Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hi Folks,

When I found my car, it did not have a right-side mirror, and the left-side mirror is rectangular with more of a 60's look, and was probably added much later.

That being said, it would be nice to have a right-side mirror, and/or two mirrors that match and look more "period".

I found a mirror seemingly from that time period (I got it for free) but it doesn't crank over far enough for a right-side mirror, it needs to be at about a 45-degree angle, so it seems that not every mirror will work.

Any folks know of a good source?

Thanks in advance.

As far as I know the closest thing being offered today somewhat similar in looks to the 51-4 belt molding mounted mirrors is the same item some have been promoting as suitable mirrors for the 55-6 models.

The suggested mirrors are round with a stem and mount looking a bit like that found in 51-6 Packard mirrors but I do not believe they would be suitable for mounting to the belt molding. Some have compared them to mid 50s Chevy mirrors.

It sounds as if you currently have a generic fender mounted mirror so a matching pair of these might work for your car and IMO, would look more appropriate than the rectangular item. The price being as low as it is would probably mean the mirrors are made more from chromed plastic than chromed potmetal so if that is a consideration maybe not the best solution.

The left and right mirrors were identical on both the 1951-1954 and the 1955-1956 styles and reproductions are available from Max Merrit but expect to dig deep as Fred at Merrit said they were in the $1,000 to $1,250 range for a pair. However, I recently bought a pair of good used ones from them for far less so you might want to check to see if they have more.

I talked with Crin about some less costly reproductions from him but he was not able to do it.

On the knockoffs that Howard mentioned, I would not recommend them. I have a pair and they are super-cheaply made. Even the supposed seal is just a piece of hard plastic that will seal nothing!

I have a set of re-chromed Packard mirrors that just need the mirror glass cut for them. Since they are rare as hens teeth, I'm asking $500. Much cheaper than the $1500 they are asking at some of the vendors.

Thanks everyone.

This brings up the question - what did the original mirrors look like, and how did they mount? I don't understand exactly what "belt molding mounted" mirrors would look like, but this is the mirror that is on my car, mounted high on the door.

This was probably from a 1960's Ford, I'm guessing, like these?

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Belt molding is the stainless strip going around the middle of the car just below the windows. The mirrors mount on that stainless strip. Check out the 51-4 service manual, and on page 3 of the accessories section there is info on how to install the factory mirror.
The illustration does not have much detail on the mirror but if you go thru the photo album in the 51-4 years you can find several cars having the factory mirrors installed.

Here is a very quick snip showing a couple of them for location but there are better camera angle photos showing more detail on the mirror if you search for them.

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The parts list also mentions a remotely controlled mirror but I am not sure I ever saw one unless it was the mirror attached to a spotlight.

I could never talk myself into mirrors that would double my investment in the car. That is why I dip into the parts catalogs of the mid fifties-sixties Ford suppliers and find something period suitable. Search around a bit, there are some fine repro mirrors from other makes at reasonable prices that will look very nice.

If you get stuck, I can find my catalog tomorrow.

Thank you everyone. Ross if you have one you particularly like that would be great. I am sure many others have this same concern.

It sounds like the original mirrors are out of my price range.

The current LH mirror I have, besides not being period, is also too low, so I cannot, say, rest my arm on the windowsill without blocking the mirror (that might have been true with the original mirror, too!).

So maybe something like this might be nice. If anyone has any experience with these or something similar, much appreciated:

1964-66 Ford Mustang Mirrors