Mirror Identification

[Sprocket]

I just had a close look at the original mirror on my 260Z's drivers door (right side). The base is not perpendicular to the stem, so if it were placed on the left door, it would sit at a different angle (lower). So these mirrors are definitely left/right handed, but other than the base angle, I can't see any other differences.

 

Having said that, a right mirror could be made to sit at the correct angle of dangle on the left by grinding the base to produce a left inclination, but the base would then be a few mm thinner, so may not look quite right to a rivet-counting originality nut. Shh - don't mention OCD.

 

In previous posts, there was some discussion about making reproduction mirrors. As far as casting new stems is concerned, the original items appear to be die cast (made with a re-usable steel mould) and making a die is not a simple thing - trust me, I'm a engineer . Low volume casting would generally employ a sand-cast process, where the mould is destroyed during removal of the cast item. Another sand mould would then have to be made for the next one, and so on. So it's a bit labour intensive and therefore not particularly cheap to have done in any kind of numbers greater than you can count on one hand. Also, the quality would be a bit on the rough side, with porosity a definite possibility.

 

The simplest, most effective as far as quality is concerned, and probably cheapest alternative for low volume reproduction would be CNC machining from billet. I'd suggest aluminium because it's easily machined and plenty strong enough for this application (at least as strong as die cast metal which is usually a zinc-aluminium alloy). If someone were interested in setting up a CNC program, the way to do I would be to make it with a base of sufficient depth to cut the left/right slant either way. The stem would need to be polished and chromed after machining.to make it look like an original.

 

Trapezoidal mirror heads are available from motorcycle accessory outlets.

 

Cheers,

Cam

[gav240z]

Thanks for those details Cam, sounds like chicken and egg scenario. Mirrors are difficult to find therefore it would be good to reproduce them, but in order to reproduce them you need a large volume to make it economically viable, but you need enough interest and confirmed parties to be interested in buying.

 

Much cheaper to find a genuine mirror if you can!

[Brabham]

Hi Gav and others,

 

Can original AU market door mirrors still be found? Where did you find yours Gav, Japan?

 

Cheers

[gav240z]

I got mine off Dimitri, he said I know you've been looking for 1. .

 

I've seen a few with a damaged mirror or only the stalk remains, but if you bought a US market mirror you could probably transplant the mirror part over easily enough.

[Mr Camouflage]

Saw this car on the weekend and noticed that the mirror angles were the same on both sides.

 

I guess he must have a LHD (USA) drivers mirror, and a RHD (Aus) Drivers mirror.

 

[gav240z]

Perhaps because of this thread there is a wanted ad now?

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ballajura/auto-body-parts/datsun-240z/1092537045

[Groundhog]

Has anyone fitted a LH door mirror to match the RH door mirror on the 260Z? I'm interested to know if it is practical for viewing the offside lane.

It might look correct, but if it can't be rotated enough or viewed from the driver seat, then I'll probably end up with a fender mounted mirror.

[cracker]

Not sure but I think the 260z had two types. I have a LHS mirror, 240z style, not installed, but it is made for the LHS and from all I can tell will function similarly to the RHS mirror ie. well. The fender mirrors are reported to be impractical with low visibility...

[gav240z]

Has anyone fitted a LH door mirror to match the RH door mirror on the 260Z? I'm interested to know if it is practical for viewing the offside lane.

It might look correct, but if it can't be rotated enough or viewed from the driver seat, then I'll probably end up with a fender mounted mirror.

 

I moved your question to this thread, as it was more appropriate here and you can read through this thread which basically has a similar discussion to what you're asking already.