Sport Mirrors
May 16th, 2009, 07:34 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: East Central Illinois
Posts: 164
Sport Mirrors
I am WAY ahead of myself on this, but I am so excited. I'm tracking a car exactly like I want that is for sale. It's just like the one I used to have, but it does not have the sport "bullet" mirrors on both doors. It only has one of the chrome, wire remote mirrors on the drivers side. The holes that are in the door on the drivers side should be an exact bolt in for a wire remote bullet mirror, but what about the passenger side? How am I going to know exactly where to drill the holes for a bullet mirror on the passenger side? I never thought of this, and I don't exactly remember on the cutlass I had, but did the early 70's Cutty's even have a passenger door mirror?
May 16th, 2009, 08:09 AM
#2
Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Medford, Oregon
Posts: 13,690
Welcome to the site! When the day comes that your ready to install the "bullet" style sport mirrors someone here will be able to come up with the correct measurements for you. If you do purchase the car post pictures and tell us about it. John
May 20th, 2009, 06:04 PM
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Greater Toronto Area
Posts: 88
I am WAY ahead of myself on this, but I am so excited. I'm tracking a car exactly like I want that is for sale. It's just like the one I used to have, but it does not have the sport "bullet" mirrors on both doors. It only has one of the chrome, wire remote mirrors on the drivers side. The holes that are in the door on the drivers side should be an exact bolt in for a wire remote bullet mirror, but what about the passenger side? How am I going to know exactly where to drill the holes for a bullet mirror on the passenger side? I never thought of this, and I don't exactly remember on the cutlass I had, but did the early 70's Cutty's even have a passenger door mirror?
Last edited by rallye350; May 20th, 2009 at 06:04 PM. Reason: sp
May 20th, 2009, 07:40 PM
#5
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,301
I am WAY ahead of myself on this, but I am so excited. I'm tracking a car exactly like I want that is for sale. It's just like the one I used to have, but it does not have the sport "bullet" mirrors on both doors. It only has one of the chrome, wire remote mirrors on the drivers side. The holes that are in the door on the drivers side should be an exact bolt in for a wire remote bullet mirror, but what about the passenger side? How am I going to know exactly where to drill the holes for a bullet mirror on the passenger side? I never thought of this, and I don't exactly remember on the cutlass I had, but did the early 70's Cutty's even have a passenger door mirror?
May 21st, 2009, 03:33 AM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Too close to Toronto!!
Posts: 4,087
Mirrors
The attachment for '73 sport mirrors on an Omega has two brackets that screw into the doors- to mount the pass. side mirror make a template off the drivers side and reverse it...my problem was the large factory holes for the chrome mirror was exposed a little on the outside of the base and I covered it with black tape 
this on a '68 442 
...the mirror location is the same..
this on a '68 442 ...the mirror location is the same..
May 21st, 2009, 09:30 PM
#8
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: East Central Illinois
Posts: 164
hmmm?
You'd think that the "whatever" mirror they offered would fit the same holes (production ease). I've got a box full of the bullet sport mirrors from Z28's that I've parted out. (Oh, I should mention that I have '78 Z28 with a modified GM 502 BB crate engine.....Olds isn't my only love, just the first car I owned!) GM used that bullet sport mirror across alot of years and makes. I just remember my first Cutlass Supreme having the sport mirrors on both doors. Now I'm doubting myself about that and am now going to dig in a box of old pics!
May 22nd, 2009, 12:03 PM
#9
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,301
Be careful, because they are not the same across all years. The mirror heads are the same, but the pedestals are different heights and angles (and mounting configurations). The F-body mirrors used taller pedestals than the A-body mirrors, for example.
May 22nd, 2009, 12:39 PM
#10
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Not 100% sure but I think i was once told that only Canadian cars had the passenger side mirror ?!
No, not true. Although it probably should have been mandatory a long time ago, most of us up here see just as well out of one side and are well versed on smacking up stuff we don't see on the right just like anyone in any part of the world. And, now that cars do have right side mirrors, there are WAAAYY to many people who don't use them.
The single chrome driver's side mirror was standard. A matching chrome passenger side mirror was an available option. The sport mirrors were also an available option.
