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The best replacement side view mirrors thread
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ProzacSeltzer
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 2:08 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

Well, seems that good mirrors that look OEM are hard to find. Just received LH and RH mirrors from West Coast Metric. The threaded area is 5mm shorter than my old OEM that came off when I was backing into the garage. Only way they would work is if I replaced the locking nut with one that's at least 5mm shorter to give me the extra threads. This is on both mirrors. So AVOID West Coast Metric for OEM looking mirrors.
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 21, 2024 6:40 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

alexbeatle wrote:
notchboy wrote:
Even though I love mine and think them superior to the og ones - they would not of looked right on your bus. Good choice.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Do these mount to original 1 hole mount on the body?
Looking at the pictures, it looks as if they require 2 bolts to bout to body...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/335502369577?mkcid=16&...media=COPY
https://www.vwantigo.net/shop/product_info.php?products_id=2960


Yes, they just use the one existing hole to mount using a large allen head bolt. You have the option of using either of the holes in the mirror though, so it can be mounted slightly further forward if desired.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
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W1K1
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 20, 2024 7:38 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

Shonandb wrote:
W1K1 wrote:
W1K1 wrote:
I figured it out last night, the nut on the mirror stem was only half assed finished.
The threads were only part way into the bottom nut, so it bottomed out before it would tighten, I swapped the nut with one of my other repop mirrors and it tightened right up.
Must have been a friday afternoon job Rolling Eyes


After the last road trip, the driver side Autowares mirror was auto folding as soon as we got to 70mph ,


I thought that this (auto-folding) was a built in feature of the mirrors to help streamline the aerodynamics of your Bus when driving fast....


I’m glad I have the 150 degree rear view mirror camera, at least that gives me a nice wide view out back. Now if I could get rid of some of the wind noise at highway speeds…….
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 20, 2024 3:39 am    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

Shonandb wrote:
W1K1 wrote:
W1K1 wrote:
I figured it out last night, the nut on the mirror stem was only half assed finished.
The threads were only part way into the bottom nut, so it bottomed out before it would tighten, I swapped the nut with one of my other repop mirrors and it tightened right up.
Must have been a friday afternoon job Rolling Eyes


After the last road trip, the driver side Autowares mirror was auto folding as soon as we got to 70mph ,


I thought that this (auto-folding) was a built in feature of the mirrors to help streamline the aerodynamics of your Bus when driving fast....


You are correct. This is because you don't need a mirror because you are passing everyone due to the high rate of speed you can go in a bus.
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2024 2:20 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

W1K1 wrote:
W1K1 wrote:
I figured it out last night, the nut on the mirror stem was only half assed finished.
The threads were only part way into the bottom nut, so it bottomed out before it would tighten, I swapped the nut with one of my other repop mirrors and it tightened right up.
Must have been a friday afternoon job Rolling Eyes


After the last road trip, the driver side Autowares mirror was auto folding as soon as we got to 70mph ,


I thought that this (auto-folding) was a built in feature of the mirrors to help streamline the aerodynamics of your Bus when driving fast....
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2024 11:15 am    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

If you have a mirror that comes off, jut remember, it works great as an inspection mirror. If just the lens, it works. If the lens with the housing, even better as it will rest in your hand and use the bump to go in between two of your fingers.
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W1K1
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2024 10:54 am    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

W1K1 wrote:
I figured it out last night, the nut on the mirror stem was only half assed finished.
The threads were only part way into the bottom nut, so it bottomed out before it would tighten, I swapped the nut with one of my other repop mirrors and it tightened right up.
Must have been a friday afternoon job Rolling Eyes


After the last road trip, the driver side Autowares mirror was auto folding as soon as we got to 70mph , so I took it apart, and an old mirror for comparison
Old mirror parts on the left, autowares mirror on the right
It makes sense that the autowares mirror couldn’t hold as well as the old mirror
I swapped the spring and washer from the old mirror, and it is really solid now.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2024 10:39 am    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

notchboy wrote:
Even though I love mine and think them superior to the og ones - they would not of looked right on your bus. Good choice.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Do these mount to original 1 hole mount on the body?
Looking at the pictures, it looks as if they require 2 bolts to bout to body...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/335502369577?mkcid=16&...media=COPY
https://www.vwantigo.net/shop/product_info.php?products_id=2960
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 29, 2024 4:18 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

W1K1 wrote:
anyone have trouble getting their Auto wares mirrors tight?
I finally installed mine, but they seem pretty loose on the mirror arm base, they fold in really easy when you touch them, and I don't want to break them trying to tighten them too much

they work well on both sides for a good view, but I have to adjust them every time I slam the door...

