BUILD THREAD “The Juggernaut”

[liquidh8]

Donovan, when I did my sport mirrors, I mounted them all the way up to match the A-pillar. I also used power guts and new glass in them.

I drove without them, and in PA you can, but I don't like the blind spots. At least not in a wagon.

 

[Rktpwrd]

I've had this info squirreled away for awhile.....I think I got if off the El Camino Central site some time ago...


**The power mirrors from a 1982-1991 Camaro have the same size internal parts as the 86-87 El Camino & Monte Carlo sport mirrors. Only the angle where it goes against the door is cut differently. I have yet to write an article on how to do this, but have done it on mine. A brief description follows: get used Camaro mirrors, snap out pivot and mirror from inner housing with a thin screwdriver being careful not to break the pivot, unscrew power mirror motor from mount, unscrew 3 mounting screws, mount will fit in the same 3 holes in the El Camino housing. Run electrical wires through housing, attach mount with 3 screws, attach motor, snap in mirror piviot, and mirror is ready to bolt in. You will have to fabricate a wiring harness and use a switch from the Camaro as well. I have a wiring diagram somewhere. I mounted the switch in the right hand lower corner of the instrument panel. (where the passenger side mirror handle is on the Monte Carlo)
Maybe I will do a tech article one of these days and post it. I think that firebird power mirrors of this vintage are the same, but am not positive.**

That’s a great post Kevin, and very informative! Thanks for sharing that with us.
Now I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for Camaro and ‘88-90 B body power mirrors.

Donovan, when I did my sport mirrors, I mounted them all the way up to match the A-pillar. I also used power guts and new glass in them.

I drove without them, and in PA you can, but I don't like the blind spots. At least not in a wagon.

Thanks for chiming in Jim.
Scott and I were discussing your wagon as I seemed to remember you incorporating them as well. Which door belt mouldings are you using, and did you have any interference issues? If so, how did you overcome them?
I agree as everyone else seems to, they definitely need to be moved forward to match the A pillar.
As for the power internals in yours, are they junkyard pieces or did you find them somewhere new?
I can understand your aversion to running without mirrors, that’s kinda where I’m at with considering putting some back on too. Especially with the way people around here drive.

 

[liquidh8]

I am using the thin window mouldings, as that what it came with and all that was available repop. No interference issues to speak off. I do have to say that I got three sets of sport mirrors, one off of an El Camino, one off of a Camaro, and one off of a Monte Carlo. I honestly can't remember what pair of mirrors I used. I took the guts out of the Camaro mirrors, then reused them in the final set. The guts came from a junkyard doner. I did test them before I left though with a jump pack.

 

[Rktpwrd]

I am using the thin window mouldings, as that what it came with and all that was available repop. No interference issues to speak off. I do have to say that I got three sets of sport mirrors, one off of an El Camino, one off of a Camaro, and one off of a Monte Carlo. I honestly can't remember what pair of mirrors I used. I took the guts out of the Camaro mirrors, then reused them in the final set. The guts came from a junkyard doner. I did test them before I left though with a jump pack.

Perfect, thank you.
I didn’t think the power internals would be available new, but I figured I’d ask anyways.
It’s definitely the width of these wide mouldings that’s presenting the interference issue, but I’m committed to using them. I think with a little ingenuity I can make the two play together. I can see how the thin mouldings gave you the clearance you needed.
Honestly, I think the chances of me coming across a set of power mirrors in that style around here are pretty slim, but who knows. I never thought I’d find a 8.5” 3:73 rear end in the junkyards either!
Perhaps you, Kevin, José or anyone else could keep an eye out for me?

Thanks again.

 

[liquidh8]

I'm sure you could modify the mirror pedestal to get the clearance that you need with the molding. As the weather gets better, I'll be making more trips to a Pick-n-Pulls so I'll keep an eye out for some power mirror internals. I also used the power mirror switch from a Caprice, since it fits in the factory gbody power mirror scussion.

 

[Rktpwrd]

I'm sure you could modify the mirror pedestal to get the clearance that you need with the molding. As the weather gets better, I'll be making more trips to a Pick-n-Pulls so I'll keep an eye out for some power mirror internals. I also used the power mirror switch from a Caprice, since it fits in the factory gbody power mirror scussion.

Thanks Jim, I would really appreciate it if you could. Great tip on the power switch fitting in the factory escutcheon too, thanks!

Best forum ever, hands down...

 

[liquidh8]

Not a problem my friend. IIRC it was a late 80ss early 90s Caprice I got the switch from.

I did a quick Google search, here a thread on on Gbody with a link to montess about it.

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/power-mirror-g-body.13198/

 

[Rktpwrd]

Not a problem my friend. IIRC it was a late 80ss early 90s Caprice I got the switch from.

I did a quick Google search, here a thread on on Gbody with a link to montess about it.

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/power-mirror-g-body.13198/

Thread and links bookmarked!
Many thanks!

 

[xitabl442]

I remembered reading a story (in Hemming's iirc) about an 85 MCSS titled "Dad's Stupid Car" where the owner installed the sport mirrors with F-body power and a Caprice switch. I reread it yesterday, great story. I think the guy is a member here, but don't recall his username.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.he...-Car---1986-Monte-Carlo-SS/3633651.html?amp=1

 

[Rktpwrd]

I remembered reading a story (in Hemming's iirc) about an 85 MCSS titled "Dad's Stupid Car" where the owner installed the sport mirrors with F-body power and a Caprice switch. I reread it yesterday, great story. I think the guy is a member here, but don't recall his username.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2010/08/Dad-s-Stupid-Car---1986-Monte-Carlo-SS/3633651.html?amp=1

That was a good article, thank you. Essentially (and may even be) the same modification to the same Monte SS that Jim provided the GBF link to above.