Fellow F-Chatters, Looking for some advice. I found lots of threads on side mirrors, but not one that could address my situation. Sorry in advance if there is one out there.... The drivers side mirror on my 84 US 308 QV is cracked. This is the US "Flag" style side mirror. It's just the mirror that is cracked, the housing and electronic movement of the mirror is in good condition. In fact from certain angles you couldn't even tell that it has cracked. It functionally works fine, but the aesthetics bug me. I'm all about keeping originality, so going to the Euro Style or any other non-OEM doesnt really appeal to me, but I'll go there if that's the best option.....So I'm wondering what you think of these options or if there are others... A) Ask a local body shop to custom cut a mirror to fit and glue it over the cracked one. seems like easiest/cheapest fix. just don't know how this looks and if the extra weight has an impact on the electronic movement motor. B) Remove and replace with a custom cut one that matches the OEM spec. - I don't know how difficult it is to remove just the mirror. Do they just snap out easily? Does the whole side housing and everything need to be removed? Is there something unique that attaches to the back of the OEM mirror that would not allow swap outs with other types? C) Play the waiting/searching game until a used unit comes up for sale. (not interested in a replacement NOS $750 OEM, since I just need the mirror and not all the housing/electronic/mounting parts) Let me know what you think. Thanks in advance!
I have used this company for Mercedes mirrors - they may make custom trace mirrors. http://www.automirrorglassonly.com/?gclid=CITV3OvZvaACFQYslAodZ2f-Sg
I simply made a template out of cardboard and took it to a mirror/glass shop and had them cut out a new one. Then glued it on. It looks original and cost about $20.
I would go with the link provided by waymar or similar. I have had glass cut locally for specialty car mirrors and although the fit was very good, the tint was slightly off and no etching was included. The shop recommended by waymay can probably also offer installation advice. Good luck!
