Beemon Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 (edited) I've been trying to track down a replacement passenger side mirror for my 56 Century since its been broke off by a ladder or something during its 40 year sleep. So far I've managed to track down two mirrors on Ebay with the exact same base but the mirrors are rectangular and not round. If I bought it, how hard is it to remove the mirror and put a round one on there if I find a round mirror piece? Also does anyone have any idea what the part number or who the manufacturer is? I'm guessing its a generic GM accessory mirror because searching 56 Buick only turns up the Roadmaster style mirrors that are being reproduced. Does anyone have any leads on new mirrors that look similar? The holes are 4 1/4 inch apart and I don't want to put more holes into the body of the car, but it looks like I might be out of options. Attached is mine. Edited August 31, 2015 by Beemon (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 If the reproduction mirrors you saw look like this: http://www.classicnosparts.com/products-page/buick/1954-1955-1956-buick-special-century-skylark-accessory-chrome-mirror-nos/then they are correct if that is what you want. What you have and those ebay items are aftermarket when the cars were contemporary. If you find some that fit the existing holes, you will have some nice looking and functional mirrors, but not necessarily "correct". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 (edited) Did they put those mirrors on the century? I'm just clueless because my model has aftermarket mirrors...CARS inc. had the reproduction "Roadmaster" mirrors. http://www.oldbuickparts.com/catalog/up-to-1960-buick-group-10-mirrors-rearview-mirror-1954-56-outside-set-p-4864.htmlThey say set B though, that's why I thought there was another style. Edited August 31, 2015 by Beemon (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 (edited) All models used the same mirrors. If you want to keep the style you have it is possible to remove with care depending on how affixed. I have restored original mirrors with success that have a post going into the hole at the top of the base. They are soldered in with lead or something similar. You can remove it by heating it and removing carefully with pliers using a wet rag as a protective covering. It will discolor the chrome but it will allow you to rechrome the base. Before you do have your replacement mirror ready, drill out hole until just slightly loose, then after base is rechromed you can use a light coat of metal epoxy to fit back into place.Alternatively I have a very nice unrestored original of the correct style as appears in the above links of the reproductions. Edited August 31, 2015 by lancemb (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1953mack Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 .....Also does anyone have any idea what the part number or who the manufacturer is? I'm guessing its a generic GM accessory mirror..... GUIDE LAMP was a division of GMC supplying all OEM light and mirror-related assemblies. You need to find one of their catalogs. Al MalachowskiBCA #8965"500 Miles West of Flint" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) All models used the same mirrors. If you want to keep the style you have it is possible to remove with care depending on how affixed. I have restored original mirrors with success that have a post going into the hole at the top of the base. They are soldered in with lead or something similar. You can remove it by heating it and removing carefully with pliers using a wet rag as a protective covering. It will discolor the chrome but it will allow you to rechrome the base. Before you do have your replacement mirror ready, drill out hole until just slightly loose, then after base is rechromed you can use a light coat of metal epoxy to fit back into place.Alternatively I have a very nice unrestored original of the correct style as appears in the above links of the reproductions. The mirror comes off with two screws and isn't affixed with anything else - there are no gaskets or anything. The only reason why I'm confused is because my grandmother drove the car off the line in Flint, Michigan. My grandfather also bought his mother a Roadmaster, which also had matching mirrors. Thanks for the heads up Mack, I'll do some more digging. I'll most likely settle for the official Buick reproduction in the end. Quick question, though. What is the difference between these two mirrors?http://www.oldbuickparts.com/catalog/up-to-1960-buick-group-10-mirrors-rearview-mirror-1954-56-outside-lh-p-6928.htmlhttp://www.oldbuickparts.com/catalog/up-to-1960-buick-group-10-mirrors-rearview-mirror-1954-56-outside-lh-p-5075.html They are both the same price, however one is labeled B and for Roadmaster and Super, and the other is S and is for the Special, Century and Skylark. Edited September 1, 2015 by Beemon (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Falabella Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 When I got my Roadmaster it did not have a side view mirror. I bought the CARS mirror. I think it looks good and serves it's purpose. Funny the Roady was ordered with every option except wire wheels and a side mirror. Guess you didn't have to worry what was behind you back then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 There may be a slight difference in the curve at the bottom. The two series are different in body style where the mirror mounts on the car. Perhaps that is why some folks say the passengers side mirror is useless? I have a pair of them on my Super and My passengers mirror is useful. So I'd go with the one for the correct vehicle. But it does not look like there is a passenger side mirror for the smaller series. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 It is my understanding that a passenger side mirror was actually standard on small series convertibles. Mounted in the "factory location" the passenger side mirror is indeed worthless and the driver's side is only slightly less annoying. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 http://www.oldbuickparts.com/catalog/up-to-1960-buick-group-10-mirrors-rearview-mirror-1954-56-outside-set-p-4863.htmlthis is the set you need. MK546S-1 not MK546B-1 that website has never been user friendly!(and yes, the mirrors are different between large and small series)Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thanks for the help in clearing some things up gents. I'll definitely get around to replacing the old mirror with two new ones after I finish rebuilding the front end suspension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesBulldogMiller55Buick Posted September 6, 2015 Share Posted September 6, 2015 (edited) It is my understanding that a passenger side mirror was actually standard on small series convertibles. Mounted in the "factory location" the passenger side mirror is indeed worthless and the driver's side is only slightly less annoying.It's the same on mineWhen backing into the garage, I can make use of the passenger side mirror by seating in the center of the seat, and driving with steering with my left hand and braking with my left foot I got a nice set of mirrors from CARS Edited September 6, 2015 by JamesBulldogMiller55Buick (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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