RH sideview mirrors

[Boscoe]

I just got off the phone with a vendor in CA with whom I was checking for a RH sideview mirror for my `71. He told me that the the accessory mirror for `71 was smaller than the factory mirror on the driver's side and that if I want one that matches the looks of the driver's mirror, I should get a mirror from a `73 Centurion. It looks the same but mounts with studs instead of screws. He says he has both types in stock.

In the discussions of the ever-so-rare RH mirror, for which Bob supplied the accessory part number 981724, no one, to the best of my recollection, has mentioned that it was smaller than the mirror on the driver's door. I assumed that they would be, if you'll pardon the phrase, "mirror-images" of each other. I also recall reading here that the mirror with studs is not correct for the `71 and `72 models, right?

Is this for real or was the vendor blowing smoke? Does anyone have a good picture of the correct mirror? Does anyone have a source for the correct mirror? I'm confused.:confused4: I don't mind paying the going rate for the RH mirror, as I feel half-blind without one over there, but I want to make sure I get the right one! Any help is much appreciated.

[Boscoe]

other than the difference of the left being remote, and the right beng non-remote, they sure look the same to me - there is a 1/2 inch diff in the thickness to alow for the remote mirror to move around within the housing and not stick out past the edge. Go with the correct one!!!!

Hi Keith,

Thanks for unwrapping your car to take the pictures!

I definitely want the correct one. The wrong one would be worse than none at all. I wonder if the difference in thickness was what the vendor was talking about. He kept saying the correct one was smaller and didn't match the driver's side. The ones in your pictures match as far as I'm concerned. I see the difference in depth between the remote and non-remote mirror, but I'd still call them a match.

He said the ones he has that match have studs that go into holes drilled in the door and are for the `73 models, Don't the correct ones for `71 and `72 attach with screws driven up from inside the door?

Also, do the mirrors have any "Buick" markings on them? If not, might they interchange with the Oldsmobiles of the era? They look exactly like the mirrors on my dad's `73 Olds 88. They are the same shape and have the same decorative pattern on the back.

I may send the vendor an email with your pictures attached and see if the difference in thickness is what he's talking about. I doubt it, but it might be worth a shot.

Thanks, again, Keith, for taking the trouble to take the pics, and for all your help.

[Boscoe]

So something extends into the drilled holes from the bracket or base the screw secures them to the car while securing the mirror to the bracket?

[Boscoe]

Now I got it. Thanks, Keith!

[Robroy]

Great pictures Keith!
They will be a big help for all of us who are searching for that famous RH mirror.:xyxthumbs:

Wish someone would produce new ones, there sure seem to be a market for it:rooleyes2:

[Boscoe]

Wish someone would produce new ones, there sure seem to be a market for it:rooleyes2:

I wish so, too. I'm sure these same mirrors were used by Oldsmobile on their 88 model. I remember them from my dad's 1973 Delta 88. They don't show a Buick or Olds emblem so they could be interchangeable. I guess the mounting bases might be different since the doors aren't exactly the same shape.

[dewbers]

I've been searching for a RH mirror for months! I feel "naked" without it, and trust me, that ain't a pretty picture! :laugh:

If you all find a source... Please play nice and share your source!
I'll do the same if I stumble across one.

Thanks men!

[EEE]

My source is going to be an aftermarket company that offers something a little more good looking than the original ones. I think they're too bulky.

[dewbers]

Got pics of the aftermarket mirrors?

[EEE]

I haven't even started to look actually, I'll put in a few pics of a what I hopefully will find by decision time.

[Boscoe]

My source is going to be an aftermarket company that offers something a little more good looking than the original ones. I think they're too bulky.

I like the stockers, but I'll be interested to see what you find.

[Boscoe]

I've been searching for a RH mirror for months! I feel "naked" without it, and trust me, that ain't a pretty picture! :laugh:

If you all find a source... Please play nice and share your source!
I'll do the same if I stumble across one.

Thanks men!

If I find a source, I'll post it here.

[dewbers]

Ok guys, I found someone willing to sell me two mirrors. A drivers side and a passenger side mirror. They are from a 73 Buick Estate Wagon. Are they the same mirrors that we have on our rides? She only wants $20 for the set, plus s&h...... so a total of $35. From the pictures, they look the same. The base measures 4 5/8's. (I think that's what she said) They look the same... Anyone with more experience that could an help me out here??
Thanks guys!

