40 Car Mirrors - What Works?

[40 FourDrDlx]

Does anyone have a r/h mirror that actually works? My 40 came with the cowl mount mirrors. Drivers side is useable, Pass side you can't even see from the drivers seat. Also got one of the clamp on "peep" mirrors that goes on the upper door frame but it won't adjust in far enough to see down the side of the car.
What works for you?

[roadster36]

I used the Drake hinge pin mirrors on both of my '40 convert's. It was better than nothing but still hard to see out of.

[klicker]

I second that. Had the very nice looking cowl mirrors on my '40. Passenger side was useless. The hinge mounted mirrors on my '39 actually work, though not as pretty.

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

Same problem on my 40. The only thing that will work is the tractor trailer west cost mirror. Wouldn't they look good on a 40? Walt

[Cecil/WV]

You might try a set of clamp on the fender mirrors for pulling a camping trailer! LOL

[deuce_roadster]

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Most of these old cars are hard to see out of. I didn't bother putting a rh side mirror on my wagon. As stated above, the driver can't even see it. Maybe a passenger could use it if you had a rider. At least my wagon has lots of windows to see back there but it is hard on my 64 year old neck.
If the car isn't going to be judged like Roadster36 said, the hinge mirrors work but they are small.

[911 STEVE]

I have the Drake hinge pin mirrors on my 40 sedan. "rodtiques" sells a 5" replacement head that greatly improved the vision over the 4". I bought them on ebay for $39.95 + shipping per pair.

[blucar]

Many years ago I discovered that Volks Wagon hinge pin mirrors worked great on the '30 model Fords with external hinges.. The Ford mirrors are OK for a truck, to me they look out of place on a passenger car.
To really get good visibility on the right side I take the pressure sensitive tape off of an add-on 3-3/4"-4" fish-eye mirror, I then glue the fish-eye over the existing mirror with clear silicone glue (GOOP).. The fish-eye gives me 100% visibility on the right side.
The pix I have attached is of my '39 conv, showing a fish-eye mirror attached over the original mirror. I have a similar pix of my '36 Ford w/VW mirror, could not locate it in my pix file..

[40cpe]

I have the 4" convex peep mirrors on my '38. There is just enough wide angle to them to be able to see down side of the car and also see anything in the blind spot. There are many selling them on Ebay.

On my '40 I have a convex interior mirror that is mounted above the stock rear view mirror. It has enough convex to it to be able to see from door window to door window. It is really the best option for a coupe. I bought it from JC Whitney probably 30-40 years ago. The ones available today are too wide for the old cars

[40cpe]

I found a pic showing most of the convex interior mirror. Most of it can be seen at the very top of the picture. It is really the best option for seeing all around the rear and sides of the car.

[MuskegonFlatheadFan]

I use the clamp on mirrors on the leading edge of the door frame. This puts the mirror centered in the window. Works great for me.

[john worden]

These work. Drake I think and others I'm sure. You decide the location and drill the door panel for them. Machine screws and hex nuts assure a lasting tight fit.
Excellent quality as well.

[okiedokie]

Originally Posted by john worden

These work. Drake I think and others I'm sure. You decide the location and drill the door panel for them. Machine screws and hex nuts assure a lasting tight fit.
Excellent quality as well.

I have the same on my coupe, work better than anything else I have used on other 40's.

[tiger.1000]

I experienced this problem with my 32 B Cabriolet. After-market door hinge mirrors not only looked ridiculous but I found it impossible to see anything !

I got to it and made one.

[40 FourDrDlx]

Great comments everyone & I love the pictures!
Walt - back away from the computer go to the shop!

[oldford2]

I use a peep mirror for the drivers side on our 46. Mount it low as shown. Works great for me. You do not have to move your head, just your eyeballs. Never found a good mirror for the passenger side.

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by tiger.1000

I experienced this problem with my 32 B Cabriolet. After-market door hinge mirrors not only looked ridiculous but I found it impossible to see anything !

I got to it and made one.

me too

[tiger.1000]

Hey Texas ! Where did you get that idea from? Looks good !

[tiger.1000]

Texas. BTW...are you going to paint it body colour ?

[TomT/Williamsburg]

I use a convex stick on for my passenger peep mirror - works great ....