1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

I'm about ready to put a pair of outside rear view mirrors on my coupe project.
I see Drake offers two styles. The door hinge pin mount and the other is the cowl trim side mount.
Any experience or comments on either style? Pluses or minuses welcome based on your experience with them.
Thanks again!
Steve

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

I've tried both types on my '40 project, but finally settled on the swan neck mirrors BD and others sell. They are very attractive, compliment all build styles and allow the passenger mirror to actually be used by the driver! Yes, two holes have to be drilled for each mirror, but the results are well worth it, IMO. :)

Added below is a picture taken recently during the last "dry" build, showing the location of the bolt-on swan mirrors. The wing vents had just been removed for plating, but both drivers and passenger mirrors are visible through the wing vents from the drivers seat, resulting in good side and rear vision from both, jfyi.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psxgcjwkyl.jpg

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

The so called "swan neck" mirrors are actually decent copies of the authentic mirrors Ford offered. They were installed in place of the cowl trim so no holes need be added to the body. The right hand mirror was not offered by Ford until late April, 1940. When properly installed, it is useless to the driver.
If "correct" is important to you, the "swan neck" mirror(s) are the only ones Ford installed upon a '40.

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

I also use the later aftermarket "SWAN type" mirrors. They are mounted on the doors much higher than the belt-line. They actually allow you to see what's behind & beside the car.
These mirrors are not required if you only drive your car off & on the trailer.

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

I'd guess that coupe probably gets damn good mileage, what with ALWAYS going DOWNHILL like that. DD

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attach...4&d=1486062576

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

I purchased two of the hinge pin mirrors and the hinge pin removing tool. I had the convex mirror shipped with each one for the wide angle view capability. I know it's unusual to have the convex on the driver's side but it works just fine. Don't try to remove the hinge pins without the tool. The swan neck mirror just didn't provide enough of a view behind. The PO had saved the cowl trim piece so I just unbolted the swan neck mirror and snapped the trim back in.
I got all of this through Joe's in MA but the products are all from Drake.

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

Steve, I can't imagine that the '40 Ford is very much different than my '46, so I wouldn't recommend the cowl mounted, swan neck mirror for the passenger side. On my '46 it's almost impossible to see the mirror from the drivers seat. Just something to have someone break off.

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

You can place a socket larger than the pin head above and use a c-clamp to drive the pin out using an upside down bolt between the clamp pad and the pin. Sometimes a little persuaion helps as does a second pair of hands. I have read on the Barn about the pin removal tools breaking.

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

I used the Swan Necks on both sides. They really look great, but I can only really use the drivers side mirror to see anything. It looks kool having them both though.

Mike

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

I can agree with others. On my 40 coupe (late 1940 car), it has the swan neck mirrors on both sides. The Right side is absolutely USELESS, they is no way of ever even seeing it while sitting in the drivers seat.

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

Like V8bob, I have the aftermarket swan necks. They look good and you can see out of them.

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

I used the type that bolts to the door panel and I am able to see very well from both sides.

Fourdy

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

I have BD hinge pin mirrors on my 40 coupe and I stuck a concave 4 inch mirror that you can buy from the auto shops on the face of the passenger side one to increase the view.
They work OK and I can see good enough for reversing, lane changing etc.

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

I've got the cowl type on my 48 both sides. Same problem as you others have with the type. I can't see the LH one though , my car being LHD. I got cowl mirrors as I didn't have the the short stainless trim that they replace and at the time you could no get repro trim.

GB

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

Hey Fourdy......sweet looking '40......!

Mike

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

Thanks for the words Mike. 2400 hrs worth.

Fourdy

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

My car came with both types but the hinge one's were in place so I left them. Seems like it would be more important to see where your going then to watch where ya been ?

Re: 1940 Ford Coupe side mirrors choice
 

My dad’s 1940 convertible had a mirror clipped to the vent window edge. The car did not have a mirror on the hinge or cowl. Are such mirrors still available?