The previous owner of my 56 f100 welded in the side mirror slots. I think he was going to use clip on peep mirrors or something. He actually did a pretty good job, although I wish he had not done that as I like the look of the original mirrors. I am not sure about drilling/cutting the slots back open without creating a blemish the grommet may not cover. I will not be able to afford to paint this for a while so I would have to live with any damage I did in the process of opening the slots back up.
Every time I am sitting at a light or in a parking lot I find myself looking at different bolt on side mirrors trying to determine if there is something else I could use that would look ok on a 56. As odd as it may sound I was following a Fiat 500 the other day and thought those mirrors might work, I have also considered the power mirrors used on the eighties Broncos, or the mirrors used on ford pickups in the 70's. I have even thought about a west coast style mirror like they used back in the day with campers. Being able to see behind me is important, but I am having problems making up my mind on which type of mirror to use.
If any of you have used a non stock mirror on the side of your truck I would love to see a picture.
Thanks,

B

 

Pic: TYPE 2 & 3 are Western Junior (aka west coast) mirrors.

TYPE 2 is the "swing-lock" type used 1967/79. TYPE 3 w/the 3rd 'steady rest arm' also used 1967/79 but mainly on Camper Specials as they stick out well past the cab.

Most people with 1973/79's prefer the TYPE 9, but I wouldn't consider using any of these mirrors on a 1953/56.

 

Found this photo, anyone know what these mirrors might have come on? Could be custom. I like the looks of these.

B

 

These were on mine when I bought it. They work well and don't look to bad.

 

OldB

You can go to all the trouble of remaking the holes and buying the brackets and mirrors and all you'll accomplish is having mirrors that are useless.. Find something you like and work properly
and put your effort in them...

 

He has a 56 though John, mirrors mount a little higher...

 

oops, my bad,... but I'd still look for something like you have John... look good and more functional

I had a '72 with west coast mirrors on it... without a doubt the best rear views I ever had...added a convex on the mirror frame
and I could see the whole world behind me !!!

 

Number Dummy, that is a great reference page. I like the type 2. 53 Ford, I really like the look of your 56. I did some checking and those are referred to as west coast jr. mirrors. The ribs give them a retro look that I think fits with the era. The fact that they give you great rear vision as jniolon pointed out, makes them all the more worth considering.

B

 

Ford called TYPE 2 & 3: Western Junior mirrors. West Coast is an aftermarket (auto parts store) term.

Upper pic: TYPE 2 from 1964/72 truck parts catalog.

 

I agree John...the only saving grace to stock side mirrors is if you remove the vent and go with a one-piece side window setup.
I did a quick search and found these K-source #901 mirrors that look somewhat like the ones on that silver 56...this style is just one of many listed. $24.99 is not a bad price either.

 

Hey Old B,
I have the hardest time visualizing. Can you post pics of what your
'56 looks like now with it's current mirrors?

Our experience with these old trucks is that the outside mirrors are
pretty much worthless compared to modern vehicles. We replaced our inside
main mirror with an expensive modern concave mirror for safety … so we could see
and it works great. I pretty much don't use the outside mirrors we have... they are pretty
and useless with huge blind spots.

P.S. - If you posted pics of your Shelby & Ranchero … that would be nice.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Ben,
The truck has no mirrors at the moment. Finding out that the OEM mirrors are marginal, makes me feel better about the lack of mirror slots on the doors. I like the JR West Coast style on 53 Fords 56. I think they would give it a truck look, it is a truck after all. There are several choices that would work without modification, such as a 92 Toyota pickup, or the California tear drop that you can adjust the angle on, but the glass area is small on that one. I think the chrome version of a 93 Bronco power mirror might look ok. But I would have to modify the base to fit the angle of the door to keep the mirror parallel to the ground. Can't believe I am being so vane on such a standard item as a side mirror. I still have the chassis to finish, so I have a lot of time to make up my mind, I am just sitting around after a minor knee surgery so seemed like a good time to check out what others have done.
The Ranchero photo was taken back in the 90's when my brothers and I picked it up on Vashon Island by Seattle. 260 4 speeds are not too common, but It needs a Lot of work and the wife never warmed up to it, so it has been sitting in a barn ever since.
B

 

 

By the way a great choice in color....

 

Hi Jafo,
Is it possible you got the trucks mixed up? The silver truck I posted earlier is a photo I found on line to use as an example for the mirrors. It is a great color, like the also great looking truck you posted which I presume is yours. Very nice.
The maroon truck is mine. And it has a long, long, way to go. The previous owner painted it in his garage. Now to be clear his talents far surpass mine, but a professional job in a paint booth may have come out better. But it will have to do for now.

Thanks,

B