Rearview mirror gaskets

[GLAmes]

I'm assemblinng my '54 finally. I have a set of new reproduction mirrors for the doors. They came with hardware, but no gaskets to protect the paint. Did they have gaskets from the factiory and if so, anyone have a source? My searches have been futile.

 

[KULTULZ]

Here 'ya go -

https://www.autokrafters.com/p-8546...met-others-b5a-17724r.aspx?keyword=b5a-17724r

 

[GLAmes]

Thanks. Whoda thought to search parts for '60+ models.

 

[dmsfrr]

I'm assemblinng my '54 ... Did they have gaskets from the factiory...? ...

My '55/'57 T-Bird resto book says exterior 'service replacement' mirrors came with a mounting pad, but the factory originals did not. Go figure....

 

[KULTULZ]

Thanks. Whoda thought to search parts for '60+ models.

Actually, it is a 55 PN that was used over the years. It is for the correct FORD mirror for your 54.

 

[GLAmes]

It is for the correct FORD mirror for your 54.

Yup. The description shows the PN of my new mirrors. I had a hot rod '64 Fairlane when I was a teenager. I don't remember what the mirrors looked like though.

 

[KULTULZ]

I have a set of new reproduction mirrors for the doors. They came with hardware, but no gaskets to protect the paint.

I didn't catch REPRO. How is the quality and can you give the source and PN's?

Are you keeping a log and photos of the restoration?

I am getting a little anxious to see the debut ...

 

[GLAmes]

The mirors look good to me. I bought them several years ago so I don't remember which vender. Part # is 64-27557, replaces B5AZ-17696-1H

I have lots of pictures. My build thread on the '54 Ford Club of America site is gone. Pictures of when I brought it home, off the frame and the progress as of yesterday.

 

[GLAmes]

Ooops, wrong picture from yesterday.

 

[KULTULZ]

Looking Good GL!

When is her debutante do you think?

 

[GLAmes]

My goal is before the snow flies. I have a '97 Dodge duelly in the wings that needs an engine. Not enough room in the shop for both.

 

[Daves55Sedan]

The '50's Fords didn't come from the factory with sideview mirror gaskets. Neither of mine had them, and I saw many in the 1970's in junkyards that didn't have them. But you could buy aftermarket gaskets for them or make your own out of flat rubber stock.
You can buy a new rubber gasket with pre-punched holes for the original B5AZ-17696-A mirror from Mac's, part #B5A-17724-R ($9.99 ea); fits '52 through '59 Ford mirror bases.
I don't know if this fits the replacement mirrors you got though.

 

[GLAmes]

Those are the same numbers that are in the link KULTULZ posted. They are $5.95 through autocrafters. Postage was high though. Probably a wash.

 

[Merc Cruzer]

Your post says "I have a set of new reproduction mirrors for the doors."

Something I learned recently. If you install both mirrors in the same location, using both
front sloping base's, per the instructions, the passenger side mirror will be un-usable (just bling) since the vent window, "A pillar", will block it. That's the way mine were for 13 years, until just a few weeks ago at the local All Ford car show, I learned there are two base's, one for the drivers side, that slopes forward and the one for the passenger side, that slopes rearward. When you use the correct base for the passenger side, the mirror becomes usable. I had both mirrors on the car, with the front sloping base, and the correct passenger base sitting in a box, thinking it was incorrect. The picture of the passenger side rear view mirror, was taken from the drivers side of the seat.

One of the pictures, show the instructions for mounting the mirror.

I tried to verify this information with the parts book, but it only call for one outside mirror.

This is for 52'-53' Mercury and Fords may not have had this same issue.

 

[dmsfrr]

Your post says "I have a set of new reproduction mirrors for the doors."

Something I learned recently. If you install both mirrors in the same location, using both
front sloping base's, per the instructions, the passenger side mirror will be un-usable (just bling) since the vent window, "A pillar", will block it. That's the way mine were for 13 years, until just a few weeks ago at the local All Ford car show, I learned there are two base's, one for the drivers side, that slopes forward and the one for the passenger side, that slopes rearward. When you use the correct base for the passenger side, the mirror becomes usable. I had both mirrors on the car, with the front sloping base, and the correct passenger base sitting in a box, thinking it was incorrect. The picture of the passenger side rear view mirror, was taken from the drivers side of the seat.

One of the pictures, show the instructions for mounting the mirror.

I tried to verify this information with the parts book, but it only call for one outside mirror.

This is for 52'-53' Mercury and Fords may not have had this same issue.

I believe just the left side door mirror was optional until about '58...

Adding a matching mirror on the right side of a pre '58 car in their usual location (at the top front edge of the door) places the mirror in a relatively unusable position... depending on the model.
In photo 2 below, the location of the added mirror was cheated slightly to the rear.

About '58 when dual outside mirrors became optional the mirrors were relocated from the doors to the front fenders.
http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Ford/1958_Ford/1958-Ford-Full-Line-Foldout/slides/1958_Ford_Full_Line_Foldout-04.html
.

 

[GLAmes]

The door had holes for the mirrors when I bought it. Since they weren't filled before the paint job the mirror might end up being bling. If it is, I'll live with it. I just went out and checked, the mirrors slope rearward so I think I'll be able to see it through the wing vent.

 

[KULTULZ]

The '50's Fords didn't come from the factory with sideview mirror gaskets. Neither of mine had them, and I saw many in the 1970's in junkyards that didn't have them. But you could buy aftermarket gaskets for them or make your own out of flat rubber stock.

I think you are correct here. I don't come across a listing for 17724 until 1963 (MPC may not be correct).

The mirror itself has a BASIC PART NO. 17682 but was only available in KIT FORM BASIC PN 18402. The 18402 KIT contents listing did not show/include a gasket, only mounting hardware.

I would want the gasket myself.

 

[Merc Cruzer]

I believe just the left side door mirror was optional until about '58...

Adding a matching mirror on the right side of a pre '58 car in their usual location (at the top front edge of the door) places the mirror in a relatively unusable position... depending on the model.
In photo 2 below, the location of the added mirror was cheated slightly to the rear.

About '58 when dual outside mirrors became optional the mirrors were relocated from the doors to the front fenders.
http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Ford/1958_Ford/1958-Ford-Full-Line-Foldout/slides/1958_Ford_Full_Line_Foldout-04.html
.

My understanding is that the outside, rear view mirrors, were all installed by the dealers, since it wasn't a factory option.

A few pictures of before and after. The bases are in the same location on both sides of the car. When I installed the new base, on the passenger side, I just attached it to the original mount, already on the car.

 

[KULTULZ]

My understanding is that the outside, rear view mirrors, were all installed by the dealers, since it wasn't a factory option.

Correct, it is referred to as DEALER NC PREP and the dealer was paid a fee. Radio antennae, wheel covers, etc. and to make sure the car was assembled and delivered correctly.

I want to THANK YOU for bring all of this info forward. Extremely interesting ...