piece windows, so I'm keeping my vent windows. Has anyone used Billet Specialties mirrors? If so, what model? And are you happy with them? I'm looking at the model 74720. I would like to know how they fit, look and function on our 67-72 trucks. If anyone has pictures that would also be appreciated. As always, thanks for your help.

http://www.billetspecialties.com/ext...-round-offset/

[BCOWANWHEELS]

I had them on my 72 when I bought it. there totally useless as mirrors. I pulled em off asap. got me some stock mirrors I can use ........

[derotoreut]

To be honest, I don't think the stock sport mirrors, or round mirrors, could be any better. What type of mirror did you go to that was better? Must have been a large western style?

[leftybass209]

Any small mirror will be less effective; billet, oem, or otherwise when compared to anything larger. I think people get so used to newer style mirrors they forget how to use older mirrors. I run stock 71-72 sport mirrors and have no problem seeing 360 degrees using my mirrors or looking over my shoulder. These trucks by far have a better panoramic view when compared to newer trucks.

In a comparison of mirrors, the best are west coast style. If you can stomach the look (some hate 'em) those elephant ears will let you gaze 2 lanes over, 2 cars back at the lady texting if that's what you feel you need.

[halfstep]

Obviously individual taste, but since you're asking...
I would lean to a factory chrome mirror off another GM vehicle from the same era. It would be custom, but a little more subtle and period correct.

I took both my sport mirrors off and put in a wide angle "Allview" mirror in place of my center rearview. This gives me a leaner exterior look and almost 180* of rear vision. The new mirror fits onto my existing windshield tab and with a little tweaking doesn't look too far off stock except it's twice as wide.

Road racing in the past I have used wide angle mirrors like WINK and a few parabolic types and I like this variant (allviewmirror.com) - it's not really parabolic (deep curve) and not a bunch of panels in a box, but they are all functional improvements. The allview and other better quality (less/no distortion)are a little more expensive ($50-100) but you can try a cheap $15 clip on parabolic to get a taste.

My '72 came with factory sport mirrors (driver & pass). They look great, but were virtually useless in reality - driver side I had to turn too far to the left and take my eyes off the road in front. The passenger side I was better off just glancing out the windows. To be useful I would have to move the driver mirror way forward. Of course we all adapt to driving what we have and any rearview mirror can be fine.

[derotoreut]

Thanks guys. This will be a custom build and definitely not stock. It's an LS3 build on a custom chassis, so I'm not planning to use stock mirrors. I want to use something else, and hoped someone had experience with the Billet Specialties mirrors (or something close). I've considered using older Corvette or Camaro mirrors, but still not sure. I know I'm going to sacrifice visibility, but it's better then no mirrors, which I've seen some do. So keep me posted and let me know what you've used. Thanks.

[chanclas90063]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

Thanks guys. This will be a custom build and definitely not stock. It's an LS3 build on a custom chassis, so I'm not planning to use stock mirrors. I want to use something else, and hoped someone had experience with the Billet Specialties mirrors (or something close). I've considered using older Corvette or Camaro mirrors, but still not sure. I know I'm going to sacrifice visibility, but it's better then no mirrors, which I've seen some do. So keep me posted and let me know what you've used. Thanks.

I have these same mirrors on my '70 C-10. They were put on by the PO. The passenger side are difficult to use and people are always bumping into them in parking lots. In spite of the inconvenience, I like them. It is a matter of personal taste😁.

[67ChevyRedneck]

With the way most people drive today you would swear new cars don't come with any rearview mirrors, turn signals, or brake lights...

It's hard to do custom touches on these trucks without them looking dated in a few years. The only thing that keeps looking good year after year is how GM made them. Personally, I think the 67-70 round mirrors do have a little bit of that clean, custom look to them?

I do like the one you posted at the top.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

I'm looking for some custom side view mirrors for my 71 SWB build. FYI I have decided NOT to go with one piece windows, so I'm keeping my vent windows. Has anyone used Billet Specialties mirrors? If so, what model? And are you happy with them? I'm looking at the model 74720. I would like to know how they fit, look and function on our 67-72 trucks. If anyone has pictures that would also be appreciated. As always, thanks for your help.

http://www.billetspecialties.com/ext...-round-offset/

'69 Nova.