[Boscoe]

If they're the same shape as the ones in Keith's pictures they're probably the right ones. The length of the base sounds right. The `73's should have with 2 studs that go through the door skin and attach with nuts from inside the door (you'll need to remove the interior door panel to install them). I would think the mirrors from an Estate Wagon would be the same as on the Centurion, but I'll defer to the people here who know what they're taking about. I'm guessing, though, that you have found your RH mirror. Cool! :xyxthumbs:

[Boscoe]

Steve, I had it in my head that your car was a `73. I agree with Keith. I'm going to wait until I find the correct one for my `71. Or I cause an accident!

[dewbers]

Ok, I give....... I won't buy them. I don't need headaches... I need solutions.
So I'll keep searching. Thanks guys. Keep me posted if anyone finds something out there for a 72 and doesn't buy them himself......

[Bob Alberini]

Steve,
If those 73 mirrors are nice and still available, you may still want to consider them. The RH mirror is the same one that was used from 71-76 so it should work beautifully for you. The LH remote sported a different accessory number starting in 73 so it may not exactly be the same or it may possibly be. But for the money you are talking here, I don't see how you can lose if they are nice and you can always put the LH remote up for re-sale and recoup some or all of your investment. (My entire explanation of the mirrors for these cars can be found under the 'List of Options' thread in this same category.)

[Boscoe]

The RH mirror is the same one that was used from 71-76 so it should work beautifully for you.

Hi Bob,

I'm confused. I thought the `71-`72 mirror mounted with screws into the door's sheetmetal (see the picture below) and `73 on up had studs and required getting inside the interior door panel to secure them.

My "Models Thru 1975 Chassis and Body Parts Catalog" (published in 1983) shows a LH remote mirror for `71 and `72 B, C, and E bodies (LeSabre/Centurion, Electra, and Riviera, respectively) with the part number 9614196 and a manual RH mirror for 50-60-80-9000 series (LeSabre, Centurion, Electra, Riviera, respectively) with the part number 9847199. Would this RH mirror be the same mirror as the accessory mirror 981724 we're all hunting for? Maybe Buick started installing it at the factory sometime during the `72 model year? The `73-`75, remote LH mirror and manual RH mirror use the above numbers, but, according to Keith, mount using studs. The catalog also lists a manual RH mirror for `73-`75 B body (Estate) wagons to (apparently) replace the remote mirror that came on the car and it says "(For Repl. of Stud Mounted Mirror Only)".

So, what to do? The `73-`75 mirrors look the same, so they can be used on a `71-`72 and only experts are likely to realize they aren't correct. There seem to be more `73's out there from which to get mirrors, and I'm tempted to do that myself if I haven't found the screw-mounted mirror before convertible weather rolls around next Spring. In fact, if my car didn't have the trip odometer and speed minder I'd be tempted to get the `74 remote RH mirror and install it just for the extra convenience.

Have I got all this wrong? Any additional light that you or anyone else can shed on this wacky mirror business would be most appreciated. Thanks

[dewbers]

I'm confused myself guys. I remember reading the same thing. 71 and 72 models had screw on brackets that the mirrors then attached to. The 73's had to be secured by bolting them on (taking the door panel off). I know we're talking a huge some of money, but before I spend it, i'd like to know if it's correct or not.... If not, prehaps one of the guys with a 73 would like them?? I really need input from the more experienced guys on here....

[Boscoe]

I really need input from the more experienced guys on here....


We're both at the bottom of the learning curve for these beauties (beasts?). And a pox on GM for not having all the parts we want and need still available and at rock-bottom prices!

[Bob Alberini]

Steve and Brian,
This parts thing gets to be fun doesn't it? You need to remember that when you see the mirror in the regular section of the parts book, that is exactly what you get -- the mirror. The accessory kit contains the mirror, gasket, attaching parts, template, etc.

With that in mind, the accessory number for the LH remote covers 71 and 72 only and changes in 73. That would seem to account for the difference in the way the mirror is mounted but not having one in my possession, I cannot swear that that is why the number changed. On the other hand, the RH non remote mirror accessory number DID NOT change from 1971 through 1976. Does anyone actually have a RH non remote mirror that requires the door to be taken apart to install or do the 73s and newer mount the same way that they did in 71 and 72? My thought, and it is just that, is that without a change in the accessory number, the RH mirror did not see a change in the mounting method. I could be wrong but I believe if that change took place, a new accessory number would have been created just as it was for the LH remote.

