mirrors ?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 21
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mirrors ?
Does anyone have any recomendations for mirrors. I like the westcoast style or the westcoast jr.. What were the options for mirrors on these trucks? I am open to sugestions for other styles. They will be going on a rust-free Az. truck with new paint and I'm not too concerned with the price (within reason), I want to get it right. And where to get whatever you suggest? Thanks
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 1
From: california
I have what I believe are the west coast mirrors. Not sure what the jr. looks like. I like the look and having the big mirrors. Only a few things that bug me. When making a turn, you really have to look around the mirrors to check for cross traffic. They make a lot of wind noise.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Huntersville
Some trucks came with the west coast type. They are stainless steel and have the Ford oval script on the back. mine even have the little wind diverter on them. They came on vans up to around the mid 70's also though the arms are different. I can take a picture of mine latter today if you want. I also have an extra set that I'm saving incase mine are damaged
Clint
Clint
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: United States
I have the juniors on mine.
I really like the look too but wouldn't do it again. The worst problem is that you can't see around them easily. The other problem is that you have to replace them every year because they rust away, at least the Whitney ones do.
Larry
I really like the look too but wouldn't do it again. The worst problem is that you can't see around them easily. The other problem is that you have to replace them every year because they rust away, at least the Whitney ones do.
Larry
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 425
Likes: 3
I have the original "westcoast style" mirrors on my 70 F-250 4x4 custom. They were originally painted whimbeldon white. They may be a pain to look around in traffic, but they can't be beat for if you ever pull a trailer! I also have a small chrome mirror (original too) on the driver's door that I aim toward my blind spot on the drivers side. I love having all those mirrors, but it really sucks when some moron rides on my tailgate with his brights on!
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
'west coast' mirrors
Guys, where did this 'west coast' nonsense comefrom when talking about mirrors ? The mirrors that many ford trucks came with are called 'camper specials' . They are probably the ones you want. Some are painted steel, and will rust away eventually. My painted CS mirrors lasted 30 yrs. I replaced them with a set of stainless CS mirrors from a newer ( 76 ? ) truck. I'll bet the stainless ones last at least as long ! DF at his Dad's house
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Huntersville
You can call yours camper specials if you want. I'll call mine west coasts. It's what I'm used to hearing. If I went to a junk yard around here and asked for camper special mirrors they probably would'nt know what I was talking about. I don't see any nonsense anywhere though.
Clint
Clint
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
To me, the Ford trucks look pretty good with the standard 6x9s (D4TZ-17696-A ), they work well, were a standard mirror, are fairly aerodynamic, and come in stainless steel.
No matter which type of mirror you add, be sure to use a backing plate behind the mounting points (like stock does) so the sheet metal does not get deformed if you hit something with the mirror.
From experience, the 6x9 arms fold in a lot easier on impact then the West Coast type with those long skinny arms. Maybe because they rust more easily at the joints on the stock ones which are not stainless steel.
I would buy from AutoKrafters, MAC, or northerntool.com (they sell them in their automotive catalog and on-line).
No matter which type of mirror you add, be sure to use a backing plate behind the mounting points (like stock does) so the sheet metal does not get deformed if you hit something with the mirror.
From experience, the 6x9 arms fold in a lot easier on impact then the West Coast type with those long skinny arms. Maybe because they rust more easily at the joints on the stock ones which are not stainless steel.
I would buy from AutoKrafters, MAC, or northerntool.com (they sell them in their automotive catalog and on-line).
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
Guys, Ford had two types of the “Western-style” mirrors (their words). The short ones and the “long arm” ones on the Camper Specials with the extra brace that runs diagonally. The short ones have a wind deflector but the long ones don’t because the diagonal brace clamps on the bar where the deflector would be. They both use the same mirrors. The mirrors on the vans are the same but the brackets are different. Driving with “long arms” is a little tricky around intersections as they block the view of cross traffic but you get used to it. They also make a bit of noise on the highway and in certain positions will whistle. You also have to be conscious of the extra width when going through McDonalds so you don’t whack the attendant. I like the look of the long arms, from inside the cab the extra width makes you feel like your driving a 747.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,442
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
What ever type of mirrors you use make sure they are made of stainless steel to prevent ugly rust stains from forming under them and running down the side of the truck on your nice new paint. It may cost a little more but well worth it in the long run.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Wesley Chapel, FLA
West Coast mirrors have been called that for at least forty years. It's been that long since I first heard the term and it wasn't new then by a long shot. I think later manufacturers came up with the own names because the original was taken, but by then "West Coast mirrors" was like bandaid, skilsaw and formica. Everyone knows exactly what they are and calls them such no matter the actual brand name of the copycats. Well almost everyone.
Mark Twain said, "Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." One of my favorite sayings. Everyone has been guilty of doubt removal one time or another.
Mark Twain said, "Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." One of my favorite sayings. Everyone has been guilty of doubt removal one time or another.