Re: fender mounted rear view mirrors
Posted by BH On 2009/9/19 10:27:26
There is NO difference, Junior vs. Senior, for the factory-issued, dealer-installed outside rearview mirror for 1955-56 Packards (and Clippers); there was only style. Any other mirror design is not genuine Packard; most of those other mirrors that you see on these cars originated in the afermarket.
I prefer the elgeant simplcity of the factory-issue mirror, though they are difficult to come by. While there have been reproductions of that original mirror, they are expensive, but not always identical in form and function. Shop carefully!
As packaged for sale through the dealer network, the original mirror included a body-specific (Junior vs. Senior, 1955 vs. 1956) drilling template with installation notes. That is likely what Owen has, but it may be of some help in placing other mirrors.
IMHO, the front fender mounting location looks best with with dual mirrors and dual rear antennas. Otherwise, the left front fender looks rather cluttered with both the antenna and a mirror. However, I seem to recall that others here have noted that the view of the mirror as mounted on the door in factory location is obstructed by the front window run channel; you may need a helper to tweak exact placement to suit your needs (as the driver).
Below is an image of an NOS mirror, in profile, and detail of the stem. I believe the basic mirror design was used from 1951-1956, but the stem detail changed for 1955-56 to permit mounting on front fenders, as well as below the beltline on front doors. Be aware of that detail on reproduction mirrors, as I got burned by a vendor, but only once.
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I prefer the elgeant simplcity of the factory-issue mirror, though they are difficult to come by. While there have been reproductions of that original mirror, they are expensive, but not always identical in form and function. Shop carefully!
As packaged for sale through the dealer network, the original mirror included a body-specific (Junior vs. Senior, 1955 vs. 1956) drilling template with installation notes. That is likely what Owen has, but it may be of some help in placing other mirrors.
IMHO, the front fender mounting location looks best with with dual mirrors and dual rear antennas. Otherwise, the left front fender looks rather cluttered with both the antenna and a mirror. However, I seem to recall that others here have noted that the view of the mirror as mounted on the door in factory location is obstructed by the front window run channel; you may need a helper to tweak exact placement to suit your needs (as the driver).
Below is an image of an NOS mirror, in profile, and detail of the stem. I believe the basic mirror design was used from 1951-1956, but the stem detail changed for 1955-56 to permit mounting on front fenders, as well as below the beltline on front doors. Be aware of that detail on reproduction mirrors, as I got burned by a vendor, but only once.
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