The best replacement side view mirrors thread

[metahacker]

I've ran the following:

Standard original OG ones
Wolfsburg West SS
BusDepot
German eBay aftermarket
Wolfsburg West SS with convex glass from a German vendor
Random US aftermarket
AutoWares convex

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.
No silly crap like stick on blind spot mirrors are needed and one can drive with 100% confidence all the time, using only the side mirrors.

Second to these would be the WW mirrors with the convex glass that sticks over top (from the German eBay vendor linked a couple posts down on the thread below about convex mirror glass).

They make for a nice option, although... they don't provide as much of a field of view as the AutoWares (but they are MUCH better than all the other standard glass - e.g. US spec - mirrors).... and if you look very closely you might notice that there's two pieces of glass.. but they're very nice as well (if I already had WW and wanted to save money, adding the convex glass on top is a very nice compromise...but the AutoWares ones are worth the spend if you really want the maximum performance, IMO).

There are original OG convex mirrors from Europe (still Hagus I believe)
Those seem to very very nice as well, but good luck ever finding one of each side to make a pair. I searched for awhile for these...and saw one pop up every once in awhile. I think it was only the passenger(?) side though, I don't believe I ever saw one of each... having two OE convex Hagus mirrors would probably be the most straight baller pimpin gangster option...but, like I said, good luck finding them.

Also, here is a fun alternatively styled option:
https://resto-bus-parts.myshopify.com/products/side-mirrors-elephant-style
I don't think I'd call them best at anything, though.
Probably be decent with some round convex "blindspot mirrors" in the right spot though... their shape seems to lend itself to them well.

here is the thread on the convex glass, with another user reporting back about AutoWares mirrors (you can find the link to buy the stick-over mirror glass here):
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=646958&highlight=convex

also of note are these Delrin mirror washers/bushings that go against the paintwork where the mirror arm threads in
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trk...;_osacat=0
I've ran the white ones on two buses and like them very much.

I would also recommend that you oil (waxoyl even perhaps) the threads in the door and/or grease the threads on the mirror arm end. You can sometimes get rust issues in there......

[kingsgate]

[metahacker]

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)

[KentABQ]

[RalphWiggam]

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?

[RalphWiggam]

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.

[Busdepot]

[notchboy]

[64 ragtop volks]

[W1K1]

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

_________________
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php

1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap

[notchboy]

Thats the same issue with the stock repops. Tells me they are just replacing the glass.
_________________

[W1K1]

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
_________________
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php

1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap

[Norma]

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.
_________________
1976
Injected 2.0 Bay Window
3rd owner of 14 years now!

Fortunately, I was able to travel in Norma Jeanne for 1.5 years, from Eureka to Tijuana. I loved every minute❤️

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

[alexbeatle]

[W1K1]

[jjvincent]

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.

[Shonandb]

[jjvincent]

[W1K1]