Passenger Side Mirror

[Jim C.]

I got into a Corvette discussion with a co-worker the other day, and somewhere along the line, we got on the topic of passenger side view mirrors. I was fairly certain that passenger side view mirrors were not factory installed until the mid to late 1970s. Although we've all seen right side mirrors on C1 and C2 Corvettes, I always thought those were dealer or previous owner installations. So, my question is, during what model year were FACTORY installed passenger/right side mirrors added to Corvettes? The other question might be this, during what year were passenger/right side mirrors at least a FACTORY option if they were not included as standard trim/safety equipment? I did do a search of the tech forum but couldn't find a definitive answer to either question. Thanks.

Jim C.

[Edward J.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

Jim I believe that 73 was the first year for the pass. side outside mirror.

[Jim C.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

Thanks Edward. I sort of figured it was some where around then that the passenger side mirrors were factory installed.

[Michael W.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

First year for factory installed side mirrors was 1977. Option RPO D35, dual sport mirrors at a cost of $36.00. 20,206 owners wisely chose them.

These became standard equipment in 1980.

Seems hard to believe that not all cars had a right hand side mirror.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

Not 73 but about 77.

[Francis F.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

While were on the topic of R H mirrors,perhaps someone can settle a new discussion between me and the little lady.Our "66coupe" can be difficult to drive due to the blind spot on the RH due to the mirror missing,it has been said that a dealer installed in the day...The discussion always ends with ,IT'S NOT RIGHT,TAKES AWAY FROM THE ORIGINALITY,WILL CAUSE A DEDUCT OF POINTS @ JUDGING TIME!
Can a member/judge/etc. comment for a final,To install or not to install that is the question ???
FRANCIS

[Reba W.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

There is a minor deduction in the Exterior Section for the holes drilled in the door. The mirror itself does not get judged.

[Duke W.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

While were on the topic of R H mirrors,perhaps someone can settle a new discussion between me and the little lady.Our "66coupe" can be difficult to drive due to the blind spot on the RH due to the mirror missing,it has been said that a dealer installed in the day...The discussion always ends with ,IT'S NOT RIGHT,TAKES AWAY FROM THE ORIGINALITY,WILL CAUSE A DEDUCT OF POINTS @ JUDGING TIME! Can a member/judge/etc. comment for a final,To install or not to install that is the question ??? FRANCIS

I always set the inside mirror to pick up the RH side of the rear view, which includes the right rear quarter. The LH outside mirror has a wide field of view due to the short fender and rear deck, so it can be set to pick up the LH quarter and the center rear view.

With the mirrors so set I have no significant blind spot. Try it out.

Of course, I have a SWC, and according to some you can't see anything to the rear, but that's nonsense. IMO the rear window bar doesn't materially affect rear vision. A Convertible with the soft top up has a poorer right quarter view without a right side mirror than any C2 Coupe.

Duke

[Don H.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

While were on the topic of R H mirrors,perhaps someone can settle a new discussion between me and the little lady.Our "66coupe" can be difficult to drive due to the blind spot on the RH due to the mirror missing,it has been said that a dealer installed in the day...The discussion always ends with , IT'S NOT RIGHT,TAKES AWAY FROM THE ORIGINALITY,WILL CAUSE A DEDUCT OF POINTS @ JUDGING TIME!
Can a member/judge/etc. comment for a final, To install or not to install that is the question ???
FRANCIS

Happy wife equals happy life. Install the mirror.......

[Michael W.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

Happy wife equals happy life. Install the mirror.......

Unless 'the little lady' is the one to veto the installation.

[Francis F.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

YES SHE IS EXERCIZING HER VETO POWER ONCE AGAIN ! THANKS TO DUKE I WILL USE HIS METHOD , TO SEE BETTER.
I would not want the beatings so start again..
Francis,

[Steven B.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

First year for factory installed side mirrors was 1977. Option RPO D35, dual sport mirrors at a cost of $36.00. 20,206 owners wisely chose them.

These became standard equipment in 1980.

Seems hard to believe that not all cars had a right hand side mirror.

Correct. The mirrors were available FOR ORDER at the onset but a shortage soon happened. I ordered my '77 August 6, 1976 with sport mirrors and aluminum wheels. I got notification in October that my order was being held because the mirrors and wheels were out of stock. Some became available in later November.

[Paul Y.]

Re: Passenger Side Mirror

I always set the inside mirror to pick up the RH side of the rear view, which includes the right rear quarter. The LH outside mirror has a wide field of view due to the short fender and rear deck, so it can be set to pick up the LH quarter and the center rear view.

With the mirrors so set I have no significant blind spot. Try it out.

Of course, I have a SWC, and according to some you can't see anything to the rear, but that's nonsense. IMO the rear window bar doesn't materially affect rear vision. A Convertible with the soft top up has a poorer right quarter view without a right side mirror than any C2 Coupe.

Duke

Well said Duke and the truth is finally out.