The Ford Barn

rockable · 03-08-2026, 09:27 AM

Does anyone make an interior rear view mirror that doesn't have distorted glass? I bought a Bob Drake for my car but the mirror image is distorted and fuzzy. Thanks

The Art Doctor · 03-08-2026, 09:41 AM

The originals have that wonderful deep blue/grey tinted glass that the reproductions do a terrible job of. I got mine at a swap but there are always several on eBay or try the classifieds here. Nothing is as good as the real thing.

rockable · 03-08-2026, 04:08 PM

I have an original but it's rusty and crusty. I was trying to put a nice looking mirror in since this is a fresh nut and bolt build. Maybe I just need to sand, prime and paint it.

50fordcoupeman · 03-08-2026, 11:16 PM

How about talking to your local glass shop?

rockable · 03-09-2026, 06:03 AM

How would you disassemble it without messing up the housing? It's roll crimped all the way around in stainless. I've done that with other cars.

Zax40 · 03-09-2026, 08:23 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

There is an original for sale on the HAMB. Glass looks okay

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...irror.1296125/

The Art Doctor · 03-09-2026, 08:38 AM

Mask off the glass with multiple layers of tape add some thin plastic protection like a cut up milk gallon if you feel you must. Sand, wire wheel or better yet bead blast clean, prime and paint. Good as new (actually in this case much better than the new one you bought). This is the way (Star Wars Mandalorian nod).

rockable · 03-09-2026, 10:08 AM

I was able to carefully pry the retainer off and put the original glass in! Thanks!

03-08-2026, 09:27 AM	#1
rockable Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 72	40 Ford Interior Rear View Mirror Does anyone make an interior rear view mirror that doesn't have distorted glass? I bought a Bob Drake for my car but the mirror image is distorted and fuzzy. Thanks

03-08-2026, 09:41 AM	#2
The Art Doctor Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2025 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 226	Re: 40 Ford Interior Rear View Mirror The originals have that wonderful deep blue/grey tinted glass that the reproductions do a terrible job of. I got mine at a swap but there are always several on eBay or try the classifieds here. Nothing is as good as the real thing.

03-08-2026, 04:08 PM	#3
rockable Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 72	Re: 40 Ford Interior Rear View Mirror I have an original but it's rusty and crusty. I was trying to put a nice looking mirror in since this is a fresh nut and bolt build. Maybe I just need to sand, prime and paint it.

03-08-2026, 11:16 PM	#4
50fordcoupeman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: LaGrande Oregon Posts: 881	Re: 40 Ford Interior Rear View Mirror How about talking to your local glass shop?

03-09-2026, 06:03 AM	#5
rockable Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 72	Re: 40 Ford Interior Rear View Mirror How would you disassemble it without messing up the housing? It's roll crimped all the way around in stainless. I've done that with other cars.

03-09-2026, 08:23 AM	#6
Zax40 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 494	Re: 40 Ford Interior Rear View Mirror Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) There is an original for sale on the HAMB. Glass looks okay https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...irror.1296125/

03-09-2026, 08:38 AM	#7
The Art Doctor Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2025 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 226	Re: 40 Ford Interior Rear View Mirror Mask off the glass with multiple layers of tape add some thin plastic protection like a cut up milk gallon if you feel you must. Sand, wire wheel or better yet bead blast clean, prime and paint. Good as new (actually in this case much better than the new one you bought). This is the way (Star Wars Mandalorian nod).

03-09-2026, 10:08 AM	#8
rockable Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 72	Re: 40 Ford Interior Rear View Mirror I was able to carefully pry the retainer off and put the original glass in! Thanks!