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GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269433]

Sun, 11 January 2015 21:44

Broham

Messages: 204
Registered: March 2013
Location: Detroit, Michigan

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Has anyone had any success with mirrors from late model pickups, Vans or SUV? They often have heat, remote control and lights that could be adapted to our coaches without the high cost of after market mirrors.

just wondering,

Todd

Todd Owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’ other toys: 93 Vette 84 Goldwing and gone but not forgotten 72 CB750 Chopper 96 Caprice Classic 34 Ford roadster 94 Fleetwood

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269434 is a reply to message #269433]

Sun, 11 January 2015 22:12

Otterwan

Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...

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You can adapt anything to anything if you want to. I don't think you are going to find anything that bolts on easily. The 88-98 Chevy and GMC pickups have a simple 3 bolt mount that should be pretty easy to use. You would still need to plug the factory holes, make new ones, and run wires.

1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269463 is a reply to message #269434]

Mon, 12 January 2015 11:21

Gatsbys' Cruiser

Messages: 91
Registered: August 2014
Location: Illinois

Karma: 0

Member

DON'T FORGET that the mirrors are anchored onto that resin body panel. When I took mine off, I had cracks around the anchors, probably do to some PO backing into a tree or bush.

If you were going to need relocated anchors, you have to start from scratch and reinforce it.

I have never had to move my mirrors so a moving device would be useless to me. I have, however toyed with the idea of adding some instrument lights in the back side, maybe two, behind the mirror to warm the mirror glass and melt ice/snow. Havent had the time to play with that idea but I suspect it could work and cost almost nothing but your time to set up.

Just my thoughts.

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269465 is a reply to message #269463]

Mon, 12 January 2015 11:32

tphipps

Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL

Karma: 9

Senior Member

My thought is to add LED as turn indicator lights, for those whom like to ride in our blind spots.
Tom , MS II

2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269474 is a reply to message #269433]

Mon, 12 January 2015 12:25

Chris Tyler

Messages: 458
Registered: September 2013
Location: Odessa FL

Karma: 7

Senior Member

I just got a set of Ramcos. Initiall thought the holes would line up. Nope.

Considering how to mount...may have to go with an aluminum adapter plate

76 Glenbrook

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269478 is a reply to message #269474]

Mon, 12 January 2015 12:47

tphipps

Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL

Karma: 9

Senior Member

JmK has the proper body mounts for the GMC. Check with him first. No sense in reinventing the wheel.
Tom, MS II

2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269481 is a reply to message #269474]

Mon, 12 January 2015 13:05

Joe Weir

Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC

Karma: 7

Senior Member

Does jimK sell Ramcos that bolt right on to the GMC using the stock location?

With the way the Ramcos stick out from the body, I can see them catching all kinds of passing objects in parking lots, taking the bodywork with it.

Anyone Mounted a Ramco on a stock mirror base, keeping it close to the body?

76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center... Columbia, SC.

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269482 is a reply to message #269481]

Mon, 12 January 2015 13:12

Broham

Messages: 204
Registered: March 2013
Location: Detroit, Michigan

Karma: 0

Senior Member

I was hopping someone had figured a way to attached some late model Chevy Express Van mirrors from the men's mall to the coach. With the panoramic mirror and remote control it sure would make the blind spot much smaller. Smile

Smile

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/uploads/42117/2010_express_van_mirror.JPG

Todd Owner of a 1976 Eleganza II 26’ other toys: 93 Vette 84 Goldwing and gone but not forgotten 72 CB750 Chopper 96 Caprice Classic 34 Ford roadster 94 Fleetwood

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269484 is a reply to message #269482]

Mon, 12 January 2015 13:17

Joe Weir

Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC

Karma: 7

Senior Member

The issue I see is the relationship of the mounting point & mirror to the physical layout of the gmc.

That mirror is set up to reside at the base of the a pillar, which in a truck is ahead of you. In the gmc the a pillar is beside you, and a lot skimpier.

76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center... Columbia, SC.

