Needing advice on mirrors

[lksmitty]

Hey guys I have a 1970 GMC K1500 and am looking to get rid of the cheap plastic mirrors that were put on it by the previous owner. What style mirror would have been original to these trucks? I’m ok with purchasing reproductions but have no clue where to start. Thanks.

[SeanB242]

There are many types available but unless you re-use the mounting arm your gonna have holes in the door. Are you wanting big for towing or just something small to glance in? This page has some examples. Maybe some vendors on here can help you out.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=120

[lksmitty]

Just something small to see from. I don’t think I’ll do much towing with this truck.

[Ironhorse]

Nice looking truck. With that said, if you replace the present mirrors from the truck with "anything" other than what is already there you have mounting holes to deal with. Weld or bondo closed and then hopefully blend in new paint to existing paint. Not an easily accomplished task, blending.

Since you are a paid subscription supporting member I would suggest looking thru the board at various trucks for some examples of stock factory mirrors you like. Many examples, both large and small. After making that decision place a WTB (Want To Buy) ad in the appropriate parts forum. Think you will be much happier with GM factory mirrors. Read of LOTS of complaints of the cheap, off shore made mirrors offered by many parts venders. Poor chrome plate, mirrors won't stay adjusted, glass falling out, etc. Just my $0.02 worth of thoughts. Good luck with your search and decision.

[flashed]

My 72 4x4 came with similar metal mirrors from a Ford van maybe . They would not stay put no matter what so I used a pair off of a parts truck that were a perfect fit and work great . My truck is not as nice as yours so having a couple extra holes dont matter . Yours would look much better with the smaller chrome Sport Mirrors like factory .

[NorCalC20LWB]

My 72 had exactly the same mirrors on it, cheap, plastic, Ford style. I replaced with sport mirrors, suits me fine since I don't plan on towing. Plus easier to get in and out of the garage. Patched the old holes using the JB Weld method, which has a great DIY post on this site. Does need to be painted though, still haven't decided how to get that done.

Before and after Pics:

[lksmitty]

Originally Posted by NorCalC20LWB

My 72 had exactly the same mirrors on it, cheap, plastic, Ford style. I replaced with sport mirrors, suits me fine since I don't plan on towing. Plus easier to get in and out of the garage. Patched the old holes using the JB Weld method, which has a great DIY post on this site. Does need to be painted though, still haven't decided how to get that done.

Before and after Pics:

That looks WAY better. Thanks.

[mike16]

I ran into this issue. I hate those big side mirror's. But when you remove them, they leave behind big rusty holes where nothing else goes, I dont feel like leaving those big gaping holes or drilling more of my own for yet another set of mirrors. That someone else will hate in the future or resent for all the big gaping hole they leave behind. Stick with what you have and be thankfull you have two functioning complete mirrors. Ugly or not.

I have side mirrors I hate. I have 5 mirror set ups for my truck and still not a complete enough set to be functional. and no choice because of the holes they leave behind.

[CG]

Seems like a person could go to the hardware store and find a small button head screw or very small push in plug in one of the specialty bins that would fit in the old unused mirror holes. Get some touch up paint same color as your rig and paint the screw or plug to match. Instead of a gaping hole or shoddy repair you would at least have a very small same color as your truck bump. People ask what they are just say optional factory mirror holes. When it's time to repair and paint your whole truck fix the holes.

[lksmitty]

Originally Posted by CG

Seems like a person could go to the hardware store and find a small button head screw or very small push in plug in one of the specialty bins that would fit in the old unused mirror holes. Get some touch up paint same color as your rig and paint the screw or plug to match. Instead of a gaping hole or shoddy repair you would at least have a very small same color as your truck bump. People ask what they are just say optional factory mirror holes. When it's time to repair and paint your whole truck fix the holes.

Not a bad idea

[bs46488]

I just repainted my truck. I filled all the holes on the doors from the previous owner mounting 3 different types of mirrors on the truck.

I drilled new holes for the sport mirrors like NorCalC20 put on his truck. Just an FYI...I can't see anything out of the passenger side mirror.

[NorCalC20LWB]

I think mine had the same amount of holes from previous mirrors as yours...probably 6 old holes to fill. There have been quite a few posts about not being able to see out of the passenger side sport mirror, but for covering the blind spot the convex style works fine. The "objects are closer than they appear" type of convex mirror. Not a full view like a camper style mirror, but I think they work good enough for safety purposes. If the passenger side were not the convex type, then they'd probably be useless.

[mike16]

every one I've seen left some pretty nasty holes. dont know abot hiding them successfully

[darrellyates]

I used GM factory Chevelle mirrors. I think they were Chevelle mirrors. Might have been from a Nova.

I got them from Classic Industries. Used them on both sides. They are just a little different from the standard truck mirror. Plus, they have the Chevy Bowtie on them.

I like them anyway...

[67chevemall]

Make a wtb ad for oem mirrors for sure.
Aftermarket junk will chip and rust in no time

[BCOWANWHEELS]

Sure plus makes mirrors check em out

[jocko]

Lowes does have push-in slightly convex metal caps that are almost flush that you can paint to match body. While they aren’t as good as no hole, it’s much less unsightly than an open hole - and a good temporary fix if you don’t want to paint right at the moment.