The chrome mirror that came standard was not a remote control mirror; it was just a chrome mirror. Lots of cars came with them Upgrading to remote sports or chrome mirrors wasn't that pricey. Sport mirrors available as D35 option was color matched to the car exterior color and only ran $22.00 RH Remote control mirror option DF3 LH Remote control mirror option D33 was $12.00
Be careful, because they are not the same across all years. The mirror heads are the same, but the pedestals are different heights and angles (and mounting configurations). The F-body mirrors used taller pedestals than the A-body mirrors, for example.
Joe, you are 100%. Too many peope forget about the angle the pedestal to the door skin is at.
Can anyone confirm if the sport mirrors bolt into the exact holes in which the chrome ones do?
Yes, I added the proper sport mirrors to my car and the drivers side is a direct fit. If memory serves, (it was a long time ago when this was done) you only need to change the base plastic gasket because the sport mirrors are a little wider than the chrome bases.
Also, when you install the RH side, just use the reverse template of the Left side to mark the position of the right one. They are positioned exactly the same place - distance and height. (symmetrical). Only on the right side mirror you might need to brace the underside of the mirror area with a metal support (you can make one or buy one) to help stiffen the underside skin of the door where the mirror mounts. I don't know if the bracing was put in all doors, but it was in the ones ordered with sport mirrors from the factory.
Also, when you install the RH side, just use the reverse template of the Left side to mark the position of the right one. They are positioned exactly the same place - distance and height. (symmetrical). Only on the right side mirror you might need to brace the underside of the mirror area with a metal support (you can make one or buy one) to help stiffen the underside skin of the door where the mirror mounts. I don't know if the bracing was put in all doors, but it was in the ones ordered with sport mirrors from the factory.
May 30th, 2009, 05:36 PM
#11
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
I took a couple of pics of my sport mirrors. Tried to get a side profile shot so you could see how the mirror pedestal has to be the right angle. Anyway, here they are. BTW I know that the sport mirrors didn't have the extra striping on them until much later models, but I like the look and added them anyway.
June 1st, 2009, 05:01 PM
#14
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Cross Hill SC Upstate South Carolina
Posts: 128
you think those were expensive.....try 1970 only sport mirrors....and Hurst/Olds
Ever hear of Olds clamshell sport mirrors (70 only)...much rarer than the 71-72 standard sport mirrors....but the Hurst/Olds are the pinnacle of the rare Olds sport mirrors ultra priced mirrors....just thought I'd point that out.....Oldsdroptop
March 13th, 2014, 09:15 PM
#15
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: CG
Posts: 300
Sport Mirrors
Yep, Sport mirrors, Clam shell or Cat eyes, were '70 only and you can tell just by looking at them. I bought a pair 2 years (in factory primer) ago NOS (in GM boxes) never on a car.
Still buying jewlery for the girl friend......They were $1000.00 (my cost)
BUT they are a thing of beauty !
DRXOLDS..........
It is as if I when to a GM dealer and got them from the parts department !
It make me upset because I was out of town not watching another set that were the same. My max bid on those was $750.00 I lost them by $1.00 !
Now with a smart phone that will NEVER happen again
Still buying jewlery for the girl friend......They were $1000.00 (my cost)
BUT they are a thing of beauty !
DRXOLDS..........
It is as if I when to a GM dealer and got them from the parts department !
It make me upset because I was out of town not watching another set that were the same. My max bid on those was $750.00 I lost them by $1.00 !
Now with a smart phone that will NEVER happen again
March 14th, 2014, 08:19 AM
#16
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Modesto CA
Posts: 1,528
71-72 cutlass/442 and other a-body cars use the same mirror as 70-82 Camaro/firebird. The use a different gasket under the mirror to adjust for different angles of the door. 73 and up a-body and g-body mirrors use a similar but different mirror with a longer base. I never seen a pair yet but heard the chevy vega used the 70 442 style mirrors also.
March 14th, 2014, 08:30 AM
#17
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Tillsonburg Ont. Canada.
Posts: 978
Yep, Sport mirrors, Clam shell or Cat eyes, were '70 only and you can tell just by looking at them. I bought a pair 2 years (in factory primer) ago NOS (in GM boxes) never on a car.
Still buying jewlery for the girl friend......They were $1000.00 (my cost)
BUT they are a thing of beauty !
DRXOLDS..........
It is as if I when to a GM dealer and got them from the parts department !