And no, Brian, the RH never was a factory installed option in '72. I have numerous books, pricing sheets, order forms, etc. and the only way you got to have a RH mirror in that era was to add the accessory kit.

Let's see if we get some additional feedback on this.....

[Boscoe]

Hi Bob,

This sure gets interesting, doesn't it? I don't find the outside mirrors in my illustrated parts catalog, just the inside rearview. Keith explained to me the difference in mountings between the `71-`72 mirror and the `73+ model. He has the correct one on his `72 but I don't remember if said he installed it himself or if it came on the car when he bought it. He certainly seemed to know the installation procedure. He described it to me in detail because I was having trouble understanding how it went together.

[Bob Alberini]

He mounted the RH mirror himself using the correct 981724 accessory kit.

[The German]

Perhaps these pictures could help mounting the mirror (I don´t have them in better quality; - I hope that the main things are to be seen clearly enough).
I found them some time ago in the net when looking for such a mirror.

I got an used remote right side mirror of an `75 Electra for $ 75; I know that this mirror is not really correct for my ´71 Centurion, but one cannot see that from outside because it´s designed in the same way as the left one. I didn´t mount it until now but here are 2 pictures of this mirror.

________________
Rolf

[Boscoe]

He mounted the RH mirror himself using the correct 981724 accessory kit.

Thanks, Bob. That's what I'd like to do if I can find the kit. I'm guessing it'll be more likely that I'll find one on a car and have to try to get all the pieces.

[Boscoe]

I know that this mirror is not really correct for my ´71 Centurion, but one cannot see that from outside because it´s designed in the same way as the left one.
________________
Rolf

Thanks, Rolf. I'm still hoping to find the correct one for my `71, but I may end up doing the same as you did.

[Robroy]

I got an used remote right side mirror of an `75 Electra for $ 75; I know that this mirror is not really correct for my ´71 Centurion, but one cannot see that from outside because it´s designed in the same way as the left one. I didn´t mount it until now but here are 2 pictures of this mirror.


Rolf,
I'm curious if you installed the joystick for that RH remote mirror as well?
I have been thinking if you could use a remote mirror as a non remote by installing it without the joystick….:coffee:
Did you install it from outside or did you have to take off the interior door panel?

[The German]

Per, the mirror is still waiting for installation - I have too little time for that in these days. But I have to install it by taking off the interior door panel and I will install it with the joystick - of course ! I will run the cable of the mirror under the dashboard through the gate of the door with the electric cables; that will be no problem.
____________________
Rolf

[Robroy]

Rolf,
I was thinking, since the Centurion didn’t come with a RH remote mirror, there is no place to put the joystick in the dash without drilling or cutting, unless you mount it in a home made bracket under the dash or similar, maybe that’s your plan?

[The German]

Yes, Per, exact that´s my plan ! When the mirror is adjusted you don´t need to have the joystick in sight. I´ll hide it somewhere under the dashboard; so no one can see that´s not the original mirror and in spite of that I can adjust it very comfortable ! I guess that´s a good idea. ;)
____________________________
Rolf

[Robroy]

Smart solution I think:xyxthumbs: , maybe you could put the joystick in the ashtray where it would both reachable and invisible. That would on the other hand mean some drilling in the ashtray, but that’s fairly replaceable if you should have regrets later on.
Myself I have played with the thought to get a mirror like yours and to use it as a non-remote, that is to adjust it by pushing the mirror. The wire could be put inside the door or maybe even cut off.
To make that work, the mirror need to be rather firm and not to sloppy when you move it.
I don’t know if it would work, as I said just some thoughts to crack that famous RH mirror problem.

[The German]

... , maybe you could put the joystick in the ashtray where it would both reachable and invisible. ...
Myself I have played with the thought to get a mirror like yours and to use it as a non-remote, ...

The idea to put the joystick in the ashtray is new to me; I will keep that in my mind and perhaps I will do so - Thanks !
I played with he other thoughts also, but why not use what is given to use ? That´s why I will install the wire of the mirror with the joystick under the dashboard.
_____________________
Rolf

[Robroy]

I’m with you Rolf, why don’t use the remote function when it’s available.
To have the joystick inside the ashtray would be practical and rather cool, the wire need to be long enough to put it there though.
Make sure to keep us posted when you go ahead and do the installation.:xyxthumbs:

[The German]

...
Make sure to keep us posted when you go ahead and do the installation.

