'57 Passenger side mirror

[Ron B.]

Hi everyone,
I need some help with a touchy issue. I hope all will give me the benefit of their expertise and perhaps forgiveness. In the interest of my safety and the safety of of '57, I would like to install a passenger side mirror. I know many will look down on this, but I will feel safer knowing someone is coming down the onramp at 50MPH, rather than discover it by accident!
I have acquired an after market matching passenger side mirror, but I'm not sure of the correct location on the passenger door. I can place it in the exact opposite location from the driver side, but before I drill holes, does anyone know it that was right for the passenger side location?
I remember seeing a picture of a dealer installed mirror on a '57 in a picture posted here years ago. The bill of sale that was shown with the picture showed the mirror as installed on the car by the dealer when it was purchased. Would anyone be able to help me out with this? Perhaps someone may have found a template somewhere? Thanks.

[David K.]

Re: '57 Passenger side mirror

Personally, I think the left side mirror makes a perfect template for the right side. You are not alone on the right mirror thing. I have not added one, but I am sure tempted to.

[Jim L.]

Re: '57 Passenger side mirror

I understand the desire for the passenger side mirror. However, unless it's a convex mirror that gives you a wide field of view, you won't get much value out of installing one.

I know of which I speak: I have a metal '57 with dual outside mirrors. The right side mirror just doesn't reveal enough vista to be useful.

It looks cool, though.

Jim

[Mike T.]

Re: '57 Passenger side mirror

Mine has a mirror. Not right, but it looks fine. The guy I bought it from put it on in 1958 and it's staying. (Something about history and respect for the owner).
Incidently, the son sold the car to me because his dad passed away. When I went to pick the car up, I realized there was an American flag folded in a triangle that was placed inside. It wasn't there when I looked over the car initially. The son was reallly upset and crying, so I didn't ask any questions.
The flag will always stay in the car, in spite of any rule or judging guideline. So will the mirror.

[Mike M.]

Re: '57 Passenger side mirror

I understand the desire for the passenger side mirror. However, unless it's a convex mirror that gives you a wide field of view, you won't get much value out of installing one.

I know of which I speak: I have a metal '57 with dual outside mirrors. The right side mirror just doesn't reveal enough vista to be useful.

It looks cool, though.

Jim

agree with jim in that the non-convex mirror with be as usefull as teats on a bull. our 57 chevy 210 and our 57 olds have them and although they do add to the attractivness of the cars, they aren't very functional.mike

[Bill I.]

Re: '57 Passenger side mirror

Mike Tower, that was a very moving post especialy since we are coming up on Memorial Day. If you are a Veteran, you know what that folded flag represents and where it was when they buried the man. Keep it in the car, and explain to the judge why it's there. No judge in his right mind would deduct.

[David K.]

Re: '57 Passenger side mirror

Well I am old fashioned. I just always hated those mirrors on the right that said (objects may be close than they appear", or something like that they say. I just can't tell exactly how far the car in the right mirror is from me or me backing up. I have been known to make that glass go away and put in a flat glass mirror. Then I can see how close the objects behind me are.

[Jim L.]

Re: '57 Passenger side mirror

The flag will always stay in the car, in spite of any rule or judging guideline.

That is an extraordinarily decent thing to do.

Jim

[Louis T.]

Re: '57 Passenger side mirror

Hi Ron,







Save the wave!

Louis

[Roy B.]

Re: '57 Passenger side mirror

Ron! A lot of members know me because of my 55 Corvette having many GM accessories installed which I enjoy and use to make my Vett more enjoyable for me to drive. Not all but some members do poo-poo my Corvette and look down on it.. And still I took a top flight in 05 NCRS National ,this week at Tahoe NCRS Chapter meet I also got a top flight and all the NCRS heads were there. So don't think your destroying your 57 by adding a right side mirror. They do consider a real GM accessory ( not a Ford mirror ) and may take a few points off for the holes you added. Other (real GM )accessories for that year Corvette can be installed with out any point lose if you don't modify the item or the body to do so.( like my LOOK-OUT-MIRROR as seem here) But like my GM wire wheels I lost all points and I'm OK with that. (that's my decision ). Don't let other members tell you how you wont your Corvette even tho I respect their opinions , it's your Corvette not thiers.
To install the right mirrors it needs to be moved a little backwards on mine then the driver side to clear your view of the windshield post.
Pic of the accessory GM R/S mirrow

[Louis T.]

Re: '57 Passenger side mirror

Hi Roy,

Good point about the passenger-side mirror positioning. Anyone contemplating adding a passenger-side mirror to a midyear will likely have a similar positioning issue to clear the vent window post.

Louis