66 day/night mirror usage?

[Gary J.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

In the (JM) on page 20 it mention the mirror as being the opional non-glare (day/night) mirror. Now how did they arrived at optional, dealer installed or with a packaged. My '66 June built car has the standard mirror.

[Jack H.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

I think the only thing the dealer option phamphlet proves is that WHEN the phamphlet was printed (usually before model year change over and model year order start up) the D/N mirror WAS a legitimate dealer option. Heck, it'd been that way since 1964....

What Noland had to say about the item being made standard + what John Hinckley said about the AIM change in August of '65 right at the time of model year change over, sounds like it reinforces the NCRS position of the DN mirror being made a standard feature for 1966....

[Michael H.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

I think the only thing the dealer option phamphlet proves is that WHEN the phamphlet was printed (usually before model year change over and model year order start up) the D/N mirror WAS a legitimate dealer option. Heck, it'd been that way since 1964....

What Noland had to say about the item being made standard + what John Hinckley said about the AIM change in August of '65 right at the time of model year change over, sounds like it reinforces the NCRS position of the DN mirror being made a standard feature for 1966....

Both of the numbers that John Hinckley posted are for non day/night mirrors. When you see two part numbers in the AIM, and one is listed as "optional", that doesn't mean it's an available, orderable option by the customer. It just means the assembly plant can use either of the numbers. Their option. The same was true for engine fan blades. (we've pretty much covered that issue in the past)
There were two styles of standard inside mirrors for previous years also. (64-65)
When John Hinckley stated that there were two new part numbers in the 66 AIM for the mirror, I don't think he meant that one was for a day/night mirror.

The accessory folder that I have was indeed an early printing. (just stated 1965) However, included in the folder is a note that states;
"After this publication was released to the printer, the following items were made standard equipment on all passenger cars.
Standard left hand mirror.
Two speed windshield washer.
Back-up lamps.
Rear seat belts.
Padded Inst panel.
Padded sun visors.

There is no mention of the day/night inside rear view mirror becoming "standard equipment".

In a May 1966 printing of the parts book, the non day/night mirror is still listed as the standard mirror for Corvette. There is a separate listing for the "optional day/night mirror" If no 66's were produced with the standard mirror, it's unlikely the parts book would list it as such.

So far, there is strong evidence that the standard mirror is correct. Maybe not 100% convincing evidence, but very strong.
At the same time, there seems to be no evidence that the day/night mirror was ever standard.
It seems that once a "Corvette story" has been told enough times over enough years, it becomes fact, especially if it's in print somewhere.

The AIM continues to show the standard mirror through the end of 66 production. We know the number is for the standard mirror because the May 66 printing of the parts book backs that up.

A dealer order form for a new 66 that was delivered some time in early/mid 1966 shows no reference to an optional day/night mirror.

If someone can show me one piece of documentation that clearly shows the day/night mirror was either standard or an orderable factory option for the 66 model year, I'll be very surprised.

[Brian K.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

I've wonderd about this for the last 20 years. My 66 late build has the standard mirror. Driving last night home from a cruise, I was annoyed at the headlights in my eyes so I'm going to change it even if it's wrong.

[Jeff S.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

The 'Custom Feature Accessories for 1966' Chevrolet booklet lists an available 'wide angle prismatic mirror that can be changed from clear to non-glare at night'. (That's the little 4x8" pamphlet (3882774) that is typically called the dealer accessory catalog.)

The '66 Corvette Specifications package, page 14 of the Index to Model Information Section, lists MIRROR, INSIDE -- non-glare, part no. 986600 in the paragraph entitled 'Corvette Dealer Installed Special Feature Accessories'. It's in there with the fire extinguisher, locking gas cap,floor mats, and the like.

My Jul '66 car has a standard mirror.

[Michael H.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

Thanks Jeff, Brian. I wonder if there is a date on the mirror and, if so, how it fits in with the assembly date of your cars? It would be in the lower right corner of the glass and somewhat difficult to see.

[David T.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

To me one of the strongest arguments that 66 were produced with non day/night mirrors is the word of a gentleman who purchased his 66 Laguna Blue convertible with optional hardtop, 4 speed, 300 hp, and with vinyl interior, who says that has owned it since it was new and is 100 % like it came from the factory except that the water pump has been replaced.
I have seen the car and it does not have the day/night mirror.

[Brian K.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

Thanks Jeff, Brian. I wonder if there is a date on the mirror and, if so, how it fits in with the assembly date of your cars? It would be in the lower right corner of the glass and somewhat difficult to see.

4-DMI-6. I believe it to be the original mirror. Sorry, don't have the assembly date handy. last six of vin is 124180.

[Brian K.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

Mike, my original non day/night mirror is dated 11-DMI-5 (nov 65) my car is a March 3rd or 4th build vin 15736 AOS body. which fits my Nov 65 dated carb.

[Michael H.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

Thanks to all who responded. I think we have a pretty good case. I see a LOT of evidence and documentation that shows the chrome non day/night mirror is the original St Louis installed item for 66.
With no official day/night mirror option/number, no mention of the option in any 66 new car option lists, the info in the parts books and statements from many owners, including one original owner, I think it's safe to assume that the original mirror in a 66 was a standard mirror.
Someone may want to contact the 66 TL? May have to forward the link for this string of posts.

[Gary S.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

Never one to worry about being wrong, I will go out on a limb here and ask what the 1966 TIM & JG says? I ask because I had a 66 for 10 years that came with the day only mirror but I THINK I recall that the JG said that the day/night mirror was optional and judged accordingly. I also know that I found a very nice day/night mirror at the salvage yard in a 65 or 66 Chevy II.

Gary

[Henry J.]

Re: 66 day/night mirror usage?

Mike:

My April-built 66 (trim tag date H19 and St. Louis body) has a non day/night mirror dated 1 DMI 6.