I´ll do so - but it will last a bit.
___________________
Rolf

[dewbers]

OK, who has all the official #'s for parts? (Bob??) As stated earlier in the thread, I have a lead mirrors from an Estate Wagon (73). Here are the part #'s she gave me. The driver's side has two numbers (33825 & 9614196). The passenger side has one number (60435). I'm thinking that if they're close, I'm going to go with it. We're only talking $35 for them both...
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Steve

[Robroy]

Thoughts?

Steve,
If you feel comfortable with this solution, and if you have thought it over, I’d say go for it. With 35 bucks you ain’t got much to lose money wise.
When I do something that deviates from the original on a classic car, I always aim to have a back door to the original design, that is, I don’t do any changes that can’t be reversed to original.
If you should find the correct RH mirror later, you could always replace this one then.

[Bob Alberini]

Steve,
I know we've been through this when you were first considering this set but if they're in any kind of condition whatsoever, you've really got a bargain here. The RH mirror, if correct, and Keith has given you a really good photo of what it looks like, will be what you want for your car. This was the same part from 71 through 76 unless you would happen to get the later remote version which is incorrect anyway. The LH mirror may not be correct since it is off a 73 but even if not, you sure may make a 73 owner very happy and be able to recover all your costs to boot. Aside from the accessory numbers, I don't have a number for the mirror assembly itself (it's not shown in my 75 Master) and the bad thing is that the casting number on the part is not always and many times not the part number listed in the parts book. Like I said, if the mirrors are in any kind of condition, the price is very fair and you really can't lose. Go for it!

[The German]

... We're only talking $35 for them both...
Thoughts? Thanks, Steve

No thoughts, Steve: buy them !! $35 is like a present and if you will find some better mirrors later you could sell them for a pretty higher price !! Don´t hesitate!
_________________;)
Rolf

[dewbers]

Thanks guys........ mirrors are on the way. Once here, I'll photo and post for you all so you can see if I got a steal. She sent me pics, but I can't get them to load here for some reason!? (b/c I am not very good at the technology side of this) If they check out... I will no need the LH mirror, unless I keep it as a spare. However, I may offer to you all that have a 73 and want a new one... I'll post more when rec'd.
Thanks again!
:beers:

[Robroy]

How did it go? Have you got them yet?

[dewbers]

Hey Per - haven't arrived yet. Mail got slowed down over here b/c of the Labor Day Holiday weekend. Should arrive sometime this week. I am hopeful... I figure if I lose $35 buck, oh well. I think it was worth the gamble.
I'll post the results as soon as they arrive.
Thanks for asking!

YIPEE!!!! I am now officially a SENIOR MEMBER!!! Does that mean I get something special?!?!?! ha, ha, ha........

[The German]

drail1eye asked me with a PM for the mounting instructions of the RH mirror I posted here on page 2.

I have these instructions only in that bad quality because the pictures are downloaded from the net and are not of better quality than given in my post. I have 3 pictures - all between 20 and 27 KB only ! The mirror of the ´75 Electra came without instructions - it´s an old used mirror, not a NOS.
I post all the 3 pics here, so everyone can copy them and try to find the information he is searching for.

Good luck !

// But perhaps there is anyone out there having pictures of those instructions of better quality ??? Please post them for drail1eye and others !
__________________
Rolf

[dewbers]

Thanks Keith! Would love to get my hands on that template. However, I guess I should wait till I get the mirrors and see if they are true matches.
I tried posting pictures of what I was sent when I bought them, but the system says it's 650 KB and it only allows 195 KB. Any suggestions on how to downsize it? I can email to someone if that would be helpful. I am a true amateur at this!

[dewbers]

Yippeeee....... they've arrived and appear to match. I'll photograph them and post later this week. $35 for the whole shooting match. Not too bad.
If someone needs the left side mirror, I'll consider parting with them... If not, I'll stow them away for the "Just in case days" ahead. It does have the cable to mount in the door. Neither mirror has the mounting hardware, so I still have an up hill battle to get the right side on the car! :bawl:
More to come...

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Its a start! Good score on the mirrors!!