1963 External Mirror Glass

[Rob M.]

I received a properly dated exterior mirror glass from one of the respected Corvette parts suppliers but it seems to be to small for my mirror holder. the mirror glass is 4 1/4" in diameter while the mirror holder has a gap of 4 3/8". When I install the mirror glass and the spring I'm afraid the mirror glass will drop out since it has about the size of the inner diameter of the fitted spring.

My 1963 late mirror holder has inside the number 3794133 embossed and a NH sign (N and H are sort of connected), also there is a 4 in it. I was hoping the mirror holder was original.

Any insight is welcome...

[Bob R.]

Re: 1963 Mirror Glass

I installed a dated reproduction exterior mirror glass in my reproduction mirror holder and it fit fine. The reproduction holder has a wider metal retaining ring and it will hold the reproduction glass. You may have to get the wider ring to hold the glass properly.

[Rob M.]

Re: 1963 Mirror Glass

could some one do an exact measurement of the opening where the glass sits (so excluding the spring) so I can determine if my mirror holder is correct in dimensions?

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Mirror Glass

Rob, I tried the repro glass in my E63 original base and ran into the same thing ,It appears that the repro glass is only for a repro mirror. its about 1/8 in. to small. I purchased mine from corvette central. I plan on talking to (The mirror lady) and will see if she will let me know her supplier of dated mirror glass.

[Rob M.]

Re: 1963 Mirror Glass

Rob, I tried the repro glass in my E63 original base and ran into the same thing ,It appears that the repro glass is only for a repro mirror. its about 1/8 in. to small. I purchased mine from corvette central. I plan on talking to (The mirror lady) and will see if she will let me know her supplier of dated mirror glass.

I emailed with the Mirror Lady and she confirmed my mirror is authentic and the mirrors delivered by the parts suppliers are 1/8" too small.

Quote "From what I am getting from this email, is that your glass is too small for the mirror head. This is a common problem, because all the dated glass that is available is made for reproduction mirror bodies, which are slightly smaller than the original mirrors. Also, the best way to tell if your mirror is an original is to look for a casting number up inside the base. (#3839611) The only way to resolve this is to use a slightly wider original snap ring."

I checked my mirror base and indeed it has the mentioned #3839611 so it seems the mirror itself is authentic...

[Chuck B.]

Re: 1963 Mirror Glass

I have the same problem with a replacement dated mirror that is too small for my original mirror. Does anyone know of a source for a wider snap ring? Thanks, Chuck