[cooperhw]

I just installed a set of ferd f-series manual mirrors this past weekend. I like em pretty good. I was in the same boat as you in that I didn't really care for the stock mirrors. I purchased mine through Amazon for about $26 each.

[rocknss]

cooperhw, what year are the mirrors you have? Also very cool truck!!

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by rocknss

cooperhw, what year are the mirrors you have? Also very cool truck!!

Thanks rocknss. Not sure the year. They are Ford F-Series Manual mirrors from Amazon for $26.00 each. Sold by Dorman. Part # 955-269.
You can really see well on each side with these.

[Andy4639]

My truck has the old cal vue mirrors installed.

[Daman]

Originally Posted by cooperhw

I just installed a set of ferd f-series manual mirrors this past weekend. I like em pretty good. I was in the same boat as you in that I didn't really care for the stock mirrors. I purchased mine through Amazon for about $26 each.

I really like the look. Did you mount the support bar to the inside?

[custom10nut]

My truck had the big white highway mirrors on it when I bought it. I later put the repop Sport mirrors on because I wanted the smaller sportier look. I soon realized that they're not real effective and hard to see out of. When both of them came apart at the swivel, I put the big ones back on, and I think I'm going to stay with them. Lesson learned, cool look is not always practical, or useful, for that matter.

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by Daman

I really like the look. Did you mount the support bar to the inside?

Yes. I had to make one as the bolt holes were specific to the new ferd mirrors. I like em too. You can really see down the sides well and I like the black. My bodyman/painter wanted to paint em black, but I vetoed it.

[chanclas90063]

They are on my '70 Chevy C-10 long bed and I find them almost useless. Especially the passenger side. It is not unusual to have someone walk by and bump into it. It is incredibly difficult to adjust them when you are alone. The only reason I haven't changed them is because I kinda like the way they look😁😁.

[Daman]

Originally Posted by cooperhw

Yes. I had to make one as the bolt holes were specific to the new ferd mirrors. I like em too. You can really see down the sides well and I like the black. My bodyman/painter wanted to paint em black, but I vetoed it.

Mine just showed up yesterday.

Just noticed your end gate. What's going on there? Is there a story?

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by Daman

I really like the look. Did you mount the support bar to the inside?

Sorry misunderstood your question. No, I cut the support bar off. I thought you were asking about the plate inside that spreads the support behind the door skin.

[Daman]

I put them on last week. These fit very well with the body line. I was also shocked when I opened them up and they were chrome. When I looked up the part number there was an option to buy right and left together and save a couple bucks. Nowhere did it say chrome but it does fit the pickup nicely.

Originally Posted by cooperhw

Sorry misunderstood your question. No, I cut the support bar off. I thought you were asking about the plate inside that spreads the support behind the door skin.

LOL When I pulled them out of the box I looked at them and said "How'd he mount that bar inside?" 2 seconds later I was at the band saw and cut them off. I ended up making a template from the rubber gasket out of 1/8 sheet aluminum for a brace inside.

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by Daman

I put them on last week. These fit very well with the body line. I was also shocked when I opened them up and they were chrome. When I looked up the part number there was an option to buy right and left together and save a couple bucks. Nowhere did it say chrome but it does fit the pickup nicely.






LOL When I pulled them out of the box I looked at them and said "How'd he mount that bar inside?" 2 seconds later I was at the band saw and cut them off. I ended up making a template from the rubber gasket out of 1/8 sheet aluminum for a brace inside.

them look Purdy.

['68OrangeSunshine]

A PO put '73-'87 Squarebody side mirrors on my '71 Jimmy. When I first got it, I wanted to change them out for a period-correct RV Jr set, but they grew on me. Growing up watching TV with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the mirror image looks natural. But West Coast Jrs are the best for rearward surveillance IMO.
PO also put on a Squarebody trim plate on the tailgate. Always wondered if there's a ''CHEVROLET'' embossed on the real tailgate underneath, but I'm reluctant to open Pandora's Box.

[brad_man_72]

Chevelle mirrors, and door handles.
I "found" the tow mirror at a gas station...

[OKGMC4]

Not my truck .Euro mirrors by K Source.

[OKGMC4]

A personal favorite...modified 2015 and newer Mustang mirrors.