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

Big Kevin

How much for those 51-54 side mirrors

Sorry, I no longer have those mirrors. That post was from 11 years ago!

I saw how old this thread is but will reply anyway as I've had lots of recent experience with 1951-1956 mirrors. The one in the original post (second photo) is the 1951-1954 type.

1951-1954 (first photo)
This type has the attaching boss that sticks out beyond the base and has a second alignment pin to the front. They align and attach through the belt molding to the door with the screw through the door panel itself.

1955-1956 (second photo)
Cosmetically the same as 1951-1954 but the mounting boss is recessed and they are attached to the door or fender using a special bracket which first screws on using four sheetmetal screws, then the mirror is affixed to it using a special screw. They came with a template for drilling the holes for either mounting location and were typically installed by the dealer.

The third photo shows a 1951-1954 mirror with a 1955-1956 bracket (attached upside down) that one of our dealers sold me as being 1955-1956. When I pointed out the error, at first he said it was correct, then he said to grind off the boss to make it into the other but it’s not that simple as the angled portion behind the mirror head is at a different angle too.

Fourth and fifth photos show the special 1955-1956 mounting bracket and screw (left) and the longer 1951-1954 screw (right). In both cases, the heads are round while the mirror is tightened using an Allen wrench though the base and into the threaded end of the screw.

As these were both probably made by more than one manufacturer to Packard's specifications, I have seen both types with and without a tiny hole in the head opposite the mirror. Presumably those with the hole allow for easier removal of the mirror head but I have never tried it.

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Just what is ca law on mirrors

For 55.56

My dads didn't come with them.

So it was not a requirement.. back then.

Even that they passed a law .sometime in the 50s

California requires them only on the driver's side unless for some reason there is no rear view inside. That would be the case for a sedan delivery or van without a back window but not for our Packard passenger cars where one mirror would suffice.