Are the rivets on the top of a 1967 corvette rear view mirror suppose to be flat or round? Were there different makers of the mirror so that there might be different rivets? How can you tell the repros from originals? Thanks.
Kirk
Kirk
-
-
Re: 67 Rear View Mirror Rivets
I have collected 8 interior mirrors (8" & 10") over the past 30 years from various GM models stamped stamped "GUIDE GLARE-PROOF". Seven of them (1963 to 1968 models) have "very slightly rounded" rivet heads.
The only one with "flat" rivets came from a late 1969 Camaro made in Sept. 1969 (10" mirror).
8" mirrors with "very slightly rounded" rivet heads:
63 Corvair (Feb. 63), 63 Corvair (VIN 30927W137820), 65 Buick Skylark, 68 Camaro (Dec. 67)
10" mirrors with "very slightly rounded" rivet heads:
66 Chevelle Malibu, 68 Chevrolet Impala, 66 Pontiac S.W. w/chrome knob
All are stamped "MADE IN USA" near the adjustment knobs which vary depending on the model year.
Kirk,
The 66 Chevelle, 68 Camaro, 68 Impala, and 69 Camaro mirrors have the same type of knob (or more like a lever) like the ones in your pictures. The two 63 Corvair mirrors and the 65 Skylark have a black plastic knob. The 66 Pontiac mirror has a chrome plated knob.
DaveLast edited by David L.; March 13, 2010, 01:21 PM. -
Re: 67 Rear View Mirror Rivets
As David said, the current thinking is there was one mirror supplier, Guide, for 1967 interior mirrors. The AIM reflects a single P/N for the '67 mirror (there were running changes at the beginning of the model year).
It was typical for GM to call out different mirror PN's when their captive internal source (Guide) was backed up by qualified non-GM, external, second source(s).
In those cases, the AIM sheet lists one PN, followed by one or more other PN's defined as [OPT]. That's pretty common for higher volume cars like Corvair, Chevy II, Etc.
I'm used to seeing the slightly rounded rivet head used on Corvette D/N mirrors from Guide. But, I wouldn't rule out Guide having had more than one acceptable source for their rivets and perhaps the flat headed versions also also 'correct'...Comment
-
Re: 67 Rear View Mirror Rivets
Kirk
The oval head rivets, pics 1 & 2, on the right and top appear to be TFP.
The production mirrors came with these oval head rivets that were natural steel with a light coating of chrome. These were prolific rusters. Looks like the rivets in your pic are in the process of rusting as well.
The housing on the mirror with the flat rivets does not show the forming marks that are evident on the first mirror and looks very well polished.
The rivets appear to be somewhat irregularly shaped, not uniform and I suspect if you were to put a magnet to them, you would find them to be made of stainless steel (to eliminate the rusting issue stated above).
The configuration of the rubber surround also appears to be unusual.
These observations indicate that the "Flat Rivet Mirror" has been "Restored" at some point.
HaNDComment
-
Re: 67 Rear View Mirror Rivets
Finally got around to checking:
1. Although the "forming marks" may not be evident from the pic, they are there on the flat rivet mirror.
2. Rivets are perfectly oval definitely magnetic. They show some minor pitting from wear and rust, which I cleaned off on both mirrors using steel wool.
3. The configuration of the surrounds appears identical in all respects except color. The rounded rivet mirror shows more yellowing to its color.
4. Mirror mounts look identical down to flat spot on end and machining marks.
5. The stamps appear identical with many of the same flaws in the lettering. The flat rivet mirror is definitely stamped more lightly as the letters are not quite as deep making some of the flaws more obvious.
Not disagreeing with your assessment, just wanted to let everyone know.
KirkComment
Comment