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269485 is a reply to message #269463]

Mon, 12 January 2015 13:21

Ken Burton

Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana

Karma: 10

Senior Member

Glue a 20 or 30 ohm 10 watt resistor to the back side of the mirror glass. That will give you 5 to 9 watts of heat applied directly to the glass.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269488 is a reply to message #269481]

Mon, 12 January 2015 13:26

Ken Burton

Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana

Karma: 10

Senior Member

The answer is yes and yes. Ramco makes a mount that matches our bolt holes. I have them on mime.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269490 is a reply to message #269433]

Mon, 12 January 2015 13:32

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

Senior Member

I spent a lot of time looking at that but wanted bigger bottom mirrors because we're sitting about twice as far away as folks in the van are. The big problem is the mount. ALL the mirrors I considered have a side mount arrangement which would look wrong on our coaches. I had decided that I was going to get some mirrors, take the cover off and just fabricate a new mount to the adjustable motors and fixed base. I'd then have to make a new cover...from aluminum of course Very Happy

Very Happy

.

That was the plan before I ran across a pair of Ramco's for $50 up in Chippewa Falls. Now I'm making new mounts for them. Yeah, I know I can buy them from Ramco but then what would I do for fun??? Laughing

Laughing

Laughing

in the background is the actual mounting bracket. It's made from 3/16 aluminum and TIG welded. The round thing at the top was turned down and bored so the male stub on the Ramcos will slip in and turn for adjustment. In the foreground is the inside portion of the skin that will cover the structure. This is called a double reverse...to be technical it is an 'anticlastic' curve. Anticlastic curves are among the most difficult shapes to make.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/mirror-bases/p56984-custom-made-bases-for-ramco-mirrors.html

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6725/medium/IMG_20150104_194607_258.jpg

I hope to have them done before the Patterson rally.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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Re: [GMCnet] GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269501 is a reply to message #269482]

Mon, 12 January 2015 16:36

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

G'day,

Click on this link and scroll down the page until you run into the Ramco's; they start at $346.50 a pair and go up to $950.00 for a
CHROME plated model with built in LED on the side and back - WOO - HOO!

http://www.appliedgmc.com/level.itml/icOid/480

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: Todd Perkins

I was hopping someone had figured a way to attached some late model Chevy Express Van mirrors from the men's mall to the coach.
With the panoramic mirror and remote control it sure would make the blind spot much smaller. :)

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/uploads/42117/2010_express_van_mirror.JPG
--
Todd

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269503 is a reply to message #269490]

Mon, 12 January 2015 16:43

Keith V

Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN

Karma: 0

Senior Member

kerry pinkerton wrote on Mon, 12 January 2015 13:32

I spent a lot of time looking at that but wanted bigger bottom mirrors because we're sitting about twice as far away as folks in the van are. The big problem is the mount. ALL the mirrors I considered have a side mount arrangement which would look wrong on our coaches. I had decided that I was going to get some mirrors, take the cover off and just fabricate a new mount to the adjustable motors and fixed base. I'd then have to make a new cover...from aluminum of course .

That was the plan before I ran across a pair of Ramco's for $50 up in Chippewa Falls. Now I'm making new mounts for them. Yeah, I know I can buy them from Ramco but then what would I do for fun???

in the background is the actual mounting bracket. It's made from 3/16 aluminum and TIG welded. The round thing at the top was turned down and bored so the male stub on the Ramcos will slip in and turn for adjustment. In the foreground is the inside portion of the skin that will cover the structure. This is called a double reverse...to be technical it is an 'anticlastic' curve. Anticlastic curves are among the most difficult shapes to make.

I hope to have them done before the Patterson rally.