It make me upset because I was out of town not watching another set that were the same. My max bid on those was $750.00 I lost them by $1.00 !
Now with a smart phone that will NEVER happen again
Still buying jewlery for the girl friend......They were $1000.00 (my cost)
BUT they are a thing of beauty !
DRXOLDS..........
It is as if I when to a GM dealer and got them from the parts department !
It make me upset because I was out of town not watching another set that were the same. My max bid on those was $750.00 I lost them by $1.00 !
Now with a smart phone that will NEVER happen again
March 14th, 2014, 06:56 PM
#18
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Austin, Tx
Posts: 1,393
71-72 cutlass/442 and other a-body cars use the same mirror as 70-82 Camaro/firebird. The use a different gasket under the mirror to adjust for different angles of the door. 73 and up a-body and g-body mirrors use a similar but different mirror with a longer base. I never seen a pair yet but heard the chevy vega used the 70 442 style mirrors also.
I know for a fact that Vegas used as an option the same sport mirrors as the 70-81 Camaros. Not likely they would have 70 Cutlass mirrors.
Henry
April 2nd, 2014, 09:12 PM
#19
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: CG
Posts: 300
'70 Sport Mirrors Only
You can tell very easily by looking at where the top would meet the bottom, if they were two seperate pieces. There is a distinct line formed around the whole outside (center edge). Any other year sport mirrors '71,'72 etc... the area is smooth, like a 1 piece unit.
When you see a set of each, you will see the difference. Hope this helps !
DRXOLDS
April 3rd, 2014, 05:40 AM
#20
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Tillsonburg Ont. Canada.
Posts: 978
Sorry I have not been able to take a picture for you.
You can tell very easily by looking at where the top would meet the bottom, if they were two seperate pieces. There is a distinct line formed around the whole outside (center edge). Any other year sport mirrors '71,'72 etc... the area is smooth, like a 1 piece unit.
When you see a set of each, you will see the difference. Hope this helps !
DRXOLDS
You can tell very easily by looking at where the top would meet the bottom, if they were two seperate pieces. There is a distinct line formed around the whole outside (center edge). Any other year sport mirrors '71,'72 etc... the area is smooth, like a 1 piece unit.
When you see a set of each, you will see the difference. Hope this helps !
DRXOLDS
April 3rd, 2014, 05:50 AM
#21
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Fort Pierce, FL
Posts: 1,124
When I installed mine to replace the single chrome mirror I made a paper template to match the drill holes for the passenger side. I stuck the edge of the paper against the beltline weatherstrip and laid it across the holes, making it follow the contours of the door. I used a razor knife to cut the front edge to match the curve of the front edge of the door. Then I cutout the holes. You then flip it over and put it on the passenger side against the beltline and along the front door edge. Holes are a mirror image of the left side. I assumes that the mounting was originally identical side to side.
April 3rd, 2014, 06:38 AM
#22
Mostly Gristle
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Wickford, RI
Posts: 409
Is it possible to "trim" the pedestals to a different angle?
This would be to adapt the sport mirrors to a car that never had them. ('66 toro)
The old style chrome mirror that was stock on these just does not do it for me.
This would be to adapt the sport mirrors to a car that never had them. ('66 toro)
The old style chrome mirror that was stock on these just does not do it for me.
May 6th, 2014, 08:27 AM
#23
First time rebuilder
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kamloops BC
Posts: 6
70 Cutlass Mirrors
Hi Guys
After some investigating I received this email from fusick re the mirror saga. You may have run into this before but anyway here it is.
tks ewen
From: Dave Jackson [mailto:dave@fusick.com] On Behalf Of Sales
Sent: May-06-14 7:39 AM
To: Ewen Topolnisky
Subject: RE: 1970 Cutlass Supreme Convertible
WTH is the D33 option? Is that remote chrome mirror? (YES)
If so the passenger side mirror was never the same size. The remote is a "hooded" mirror, in that the glass moves inside the housing. the passenger side mirror is a standard chrome mirror that is oval but is not the "hooded" variety. the entire head moves. that's the way they were, GM never made the passenger side match the drivers side remote until the sport mirrors and later cars.
We do not have the 1970 sport mirrors they were made but had a severe curing problem in which oil was oozing out on the surface making it impossible to paint or for the paint to stay on. We stopped handling them a few years ago. You could put the 71-77 mirrors on, they are a nice product but a little different in shape.
