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'40 Cabriolet Right Mirror


Ron K.

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I really enjoy driving my Continental but now with a new top I'm blind to the rear of the machine. Has anybody tried the rear camera technique? What about a USABLE, removable right side rear view mirror? With the top up (top down is not much better), I do not dare back up with out a spotter. Please share your solutions, I don't want to ding up my pretty, new Capri Blue paint.

Ron

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I find it difficult to use the backup camera in my wife's modern car to see what is in the way when backing up. The field of vision is too narrow and the wide angle lens distorts the view. My son gave me one for my 53 Lincoln, but the camera is 12 volts, so he installed it on my modern car. I have not found a good place to mount the display and it is worse than the one on my wife's car.

 

Now that you know my feelings, I will tell you that you can use a converter to power it. Here is a link to the one that I use to power my CB.

 

http://www.classiccarstereos.com/product/PGPI.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjw8-GtBRCMl7m54PzgjNQBEiQAIZckvzng7niJ1WPf7AhkFSwjmm46KJNHH7OWctrjLyPg3SIaAqvi8P8HAQ

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Ain't no way in heck I'm going to drive the three window coupe without rear view mirrors. It's got blind spots the size of drive-in movie screens. Purchased a set of Ford truck mirrors that mount to the upper hinge. I know that will upset some but safety is my first concern and I've never have my car judged.

Another issue is turn signals. Holding your arm out the window just isn't going to get it today. I am looking to get a set of turn signals that are magnetic so I can drive then remove them at shows. They are out there, I just have to find them.

BTW. I don't have a car trailer but I do have a bumper sticker that says..."If you see this car on a trailer, call the police....it's stolen."

Edited by Beltfed (see edit history)
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  • 2 weeks later...

Don't know if will work, but some early pick-ups and Volkswagens use hinge mount mirrors that poke up taller.  I can't see my 48 LC right mirror no matter which way I bend.  Maybe two cameras, one on the rear, and one on the RH mirror could work.  Mounting a screen would also be a challenge.  Maybe you could hinge the radio grill to flip up and reveal a screen.  I'd like to see someone fab a goose neck to mount on the hinge and bend up to where you might actually see the mirror.  Would look more like original. 

Abe

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I was browsing a Speedway catalog last night and saw that they had mirrors that clip on the vent windows. They are 3" mirrors. I was thinking that might be a good solution. You could use them while driving and then remove them when you are showing the car.

 

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Stainless-Steel-Windwing-Mirror,33598.html

 

 

 

 

 

I just ordered the 3 1/2 inch Windwing mirror from Speedway for my 1947 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet.  I will report back on how it installs and functions. It appears the wing window would have to remain at least partially open to accommodate the clamp. Would prefer a convex mirror to improve visibility but will see how this works. If anyone else has a solution, please post.

 

I already have a passenger side mirror which matches the driver's side. They are both elegant but passenger side mirror is for looks only --- not for seeing. It sits at the bottom of the "A" pillar which completes blocks it from drivers view.

 

Note to b6vt Glenn with the "48 coupe, If it is the same as Cabriolet, beware of investing in a matching mirror that has no function. i saw a pair  on ebay for $450.

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Michael. that looks good -- is it convex or conventional and how does it work? The one I bought and have not yet received is about the same size (3 1/2 in) It clamps on the wingvent at the rear of the glass pane with rubber pads and should be easily removable. Don't know how far the wing needs to be open for it to function. Will report on it in a few days. May have to get a convex mirror and "stick" it to the mirror attached to the wing.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I installed the windwing mirror from Speedway and have mixed reviews. First, the installation which should be straightforward was cumbersome. The single screw which clamps the small arm to both the window edge and ball on the back of the mirror was either cross threaded or had mismatched threads with the nut. It was impossible to turn without a wrench on the nut. After getting it installed, through no fault of the mirror, the shaking of the mirror makes it unusable --- the vent window is not stable when opened. I haven't figured out how to stabilize the window. Also, it would be more desirable if convex. So, no solution yet. Will look to see if a door clamp mirror might be able to be clamped on vertical vent window frame.

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Billboos, thanks for trying this and reporting back. It sounded like a good solution, you could have your mirror while driving and then go back to stock for shows. Try mounting the mirror on the door window, it might be more stable.

 

None of the door clamp mirrors would open enough to clamp on the vent window frame of my 40 Mercury or 53 Lincoln. I have to rely on sound and my passenger to tell me what is going on on the right side. Both of my cars give much better visibility on the right side and to the rear than your cabriolet.

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I just ordered  the Speedway mirror for my 42 Continental coupe.  I have the original door hinge mirrors that I got from  Narragansett in Kingston, R.  I have had Continentals since 1958 and that right side mirror has always been a problem.

I.

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I just ordered  the Speedway mirror for my 42 Continental coupe.  I have the original door hinge mirrors that I got from  Narragansett in Kingston, R.  I have had Continentals since 1958 and that right side mirror has always been a problem.

I.

Waldren, this should work for you so long as your right wing window is stable. If the machine screw seems hard to tighten, you may want to get  a replacement screw and nut. Let us know how it works.

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  • 2 weeks later...

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