Side mirrors?

[MaxKlinger]

Is there a technical page about the different types of side mirrors? I'm starting to prep the truck for painting and I figure I should decide which mirrors I'm going to use (and then buy them!) before I weld up any of the dozen holes on the doors from previous mirrors. I know there were several varieties of mirrors, what do you think is the best? Easiest to install? Most readily available?

[theogre5150]

I've got the smaller chrome ones. LMC has them.
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fb/t.asp?page=78
part # 49-6521. I actually pulled my off of a truck at a junk yard. I am going to refinish them. I think I paid $12 for both. Can't remember. I don't like the west coast junior's. They are too big for me.

[kaptnkaos]

Mirror choice really depends on what yer gonna use yer truck for...

If yer just gonna drive yer truck and look cool doin' it, then the smaller mirrors are cool.
But don't plan on hauling anything larger than a lawnmower in the back cause you won't be able to see.

Personally, I like the westcoast mirrors.
I learned about a year ago that hey came in two differant widths

My '68 CS came with the wider brackets, I like those the best.
The '71 CS had the narrow brackets, which looked pretty good, but when I loaded my camper on the '71, all I could see was the front wall of the camper.
They were essentually useless to me.

I couldn't imagine having anything else but the westcoasters on my truck...

KaptnKA S

[oldbiker]

West Coast mirrors are also good for hiding things..like small cars, motorcycles, bicycles. pedestrians, bout anything can hide behind a West Coast Mirror. that is why the later mirrors are lower on the doors so ya can see traffic over them and still see behind you..IF you use the big mirrors ya have to be very careful in traffic. Not so much Interstate traffic, but like 2 lane roads, or a residential area..bad news if yer not careful. But like Kaptn said, If your gonna have a camper(not topper) or long trailer, ya need them to stick out a ways

[MaxKlinger]

Does someone have a good picture of West Coast Mirrors? I think they're the tall thin ones that sit waay out from the side of the body?

Well guys I do plan on towing with this truck but probably not anything too wide or long, probably a low-side trailer with wood, dirt, or stone in it. I also have access to a buddy's single-axle car dolly for towing other vehicles with one axle off the ground, I'll definetly be using that. I doubt I'll ever tow a camper or boat with this truck though.


Here is the mirror I currently have on the driver's side. At the moment I don't have a passenger side mirror on the truck, although I got a similar pass side mirror laying around from an '85 E150. However, if I'm going to spend all the money to get the truck painted up right, I should do the mirrors right, too. You can see the holes in my door frame from the previous owner's mirrors, I'm going to get them welded up if I'm not going to use the holes.

Honestly I think the mirrors I have work pretty well, even if they're not original. I just wanted to know if there was something that looks better and/or is more functional.

[71 LONG BED]

Hey Tony, Steve has West Coast mirrors on his flatbed and my F100 has the Junior West Coast mirrors. I figured a good visual would be better than an explanation. I actually have a pic from last years M-n-G.
Here is a cropped pic.

[ezernut9mm]

whatever you do, don't get the generic "sport mirrors" from lmc-the 12$ ones. they are smaller than even the real sport mirrors and wont stay in adjustment.

[AlleyCat]

Tony, if you like that style mirror they should be easy to find.They are common on vans and also dents.I have them on my van along with 5" spot mirrors and they are okay for towing.

I have the Jr westcoast mirrors on my 72.I've got the flat mirrors mounted a bit higher on the bracket with 4" spot mirrors below them.

[fordman]

i like the mirrors you have now. they are very similar to the 90s models truck mirrors. they are great for backing and towing.

[FLATBEDFORD]

Hey Tony, Steve has West Coast mirrors on his flatbed and my F100 has the Junior West Coast mirrors. I figured a good visual would be better than an explanation. I actually have a pic from last years M-n-G.
Here is a cropped pic.

Saved me the trouble. I'd love a chrome set some day.

[theskytoucher]

i really dont mind the little $12 lmc mirrors! mine seems to stay in ajustment but if you are going to be pulling a trailer stay away from them!!!

[1971ford]

ive got the "12 dollar" ones. i dont know about earlier but i know now ( i just bought a pair a montth ago) they are about 12 dollars each. for two plus shipping it was 27.00. anyways, for me they stay in adjustment even on the highway. but, it is extremely hard to see the passenger mirror from the drivers seat. i say get the small ones if you dont drive your truck much and if your not hauling anything. i do like the mirrors you've got on your truck now though.
my 2 pennies

[oldbiker]

Hey Tony, Steve has West Coast mirrors on his flatbed and my F100 has the Junior West Coast mirrors. I figured a good visual would be better than an explanation. I actually have a pic from last years M-n-G.
Here is a cropped pic.

Saved me the trouble. I'd love a chrome set some day.

Hey Steve, I have chrome ones on my explorer. They are way two big for me..I 'll take some pics and send ya someday

[FLATBEDFORD]

Hey Tony, Steve has West Coast mirrors on his flatbed and my F100 has the Junior West Coast mirrors. I figured a good visual would be better than an explanation. I actually have a pic from last years M-n-G.
Here is a cropped pic.

Saved me the trouble. I'd love a chrome set some day.

Hey Steve, I have chrome ones on my explorer. They are way two big for me..I 'll take some pics and send ya someday

Send 'em. No hurry.

[oldbiker]