The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Rear View Mirror for '41 1/2 Ton

Although I'm quite certain that a rear view mirror was not mounted inside the cab I was wondering if anyone has mounted one that perhaps "looks" era correct. The two door hinge "peep" mirrors are almost useless and right now I have mounted a cheap plastic mirror in the cab that I obtained from the FLAPS.

The FLAPS mirror is mounted by a single screw in the center of the headboard front trim piece and works well; it just don't look right.

Thanks,

Don

Don, I got one in my 1940 GMC that I assumed was from the factory, or dealership. The glass is no good, I'll take a better look at it tomorrow and describe it for you.

Yes they did. On both the 41 and 46 1/2 Tons I had, each had a rear view mirror. They attached to the windshield frame. This may prove a little annoying as you open the windshield to turn on your A/C.

Check the Wisconsin thread when you get a chance.

I went out and looked at the rear view mirror in my 1940. SOB! It never had one. Sorry about the previous lie. Looks like I'll be following this thread as well.

As a side note, I thought it would be nice to have interior sun visors, but my build design prevents me from putting anything in the cab that wasn't available through the factory or dealer accessories. Any line on original interior sun visor(s)?

That's too funny. Hopefully someone will help us find out what's behind us LOL!

Thanks for trying anyway,

Don

Check out Chev's of the 40's. They have two that appear to mount to the window frame. Number 516506 and985994.

Thanks Mike. The 985994 just might be the ticket for "looking in the mirror and seeing a Police car". I'll give them a call tomorrow and see exactly how it mounts.

Don

Let us know what they said, but they appear to mount like the ones I had. I replaced my round exterior mirrors with rectangular mirrors and it made a world of difference. I have also used a pair of the small west coast mirrors. They were good too.
They are all guaranteed to see flashing blue lights.

Don,
I bought some items from a local gentleman who had 6 41-46 trucks torn apart and had all intentions of building a good one. He was in a bad wreck and fell upon some bad medical times. I bought this mirror from him. It has a single bolt mounting that I plan to install in between the wiper panels like so once I get my seats in for placement. Glad to hear dislikes with peep mirrors as it was my plan to install those also. I think this mirror will look period correct.
Dan

Thanks Dan for the links and information. I think "Peep" mirrors are named that intentionally and if I recall there was actually only one installed on the driver's side originally as 4 lane highways and passing were rare. Although they don't contribute a whole lot as to helping you see what might be happening behind you they do look cool.

Your project is looking great! I especially like the original air cleaner on the carb.

Don

I don’t know if interior mirrors were available from GM for 41-46 trucks but I did find a military truck of that vintage that appeared to have an original inside mirror. It had what appeared to be original OD green paint along with the rest of the interior. It is a plain mirror mounted on an angle bracket, screwed to the bottom of the cover above the windshield. I’m going to use it on my 39.

I've seen a number of different mirrors mounted in 41-46 trucks over the years, however, inside rear view mirrors are not listed in the accessories section of the 41, 42 or 46 Chevrolet Truck Sales Data Books, although exterior passenger side mirrors and large truck exterior mirrors are. I have never found a part number for a 41-46 truck rear view mirror. If anybody can provide a part number please do.

both my 42 have them

Don, I just looked at your incredible effort in documenting your 41 restoration. If that were a student project in the college where I teach and I were grading it, no doubt you get an A+. That will offer anyone doing a stovebolt restoration a real service. NICE job my friend.

Hi Don,

You might want to try the "fillin station" as they have a large selection of mirror's, both inside and out. You may be able to match or find one that suits your taste. I bought a polished stainless steel universal mirror for the interior of my truck. It mounts with two screws just above the windshield frame. The best part was, it only costs 15.00 and it looks GREAT. Hope this helps.

Dave

my 1946 chevy truck has its factory rear view mirror. and i know of a 1946 chevy truck in a junkyard with one to.thanks

Don:

I’m just wondering how useless the two outside mirrors really are. I know that most of my buddies when first driving my late model Ranger which has a cap with dark windows complain about not being able to see s__t out the back. However after a few hundred miles they seem very comfortable using just the outside mirrors and even the very small glued on convex mirrors that let you see close to the side of the truck. Not being critical but just suggesting that you may get used to them.

1946chevypickup,

Holy Smokes!!! You've got an "in the cab" rear view mirror?? Original for the 40's? Jeez....I sure would love to have one of those in my '46!! Can you put up a picture so we/I can see the mirror you have in your truck? It would be helpful in understanding just how it was originally mounted plus I'd be interested in getting hold of one. Maybe that one in the junk yard you mentioned. You may email me privately if you think the junk yard mirror is in decent condition and could be acquired for a reasonable price. Remember, "A picture is worth a thousand words!"

I have one in my 41 1/2T. If it wasn't factory whoever put it in sure did an amazing job. I'd like to bet it's factory, it looks like it belongs with the interior. I'll get pictures asap.

I ordered the rearview mirror for the "54 Chev pickup, sold by several vendors. I mounted it above the windshield in the center of the headboard trim piece on my 1942. It looks period correct and works for me. If you were tall, it might sit a little low in the field of vision.

Wow! Where the heck have I been on this topic. First let me thank all of you for taking the time to help me "cover my 6". I'll have to go back and read all of the posts in response to my question. For those who may have photos send me a PM and I'll reply with my email address.

Thanks again. Now, under my New Year's resolution I have to sell something in order to buy something. At least that's what I promised my wife

Don

Rusty, I haven't found a number either but will mount the mirror once I find one that "looks" right. I not overly concerned about points, just want a good looking, safe driver, speaking of which... perhaps I'll just let my wife drive.

Don

Well make me blush why don't you. Thanks for the kind words and the grade. I only wish I would have started the documenting sooner, that digital cameras were available years ago, and that I had the ability to write as well as LAROKE--as he charms us with the Adventures of BillyBob

Don

Is this what Thread HI-Jacking is? That just ain't right! Just kidding but...

Don

Kip -- They aren't totally useless of course. Also, I am pretty much in the habit of turning my head back anyway when changing lanes - the same as I do on the Harley. Even though the crappy plastic FLAPS thing I have mounted to the center of the front headliner garnish molding, at the present time, does give me added visibility though, and believe me I can use all I can get these days. I suppose if I were ever to show it I would simply unscrew the single clutch head screw holding the mirror in place and remove it.

Now realize that the peep mirrors are only about 3" to 4" round mirrors with quite a bit of reflective coating showing the ravages of age. I do have these great rectangular mirrors with the "Images are closer than you thought...." small ones mounted beneath on my F-250. These are great and I have no problems at all if the center mirror has an obstruction so understand your comment about the tinted windows and such.

Don

if anybody wants a pic of the mirror them can email me at rmalanans13@aol.com. the one in the junkyard is about 100 miles from me and i lost his number if i ever find the time i might go up there and go get the mirror and a few more parts off the truck.thanks

I sent you a PM. Thanks,

Don