Better pickup mirror for 82-B closed cab

[coupe1942]

My truck didn't come to me with any outside rear view mirrors on it. In searching through various vendor catalogs, I see clamp on peep mirrors and those that install with the hinge pin at the door. My previous experience with the peep clamp o mirrors was that they always seemed to mar or chip the paint over time. I don't want to shell out money to obtain a once in a lifetime hing pin removal tool just to install a door mirror on the truck.

What is the best door mirror for ease of installation and also economical? I looked at the strap on mirrors that mount to the spare at the driver side fender, but i have never used one and I am not so sure one would meet my needs well in what I could view in it from that distance it would be paced on the spare. I actually like using mirrors on both sides of a vehicle, plus the rear view mirror. I am thinking I can add the passenger side mirror later.

Is there a way to install the clamp on ones that does not result in paint damage and keeps the thing locked into place when positioned?

It would be just my bad luck that the hinge pin type would end up with me breaking something at the door and never getting the old hinge pin out to begin with.

Any recommendations or tips on installation?

[CarlG]

I used these on both sides of my pickup:

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/truck-hinge-mirror

And I used this tool to remove the hinge pins:

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/hinge-pin-tool

The right side mirror took a little alteration with the addition of a threaded rod connector to be able to tilt the mirror in far enough so that the driver can see out of it.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...2251/204337387

Have been very satisfied with my installation.

[coupe1942]

Thanks for the info. The mirror looks good, but I just hate to shell out the money to purchase that hinge pin removal tool and find it does not even make for a good ashtray.

:-)

[Y-Blockhead]

Any Model A Clubs near you? Often Clubs have a tool crib for specialty tools to loan to members...

I have Bratton's hinge mirrors on my Town Sedan but I added a 5" head so I could see where I've been a little better.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by coupe1942

Thanks for the info. The mirror looks good, but I just hate to shell out the money to purchase that hinge pin removal tool and find it does not even make for a good ashtray.

:-)

If it makes for a better job it is $35 well spent, not exactly a fortune!!

[CarlG]

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The mirrors I referenced above are 5" mirrors. That extra inch really makes a difference.

As far as "specialty tools" goes, our guys have my number! The Hinge Pin tool has been used quite a few times, even on other than Model A's.

[1931 flamingo]

Depending, you might NOT need the hinge pin removal tool. Protect the paint around the hinge, ck for slop in the hinge itself, if none, try getting some 1/2 1/2 mix of acetone and ATF into the pin area (kroil, pb blaster, etc). Try punching the pin up after a day or two of applying mixture OR be bold and see if pin will move. FWIW
Paul in CT.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by CarlG

The mirrors I referenced above are 5" mirrors. That extra inch really makes a difference.

As far as "specialty tools" goes, our guys have my number! The Hinge Pin tool has been used quite a few times, even on other than Model A's.

As Carl says above, The 5 inch. Mirror is a must. Don't waste your money on a 4 as you will regret it! Wayne

[Clydes 31 P/U]

I'm with Carl, I've got the same mirrors on my P/U. I found a convex mirror head that matched the flat glass mirror heads, on Ebay, that I put on the right side, it offers a much better field of vision.

[coupe1942]

Tonight I ordered the mirror that Carl had suggested. I hope I can remove the hinge pin without having to use the tool, but we shall see. Going to a local car show this weekend, so I may find a Model A guy there who has one to lend out. Clubs are all a couple of hours away from me.

Thanks for all the info and suggestions, guys.

[coupe1942]

Follow up:

Looks like I'll be ordering a hinge pin removal tool in the near future as that pin sure does not want to come out, so far. Worked on it today, but without any luck at this point. I didn't want to chip my paint in hammering at it, so I'll put in an order and pick up a hinge pin removal tool next.

I had a busy day in doing some small stuff on the truck. Finally got the title from the bank so I can go register it and start driving. I have to contact the insurance company tomorrow to see what the hold up is in them getting me my copy of liability insurance for the DMV, but after that I'll be legit and can actually hit the road in using the truck.

[coupe1942]

I finally got a chance to try to install my driver-side mirror today, but the other one is on order and I'll have to do it later. Used the hinge pin tool and a lot of penetrating oil to get the old hinge pin out. As far as I could tell, the two small (very small) allen screws supplied with the mirror are only to lock it into place at the hinge. They seemed awfully short in my opinion though.

Heat and humidity today was a real killer, but finally got the mirror in place and working. Trying to initially keep that old hinge pin centered in the hinge pin removal tool was a bit of a challenge, but it worked out okay. Letting the penetrating oil soak in over night probably helped. I am sure hoping that the passenger side is not any more difficult than the driver's side was.

Thanks for the info and tips.