Backdate drivers side mirror?

[burlyb]

Hi all,

I have an '82 with the black plastic drivers side mirror. Is there an option to backdate to a chrome or older style one? The ones available don't appear to bolt up to the later style (round mount).

I searched but didn't come up with much, so apologies if this has been discussed before.

Thanks!

Bryan

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Bryan, this is Bryan. I think what you're asking is if there is a bracket (or adapter) that would allow the original "triangular" 3-hole base of the early mirrors to mount onto the location of the later mirrors. I'm not aware of any such setup, but I have seen people just drill new holes in the body to mount the older mirrors and then "bondo" the old holes closed and repaint. Or a very small plastic plug that is painted to match the background color as best you can. It's not the way I would choose to do things, but I suppose it could be done.

-Bryan

[SteinOnkel]

Not sure if this helps, but on my '78 I was able to replace the ugly plastic mirror with a Porsche 356 chrome unit. Sounds more expensive than it is, the knockoffs are about $50 a piece. The door has 2 holes.

[spider2081]

I installed aftermarket chrome mirrors with the signal light arrow built into the mirror. I think they look great on my 1981 Spider. The mirror image could be better. I used the 55 chevy replacement. I think if the mirror arm was longer on the mirror was slightly further from the cars windows would work better. The turn signal arrow looks great and gets lots of positive comments. I also installed their third brake light on my wind screen. and that works great.

https://www.rodworx.com/product-categor ... w-mirrors/

[burlyb]

Thanks guys. I wasn't very clear and you gave me good ideas. Is it safe to assume that the 3 hole version from the earlier years won't cover the 2 holes of the later mirror? If not, it does look like there are some decent chrome alternatives to consider. The built-in turn signal would be pretty nice.

Cheers.
Bryan

[davidbruce]

On my 80 the mirror mounting holes are fore and aft. I can't tell from the pics but it looks like yours are top and bottom. AR lists several that are supposed to cover the remote hole but may not cover the mount holes. Give them a call and ask.

[aj81spider]

I changed out the mirror on mine for a nice chrome one that was originally designed for an old Chevy. Basically I measured the holes and went on Ebay until I found one I liked with base dimensions that would cover the hole. I don't have a great picture, but you can make it out in this one.

It required some measuring and a half hour cruising through hundreds of Ebay listings, but I like how it turned out.

[RRoller123]

This looks great, as does your car, as usual! Hope that Tutto is held this year, pretty weak showing last year though..... I expect that the 40 bucks entry fee is a problem, after all, there are hundreds of free cruises, all over Eastern Mass, literally every night of the week, all year, (not THIS year of course ) with food, entertainment, and free entry. $40 bucks has reached the pain threshold for what it is, I am afraid. $30 was ok, but $40 is too much. just imho.