Hi all,
I'm working on a 56 panel truck. It had worn out round chrome mirrors on it when I got it. They are the type that bolt into the factory rectangular opening. I am looking into a more functional mirror as I have the vent window which partially blocks the view on the passenger side. Would like to see any pics of mirrors anyone is using that help with the view. Would love to find some of the original rectangular type that extend. Looking for functionality, however do not like the later type on the late 70's trucks as they look out of place. I've looked at dozens of pics on the internet, but would like to have some imput from guys that actually drive their trucks.
Thanks for your time,
James

 

Hi HwyHogg.

There used to be two ways around the vent window. Mid50's F100 used to sell a mirror that attached to your face of the regular mirror and gave a wider angled view. I think they have since discontinued it. The other option is the extended arm they sell. That moves the mirror out some away from the door. Hope this helps.

 

Donald,
Thanks for the reply; it does help with my options Nice truck btw! Wish I'd gone with a late model fuel injected engine myself

 

You mean mirrors like these:



Here is a pic of a NOS one from ebay:


These are the mirrors that were on the F-series trucks as an option in 1953-56. The round chrome ones came out in 1957 and since they attached to the doors in the same way guys like to put the chrome ones on our 53-56 trucks. I have not seen any vintage photos of 53-56 trucks with the chrome round mirrors but have a dealer brochure from 1957 that shows trucks with them.

By the way, panel trucks could have the option of the peep mirrors that attached to the top of the door. This is seen in the thread about hood fitment:


here is a Ford promotional picture of a 1955 with the mirrors we are talking about:

Good luck finding these mirrors. You might be able to get the arms used from guys that put on chrome mirrors but their shape won't be real good...

 

Ford used similar door slot telescoping/non telescoping mirrors 1957/66. See my last post in the "side mirror" sticky ~ 1961/66 forum.

The following are listed for 1953/56's. These are the last 'current' part numbers.

B3TZ-17696-B .. Telescoping Type with approx 6" mirror head.
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B6TZ-17696-A .. Telescoping Type with approx. 5" mirror head.

KLIMESH MOTOR SALES in Calmar IA has ONE = 563-562-3241.
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B6TZ-17696-B .. Non Telescoping Type with approx. 6" mirror head.

No other Ford Dealer, no obsolete parts vendor has any.

 

No obstructions here...

 

I made these mirrors using the pots from my old Grand Am. They're electric and mount in the original place. I am however going with the solid side window and not sure how it would work with a wing window.

 

I used the mirrors from a Harley Davidson Dyna Lowrider series, they look pretty cool but they may not give a good enough view with the vent window and being a panel too.

 

Thanks for the replies and pics. I really like the mirrors in the pics ABE posted of the NOS and on the green truck...probably like finding a hen's tooth though...

 

A guy here in San Diego has had a set of those posted on CL in the past...he has an NOS steering wheel, mirrors, and a few other parts left over from a project. I have posted links to his ads here on the FTE forum in the past, if I see his ad again I'll give everyone another heads-up.

 

awesome!

 

Hwyhogg,** ******* I have a couple of the NOS mirrors like the ones Abe has pictured.I want to keep them for a future restoration on my 56, but I also have a nice used ( Ford logo stamped ) square mirror head, that I would part with for a very reasonable price.* I will send you private email with details and a pic if I can attach it too it. If you do not receive it, let me know and we can try an alternative method. ***********************************************
Don / 53ford

PS:* Could not attach pics to private email, so I am attaching here instead.* First two are pics of mirror head I am offering, and third is of NOS I have as a reference guide.