I CAN'T SEE IT
behind me, that is

by John Niolon
 
I can't see it !!!!!  Behind me, that is… Since I got the truck on the road I've been disappointed with rear view mirror options.  The stock mirrors suck. They are too small and the right one is useless.  Nothing has worked like I wanted. I’ve been trying to find door mirrors that actually function as they should.

I had closed off the original mirror mount holes and have tried three mirrors in the spot I chose to put them .....(maybe my first mistake…bad spot).


Here’s what I've tried.... rectangular and round in both 4" and 5" with 4" and 5" swan neck arms

 
 
 
I might have created my own problem when I welded up the original door mount holes.  I had to drill the finished door for mirror install and that limited my choices going forward to something that would cover the drilled holes.

 
Two different arm lengths and three different style mirrors did not give me my desired results...i.e. being able to see behind me.  Rectangular or two different sizes of round left me needy.  My main problem was that the way the mirror fit on the mount prevented me from turning the mirror in enough to get the right view.  Frustrating !
 
I've spent hours looking through google links trying to find something that would fit the door, look decent,  cover the holes from previous mistakes and give me a decent view... Lots of mirrors...few that fit my needs.  I finally found one that was perfect and adjustable 6 different ways... It was discontinued and none of the dealers had any old stock.  Later in the search I found another.  It looked like it would work... adjustable up and down and left to right, even fold closed against the door.  It's only drawback was that it was all plastic with a faux chrome finish.  It looked good enough but probably scratch easier than metal with real chrome.  we'll see.  The mount was sturdy and covered the existing holes easily.
 
It is made by Fit Systems and sold by several suppliers... I chose Amazon. The model number is 3671.  Available in chrome or black. (add a "B" to the model number for black)   I got chrome, but thinking later I should have gotten black and painted to match the body color. Hindsight, eh ??
 
Here's their website picture

 

here's my installed picture

 

and here's what I see ... I'm very pleased so far, but it's only one on test ride.

 

Boilerplate denial of liability statement… i.e. the fine print This installation is something I did to put parts of MY truck together. It is not patented, engineered or even perfect… it is what it is, a home done install/repair/solution. I’m sure there are alternatives to this design some even better/cheaper/easier, I just didn’t think of them or warrant them necessary... there are several similar units on the internet waiting behind Google for you to see/copy/build…(just like I did) This work was done by me and for me or by friends who were nice enough to help me out. I only ask that if you reproduce it give me credit for it and if you make money from it… give me my percentage. Since I have no way of knowing your level of competence, welding or cutting skills, mechanical ability or estimated intelligence, there are no guaranties or warranties either verbal, written or implied with this article.

Along with this article I am giving you absolutely free of charge…that’s right ! FREE !!...the liability, total and complete liability for the use or misuse of this contraption (and installation method) will be yours and yours alone. It belongs to you and keep that in mind… I am in no way responsible for any damage, injury or embarrassment or ridicule you may suffer from the use of my ideas or my methods. If it doesn’t look like something you’d be comfortable doing… don’t do/use it. If you’re not intelligent enough to make that decision about your comfort level… ask a family member or friend.. but here’s a hint… if you have to ask someone… don’t do it ! Pictures were made at different stages of construction and all assemblies in pictures may not be complete in each shot. I.e.. a picture showing ‘some parts’ only means that it was not finished, but I’ve tried to make the idea complete to the best of my ability. If you have questions or see mistakes or problems, let me know by e-mail and I’ll make the corrections if possible.. Use these ideas at your own risk. Modify them at your discretion and to suit your purpose. Your mileage may vary, batteries not included, much assembly required... wait one hour after building to enter the water, additional charges may apply. not all applicants will qualify for advertised A.P.R., for ages 10 to adult…side effects are comparable to placebos. Do not take drugs when building or operating machinery. JUST SAY NO. Copyright . 2024 John Niolon, All International Rights Reserved. This document may not be copied or published without prior written consent of the author- jniolon@att.net