The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors 1946 - Interior Rearview Mirror?

I'm wondering if my truck EVER came with an interior rearview mirror? I've already purchased dual repro exterior mirrors from Jim Carter.

I think on Chev's of the 40's and eBay I have seen one with several detail lines across the back of the mirror housing. Are these correct for my truck? If so, where did it mount? The rear window is so small I wonder if it (ever?) was worth having one.

Pictures appreciated if you have one and how/where you mounted yours? Thanks, Dan

My truck is in peices at this time but If I remember correct it did have a rear view mirror, I don't remember exactly where it mounted but I think it screwed into the panel abouve the window where the wiper moter mounts.
I will look and see if I have any pictures from before taking everything apart and send them if I find any.

Ed

I know they were not standard. They might have been an option, not sure. No obvious way of installation, would probably need to drill holes.

Rearview mirrors were not stock. They were either added by the dealer or by the owner. I have a more modern mirror on my truck, which is screwed to the pannel above the windshield.

You can find mirrors that look more period from many of the usual venders. These would look more original than mine but my truck already had holes drilled for the one I'm using. No mater what kind you get you are going to have to drill some holes to mount it.

George

Here's one I picked up at a swap meet.I think I paid 5 beans. I think it looks pretty "period correct". Have fun and good luck
Dan

Dan,
Your mirror is the same as the one I found online. Those detail lines along the back are what makes me think it would look era-correct, or at least close. But it wasn't $5...I'll double check the price but I want to say it was about $20-30.

But here's my concern: Can you actually see out the mirror well once its mounted? I don't mind drilling minimal holes (eek!) if necessary but not if I can't use the mirror worth a darn.

Going looking for that repro mirror now...."I'LL BE BACK..."

The closest thing I have seen to an original interior mirror was on a large military truck. I’m guessing it was 1942-44. Same art deco cab but military front end. Looking at the base coat of OD green, the mirror appeared to be original and stock. It Looked similar to the one pictured by Chev4t6 and was mounted to the panel above the windshield. Yes, you can see out the back with it and it fits nicely on my 39.

If you mount it on the front side of the panel, as shown in the picture that Dan posted you may have trouble seeing out the back window. It may be too high for a good rear view.

Mine is mounted to a bracket on the bottom of the pannel. It hangs down below the pannel, which allows you to see out the back very well. If you want a picture, let me know and I can email you one. (Sorry unable to post it here)

Hope this helps
George

I concur with George. Mount it on the bottom of the pannel. That is where the "stock military" mirror I found was located. On the side of the panel is just a bit to high.

I ended up mounting under header panel also.
Dan

They were not available for the trucks back then and I do not see them in the dealerssaleman book. I have also seen similar mirrors mounted through one of the windshield center strip holes. That is where I intend on mounting mine.

Sorry I don;t have a photo

George and Dan, Thanks for the info.

Yes George, if you could email me a photo I'd be grateful. If you don't mind, send it to [email protected].

Dan, I notice you mounted yours on the leading edge of the header panel. Is there a reason you did that as opposed to mounting it say 3/4" or 1" back toward the windshield. I ask because that header panel is fairly light gauge steel. I don't want it to bend or fatigue over time so I thought I would need to back up the hole with a small 1/8" reinforcing piece. Also, your mirror appears to be a street rod type billet mirror. I like it a lot but am thinking I would like to use something that looks like it MIGHT have been original...even though it wasn't. I'd love to save your photo too but Webshots won't let me.

This is identical to the mirror I have. Maybe you can save for reference. If not I'll email you my picture. I mounted mine in the roll because I couldn't get enough adjustment out of the mounting rod on the back. The header panel should hold the weight without reinforcement. Have fun and good luck
Dan

Thanks Dan,
I checked out the link but also looked at other items this seller had for sale and noticed a windshield divider bar with a rear view mirror mounted on it. From lt it close, it looks like a rear view mirror I found in a box of stuff that came with my truck. It was old and painted black - badly. The arm was so short on it that it never occurred to me that it might fit my truck in some way. I have to check to see if I kept it (DOH! if I didn't). That divider bar was listed as for a Chevrolet car from 1941-48. I'll check Chevs of the 40's for a car one and see if it MIGHT fit.

Hi Dan,
I have a 47/8, which when I got it had no rear view mirror. My divider bar has a threaded hole. I found some old chevy trck rear view mirrors, the small arm screws straight into the divider bar. I picked up two mirrors, one screwed into the hole easily, the other did not. I didn't bother to check if it is a diferent thread, or if the threads needs to be cleaned up. Anyway... If you no longer have yiurs, it might work for you.
Chris

Thanks Chris. I am going to the Pomona Swap Meet this Sunday morning and intend to sort through the miscellaneous piles of old parts looking for a mirror like this. I may also look at new repro mirrors if someone is selling them. If I find something that works, I will post pictures for someone else's future reference in a search.

If you do have the threaded hole, find the right screw size that fits it and bring a nut that size to check the mirrors. Have fun at Pamona.
Chris

I figure the mirror out of a car-sedan etc of the same era would be best. Although on mine I may have gone back two years too many. It is still close though.