Dave Jackson
Fusick Automotive Products, Inc
860-623-1589
________________________________________
From: Ewen Topolnisky
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2014 8:22 PM
To: Sales
Subject: 1970 Cutlass Supreme Convertible
I am looking for outside mirrors for this vehicle. It came with the D33 option which I believe is an original p/n 983275. I was hoping to find a passenger side mirror to match. If this is not an option would like to put on the bullet style sport mirrors. I do not see either in your catalogue. Can you help
tks Ewen Topolnisky, 4297 Furiak Road, Kamloops BC, Canada
After some investigating I received this email from fusick re the mirror saga. You may have run into this before but anyway here it is.
tks ewen
From: Dave Jackson [mailto:dave@fusick.com] On Behalf Of Sales
Sent: May-06-14 7:39 AM
To: Ewen Topolnisky
Subject: RE: 1970 Cutlass Supreme Convertible
WTH is the D33 option? Is that remote chrome mirror? (YES)
If so the passenger side mirror was never the same size. The remote is a "hooded" mirror, in that the glass moves inside the housing. the passenger side mirror is a standard chrome mirror that is oval but is not the "hooded" variety. the entire head moves. that's the way they were, GM never made the passenger side match the drivers side remote until the sport mirrors and later cars.
We do not have the 1970 sport mirrors they were made but had a severe curing problem in which oil was oozing out on the surface making it impossible to paint or for the paint to stay on. We stopped handling them a few years ago. You could put the 71-77 mirrors on, they are a nice product but a little different in shape.
Dave Jackson
Fusick Automotive Products, Inc
860-623-1589
________________________________________
From: Ewen Topolnisky
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2014 8:22 PM
To: Sales
Subject: 1970 Cutlass Supreme Convertible
I am looking for outside mirrors for this vehicle. It came with the D33 option which I believe is an original p/n 983275. I was hoping to find a passenger side mirror to match. If this is not an option would like to put on the bullet style sport mirrors. I do not see either in your catalogue. Can you help
tks Ewen Topolnisky, 4297 Furiak Road, Kamloops BC, Canada
May 6th, 2014, 09:23 AM
#25
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,286
The yellow mirror above appears to be the 1970-only design
The cue is the line/ seam/ ridge - whatever you may call it- in a horizontal plane midway up-down, visually dividing the outer shell into an upper and lower half, like a clam shell.
I actually have a pair of the chromed sport mirrors as used around 1976, for example perhaps on the GMO type models, SMX, etc. Just bought a M'Carlo remote LH mirror yesterday to try to make the POS '85 442 a little more drivable- its LH mirror now just points where it will, so it's useless.
The cue is the line/ seam/ ridge - whatever you may call it- in a horizontal plane midway up-down, visually dividing the outer shell into an upper and lower half, like a clam shell.
I actually have a pair of the chromed sport mirrors as used around 1976, for example perhaps on the GMO type models, SMX, etc. Just bought a M'Carlo remote LH mirror yesterday to try to make the POS '85 442 a little more drivable- its LH mirror now just points where it will, so it's useless.
May 6th, 2023, 03:51 PM
#27
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 20
Yes, be careful. That is also incorrect. The mirror heads are not all the same, and F-bodies didn't use taller. Always helps to research, don't just believe what is typed is gospel.
June 4th, 2023, 07:42 PM
#28
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 53
The 70 mirrors were pretty much one year only I think. After that, there seems to be slight variations from year to year and model to model.
I would look for a matched set, preferably from the same year as your car. The biggest issue seemed to be the height of the stem and the angle of the base "gasket" from model to model.
For installation make a template of the holes on the driver's side, mount the driver's side and measure the distance from front edge of door and to the from on the top of the door.
You only need the bolt holes not the cable hole unless you happen to find an rare passenger remote mirror, but then you'd have way more installation and trim issues to resolve.
I would look for a matched set, preferably from the same year as your car. The biggest issue seemed to be the height of the stem and the angle of the base "gasket" from model to model.
For installation make a template of the holes on the driver's side, mount the driver's side and measure the distance from front edge of door and to the from on the top of the door.
You only need the bolt holes not the cable hole unless you happen to find an rare passenger remote mirror, but then you'd have way more installation and trim issues to resolve.
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