California Bug side mirrors

[rlooney]

What were those aftermarket mirrors everybody was using in the 80s? I want some but can't search intelligently without the name. Black plastic body, rectangular glass mirror with rounded corners, metal bracket with two bolts, which the mirror assembly attached to with a small set-screw. Thanks!
_________________
'65 Type 1 Sunroof

[Slow-N-Rusty]

Vitaloni

[Rome]

^ ^ Specifically, the "Baby Tornado" model. I had a pair on my '77; photo from 2000.

They've become expensive. The driver's side mirror base broke many years later, so I found a generic "rectangular" mirror which was about the same size. Differences are that the housing on the Vitaloni has an edge all around the front side, and the style of the mounting base. If you look for a generic mirror, make sure that the stem which attaches the mirror body to the base can be twisted enough so that the body comes straight up because the Beetle door's mounting surface there is nearly vertical. The swivel at the mirror base needs to have the mirror body coming straight out/parallel with the road surface, and not slightly tilted downward.

Here's a shot of the replacement "generic" one, while keeping the Vitaloni on the right door.

[rlooney]

Yeah, Tornado, by Vitaloni, that was it. I see them for $50-$100 on eBay, where I also see late 70s 'vette mirrors for only $50, which may be my alternate choice.
_________________
'65 Type 1 Sunroof

[fl59bug]

Where do I begin

I like to use these Vitaloni Tornado mirrors, left black or painted body color, with a 4 or 5 panel wink mirror, a small diameter Formuling France Steering wheel with Gold center, Honda Civic bucket front seats, a nice Blaupunkt or Pioneer radio with big amp and speakers in the rear package tray . This to me is the early 80's cal look.

My dream vw would be a '63 ragtop with the above interior, fully dechromed, light Beige, with black cal look rubber (no popouts), Black Tornado mirrors, blacked out dechromed running boards, black ragtop cover, bronze painted 8 spokes with polished lip, t-bars or buggy bumpers, lucas light front turn signals, OG Rossi headlight housings, 145 15 front tires and 185 or 205 15 rears, with the front end lowered 3 inches and rear torsions re-indexed down about 1.5 inches or so.

Many of these parts including the mirrors, have fallen out of favor, are expensive or just plain unobtanium.

Ted

[Busstom]

Me and everybody I knew used "Baby Turbo" mirrors on Cal Bugs in the 80's.

Just about every VW parts source has 'em for about 25 bucks.

[56Cabrio]

[hitest]

If you can see a reflected image using Vittolini Baby Turbo mirrors- that meant you mounted them at an angle up the "A" pillar ahead of the vent window. Do not do this. Mount them on the door lest you displease the masses. It's better to not be able to see than to risk ridicule and scorn.


Tornados were fantastic- especially when the centers are painted to match the car like Porsches of the day. Leave them black and suffer fate similar to the diagonal turbo guys described above.

Remember, this is for us as much as it is for you. You have responsibilities with your choices.
_________________