Mice Kerry!
but why not just use a bent piece of tubing?
( besides of course you wanting to make a fancy Anticlastic curve? )

Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269505 is a reply to message #269490]

Mon, 12 January 2015 16:59

wally

Messages: 643
Registered: August 2004
Location: Omaha Nebraska

Karma: 5

Senior Member

kerry pinkerton wrote on Mon, 12 January 2015 13:32

I spent a lot of time looking at that but wanted bigger bottom mirrors because we're sitting about twice as far away as folks in the van are. The big problem is the mount. ALL the mirrors I considered have a side mount arrangement which would look wrong on our coaches. I had decided that I was going to get some mirrors, take the cover off and just fabricate a new mount to the adjustable motors and fixed base. I'd then have to make a new cover...from aluminum of course .

That was the plan before I ran across a pair of Ramco's for $50 up in Chippewa Falls. Now I'm making new mounts for them. Yeah, I know I can buy them from Ramco but then what would I do for fun???

in the background is the actual mounting bracket. It's made from 3/16 aluminum and TIG welded. The round thing at the top was turned down and bored so the male stub on the Ramcos will slip in and turn for adjustment. In the foreground is the inside portion of the skin that will cover the structure. This is called a double reverse...to be technical it is an 'anticlastic' curve. Anticlastic curves are among the most difficult shapes to make.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/mirror-bases/p56984-custom-made-bases-for-ramco-mirrors.html

I hope to have them done before the Patterson rally.

OOH that's cool Kerry, No one else will have any like that.

Wally Anderson
Omaha NE
75 Glenbrook

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269506 is a reply to message #269503]

Mon, 12 January 2015 17:14

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

Senior Member

Keith V wrote on Mon, 12 January 2015 16:43

... why not just use a bent piece of tubing?
( besides of course you wanting to make a fancy Anticlastic curve? )

Two issues. One is finding tubing with the correct ID for the mirror stud and then being able to bend it. Also, I was (am) concerned that a piece of tubing, say 2" OD, 1 1/2" ID, might not be strong enough at the mounting plate to take the wind load and buffeting. There is considerable load on that mirror.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269507 is a reply to message #269433]

Mon, 12 January 2015 17:22

lqqkatjon

Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN

Karma: 5

Senior Member

I personally have not found the answer to this question. I have access to super duty mirrors of most all varieties, for free from trucks at work that get wrecked, and we keep for parts. But I just do not see an economical or easy way to make them work on the GMC. The angles just seem to be wrong, and the final product would not look right.

I have the same problem with my jeep grand wagoneer... I am just happy the GMC original Mirror has 10 times the surface area as my micro wagoneer mirrors.

Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269508 is a reply to message #269490]

Mon, 12 January 2015 17:24

winsumlosum

Messages: 64
Registered: July 2013
Location: Pharr, TX

Karma: 2

Member

OK, Thanks Kerry Embarassed

Embarassed

I'm soo jealous Embarassed

Embarassed

'an I was agoin' ta post sum pictures, all I gotts a Hamma' & sum pliers Laughing

Laughing

Laughing

Dave Simmons, Pharr, TX 1977 26'ex Kingsley 455/Thorley's, "The Phoenix" to rise from the ashes again.

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269509 is a reply to message #269433]

Mon, 12 January 2015 17:30

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

Senior Member

On a related mirror subject. The convex mirror on one of the Ramco's has come off. I'm not quite sure what the old mounting stuff is. It's hard now. But perhaps was a urethane ribbon of some type. Regardless, I will need to remount that mirror.

Suggestions?

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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Re: GMC Mirrors from the Junk Yard???? [message #269510 is a reply to message #269507]

Mon, 12 January 2015 17:34

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

Senior Member

lqqkatjon wrote on Mon, 12 January 2015 17:22

I... I have access to super duty mirrors of most all varieties, for free from trucks at work that get wrecked, and we keep for parts. ...

Jon, if you have an extra mirror that I could cut up and examine, I MIGHT be able to some up with something. It wouldn't be cheap but a lot cheaper than Ramco's and the mounts ($250 for a pair of the cast mounts) I would not matter if the plastic was broken or the mirrors either. I just need to see if there is a way to attach it to something that would result in a bottom mount post. I'd pay shipping.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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