| Mirror Upgrade - Not Ramco - Pic heavy [message #283290] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 12:05  |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
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Besides avocado green appliances and shag carpet, Nothing screams 1970's like the side mirrors on a gmc. Every time I use them I expect to see a black Transam rushing up beside me looking for the "rocking chair. "
While certainly utilitarian, the stock mirrors are not up to the aesthetics of the rest of the coach.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6832/medium/image302.jpg
I'm not a big fan of the Ramco mirror upgrade - IMHO they stick out to0 far from the coach. Need to find something that utilizes the stock mounts. While I'd like to take credit for the idea, it was shamelessly stolen from another GMCer. While cruising BDubs Classifieds page, I stumbled across a mirror combination that caught my eye. A Mr. Ferril of Ft Worth had a coach with modern mirrors mounted on the stock mounts. The mirror post was offset, which allowed the assembly to be mounted and clear the windows.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6832/medium/IMG_5601.JPG
I would skip the bus turn signals. The question is where did the mirrors originate? I stumbled across these Velvacs from Ryder Fleet Products.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6832/VelvacRight714580.jpg
Looks like they were originally on GMC Vans. Took a chance and ordered one to see if it was possible to modify. They were not the exactly the same as the Ferril mirrors, but they were close enough. Sku#714579 and #714580 @85 each - They were not cheap, but the men's mall near me has nothing like this. Your luck might be better. These were designed for the post to be set in a cylinder and held in with an exterior set screw.
To utilize the stock mounting arm, I would need to drill out the bottom and tap it for the stock gmc bolt. As luck would have it, the mounting post was hollow (about 1/2" diameter), allowing the post to be tapped and fastened to the stock mount without having to worry about drilling out (and centering) the hole. I Used a 1/2"-13 tap, and then used a thin threaded insert to get it down to the stock 3/8"-16 bolt size.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6832/medium/image301.jpg
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6832/90259a144l.gif
The inserts are about a buck a piece, but you have to buy 10. I did not feel like drilling out the stock mount for a 1/2" bolt that the post without an insert would require, and thought it more servicable with steel threads instead of whatever potmetal the post is made of...
So a nylon and steel washer later and the mirror is mounted.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6832/medium/image303.jpg
The mirror post was cut down to about an inch, and a nylon washer was employed to allow the mirror to pivot without loosening the bolt. The mirrors themselves pivot in the housings, so the ability to pivot the whole assembly is more cosmetic.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6832/medium/image304.jpg
Now I just need to do the other side. Its not much cheaper than a Ramco set, but it could be with a well-stocked men's mall.
I'm also not wild about the gap in the side of the mount. Hmmmm, that might be next.
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.
[Updated on: Mon, 27 July 2015 12:06] Report message to a moderator |
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