Early 1963 Door Mirror (Original Vers Reproduction)
I purchased a reproduction mirror for my 1963 Corvette, December build.
I have used the mirror for 6 months and was considering having my original restored.
I have two parts to this posting;
1) The differences between the two mirrors
2) Should I use my original mirror as is or have it restored.
Below are some of the differences;
The emblem's embossing is deeper on the factory mirror. (factory mirror on top)
The mirror's diameter is .050 smaller on the reproduction.
The length of the base is shorter by almost 1/4"
Caliper is set to the factory mirror's length, not the gasket.
The swivel head is very different. (factory mirror on top)
I an not sure how easy this will be to see because of the shiny surfaces. The top spline is flattened on the reproductions.
Factory mirror is on top.
Where the retaining screw is recessed into the mirror is also different.
Reproduction on top.
Also notice how the gasket is long, because the mirror is shorter than the original.
The front edge of the mirror's holder is shaped differently than the originals.
The original is on the left in the picture below.
Mirror's glass is crimped in on the reproduction and held in with a snap ring on the original.
The snap ring is visible in the picture with the date code below.
Identifying a reproduction mirror is extremely easy.
My Mirror is dated YANCO 2K
I am confident the mirror is the same one that come on the car when new.
It is in decent shape for 55 years old. I spend some time cleaning it up and below are a couple pictures.
It isn't perfect but it may be only a couple points deduction for condition.
I haven't checked but restoring on must be big $!
A couple pictures as to the condition of the original.
Have it restored? Shine it up and use as is? Any recommendations on the cost verses points lost?
I am leaning to using it as is. However it's difficult to know with out the cost to restore.
Rick
I have used the mirror for 6 months and was considering having my original restored.
I have two parts to this posting;
1) The differences between the two mirrors
2) Should I use my original mirror as is or have it restored.
Below are some of the differences;
The emblem's embossing is deeper on the factory mirror. (factory mirror on top)
The mirror's diameter is .050 smaller on the reproduction.
The length of the base is shorter by almost 1/4"
Caliper is set to the factory mirror's length, not the gasket.
The swivel head is very different. (factory mirror on top)
I an not sure how easy this will be to see because of the shiny surfaces. The top spline is flattened on the reproductions.
Factory mirror is on top.
Where the retaining screw is recessed into the mirror is also different.
Reproduction on top.
Also notice how the gasket is long, because the mirror is shorter than the original.
The front edge of the mirror's holder is shaped differently than the originals.
The original is on the left in the picture below.
Mirror's glass is crimped in on the reproduction and held in with a snap ring on the original.
The snap ring is visible in the picture with the date code below.
Identifying a reproduction mirror is extremely easy.
My Mirror is dated YANCO 2K
I am confident the mirror is the same one that come on the car when new.
It is in decent shape for 55 years old. I spend some time cleaning it up and below are a couple pictures.
It isn't perfect but it may be only a couple points deduction for condition.
I haven't checked but restoring on must be big $!
A couple pictures as to the condition of the original.
Have it restored? Shine it up and use as is? Any recommendations on the cost verses points lost?
I am leaning to using it as is. However it's difficult to know with out the cost to restore.
Rick
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