Mid year Exterior mirror glass ?

[Philip A.]

When installing the dated mirror does the plated side or glass side face out?

Reason for question: Mirror (repro) is dated, to read left to right MM-DMI-Y, with plated side out! It would seem the correct way to install any mirror would be glass face out and plated side in for protection; this is true for any home mirror. If the dated mirror is installed in this manner the dating will read backwards (Y-IMD-MM).

The TIMJG states "Mirror glass is dark shaded with mirror silvering on the glass face." Does glass face mean exterior surface (ie plated side out) or just glass face (interior) versus mirror silvering on the backing plate?

The supplier has stated they are willing to make another with dating reversed so it will read correctly when installed glass surface to exterior; but said this is not NCRS correct.

Any help would be greatly appreciated; especially anyone with an original!

[Jean C.]

Re: Mid year Exterior mirror glass ?

Phillip,
Perhaps I misunderstand your situation, but automobile mirrors for any marque as well as household mirrors as you have noted, do not have the reflective surface to the outside or exterior.

Mirrors that are used with the reflective surface on top of the glass, e.g. reflective surface to the light source, are described as "first surface mirrors" and you will find such mirrors used in optical instruments or similar scientific applications. They are extremely fragile and as you can imagine, are susceptible to scratching. Please not that this is my textbook recollection from many moons ago.

When installed in your mirror frame, the glass side of the mirror should be to the outside with the date/manufacturer code reading from left to right. At least that is how I see them.

As you have noted, the TIM&JG wording on this subject is confusing. Why make reference to "mirror silvering on the glass face"? All mirrors that we ordinarily come in contact with have silvering or a reflective surface applied to the glass.

Anyone else care to explain the TIM&JG wording?

Best regards,

[Gary S.]

Re: Mid year Exterior mirror glass ?

And, I would suggest you use the original lock ring if in decent condition. The repro rings leave too big a gap between the ends compared to the originals. Just a thing that irritates me every time I see one.

[Paul J.]

Re: Mid year Exterior mirror glass ?

Phillip, Charlie's right. The glass protects the coating from the oils in our hands, the elements, wear and tear, etc. The coated side is the back side. The TIM&JG appears to be worded poorly, I don't think that they intend for the mirror to be installed backwards. I also think that your supplier has been confused by this.

Paul

[Philip A.]

Re: Mid year Exterior mirror glass ?

Charlie
You did not misunderstand my question and thanks for the reply.

Paul
Thanks for the reply. I think I am going to have it made to be functionaly correct [glass surface to exterior with MM-DMI-Y, reading left to right].

All
Perhaps this is something to be aware of and look for when judging. I never thought I would uncover something like this.

Regards,
Phil

[Jean C.]

Re: Mid year Exterior mirror glass ?

Phil,
Looks like you are good to go. I have judged exterior on many mid-year Corvettes and can say that I have never encountered a mirror installed in the manner that your mirror source is suggesting.

Best regards,