No issues with either of mine, I love 'em! Cool
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Norma
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 29, 2024 11:55 am    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

I ordered a license plate seal, I think airheadparts. lt is light grey, very close to to white of the original plastic housing for the side mirrors. Both my side mirrors are broken, I’m seeking a local shop to cut new glass, I’ll try the gray tubing and report my opinion after installed.
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PostPosted: Wed May 15, 2024 3:59 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

I figured it out last night, the nut on the mirror stem was only half assed finished.
The threads were only part way into the bottom nut, so it bottomed out before it would tighten, I swapped the nut with one of my other repop mirrors and it tightened right up.
Must have been a friday afternoon job Rolling Eyes
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PostPosted: Wed May 15, 2024 3:23 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

Thats the same issue with the stock repops. Tells me they are just replacing the glass.
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OK, this thread is over. You win.

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PostPosted: Tue May 14, 2024 12:45 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

anyone have trouble getting their Auto wares mirrors tight?
I finally installed mine, but they seem pretty loose on the mirror arm base, they fold in really easy when you touch them, and I don't want to break them trying to tighten them too much

they work well on both sides for a good view, but I have to adjust them every time I slam the door

https://www.autowares.co.uk/product/bay-window-convex-mirror-1967-1979

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2024 12:04 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

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PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:16 am    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

notchboy wrote:
Even though I love mine and think them superior to the og ones - they would not of looked right on your bus. Good choice.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.



Still love my mirrors and find them tough to beat, but I just saw these on FB.

https://aircooledaccessories.com/product/baywindow-commercial-mirror-arms-m194-pair/

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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OK, this thread is over. You win.

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PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2022 3:07 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

khalimadeath wrote:
They arent OEM style but they sure do work well.

https://www.busdepot.com/12179

I have an update on these mirrors. To recap, they were originally factory-supplied on Brazilian spec Deluxe Kombi's and become very popular for use on US Buses... until VW/Brazil started jacking up the price, which climbed to about $400/pair. The good news is that we just received some Brazilian made repro's which are a lot cheaper -$129/pair. I compared one a genuine one before ordering them, and not surprisingly it looks like a cheaper copy if you compare them side by side - it is just fractionally smaller, the bezel around the glass is slightly different, and one of the mount pieces is plastic rather than metal. None of which you'd notice when mounted on the Bus. However the repro is also noticeably lighter weight and the glass quality is a bit poorer, which are indications that the are not built to the same quality level. Then again they're 1/3 the price, look like the $400 ones, and won't rust like chrome ones do. At that price I'd call them a decent value, so I ordered them. I should note that supply out of Brazil has been very inconsistent, so I can't say whether I'll be able to get them again once they're gone.[/url]
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2022 5:58 am    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

My set from:

https://www.autowares.co.uk/product/bay-window-convex-mirror-1967-1979-pair

Came in on saturday. Took about 3 weeks or so from the UK. The US site only had one side.

They seem OK. Not great. Not terrible. I dont have anything to compare them to besides the original VW ones on my bus. When I took my originals off I noticed they weighed a lot more than these repos. I think the arm on the repos are hollow or something.

When setup, the visibility is much better. I guess we will see how they hold up over the years.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2022 11:27 am    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

Ordered a set from the UK site. The US site only had 1 side available.

Is the curve only on one axis or both? ie....does it matter which way i orient the mirror for the convexity?
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:11 pm    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

metahacker wrote:
The BEST mirrors have been the AutoWares convex ones.
https://www.autowares.co.uk/product/bay-window-convex-mirror-1967-1979-pair
Although it's probably best to order them here:
https://resto-bus-parts.myshopify.com/products/bay-window-convex-mirror-1967-1979-individual

They seem to be the same as the WW but with MUCH MUCH better visibility.

I installed one on the passenger side, and I wholeheartedly agree with metahacker.
Visibility improved dramatically over the previous flat mirror with little convex stick-on mirror.

Now for a stupid question...
Are convex mirrors legal to install on the driver's side?
I don't think I've seen them on any modern cars. Just wondering....
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2022 11:01 am    Post subject: Re: The best replacement side view mirrors thread Reply with quote

I believe Sikaflex would bond/hold it and never fail you.... probably sika 296 which is rated for marine glazing related work but you should evaluate the line and read the specifications...I'm sure that the more general purpose sika 252 would work as well. but to be totally honest, 3M VHB probably would be the easiest and never fail either. 3M 4950 is strong enough to hold an awning to a bus in high winds without even the slightest fear.

I wonder if grey silicone hose would make a convincing beading for the exterior perimeter (i've seen people use regular cheap autozone type vacuum line and it fit ok...looked ..... o.k. not great if you are used to looking at the grey but seemed to fit well)
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