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Does this look like the correct mirror for my 53 Cavalier?

Yes.

Thanks Ross!

Onto my next questions.

How is the glass mirror held in? Can it be removed to access the screw without breaking it? The mirror is not "bad", but the joint is seized. I think it would be better to take it apart and clean it up. The picture below is from BigKev's post from a while ago.

Looks like it's typical for a hole to appear where the mounting screw is?? (Red circle)




At one time I think the mounting instructions were posted, maybe by Howard, but I'm not able to locate those. Does anyone recall?


This mirror appears to be mounted correctly to the belt molding. This is a picture of a 53 Caribbean I found online.




I'm guessing there is a molded piece for mounting the mirror that goes inside the belt molding. Does anyone have a picture of that? I don't see that part in the parts book, are they the same for 55 and 56?


There was a similar mirror, that didn't have the little post at the tip, is that for a '55-'56? Maybe just a different supplier, or after market?


Any help or advice appreciated!

If you happen upon a 56 mirror or two I would be interested
Pete has one but doesn’t want to part with it

I have two pair of mirrors and I think one pair might be for a V8.

I will have to check next time I'm at the shop.

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It took me over a year to get Pete to part with this one, so I think he'll part with the other one, which I think is correct for your car.

I need to chat with Butch, I'll get him to ask.

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Is it correct that the ones with the little post are 51-54 and the ones without are 55-56?

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There is a base piece but I believe it is very similar to the 55-6 piece so while it might have a fairly slight curve it is not necessarily formed to precisely match the molding shape. Install instructions for the mirror are on page 3 of the accessories section in the 51-4 SM. If you have an original copy of that manual with decent illustrations you might get a better idea. If not, since the site copy and most repro manuals out there were not the most high quality repros, the illustrations are a bit lacking. Here is another scan a bit higher in resolution than the site copy scan but still not great.




For reference, here is a copy of the 55-6 install instructions showing a bit better drawing of that base piece. As mentioned, I think aside from how the screws hold to the door the 51-4 piece is very similar in function. Since the mounting position of the two mirrors is different 55-6 mirrors screw differently into the door.

The plot thickens! Don commented that 51-54 did not have a bracket and the mirror bolted on through both the belt molding and the door, so the bolt head would be inside the door. (Longer bolt for 51-54 than 55-56)

Now why the change to how the mirror was mounted? It would mean you could change the side mirror on 55-56 without taking the door apart. Maybe the mirror is more secure with the bracket, although that doesn't seem likely.

Hmmmm....

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