G'day,
Thinking about what I need in the way of door mirrors, or if I need them at all?
My 1963 850 was fitted with one Wibroc on the drivers door. Nothing on the passenger side. The old Wibroc has seen much better days so I'm looking for a good alternative. I've welded up the old holes in the door ready for painting so I can either leave them off or fit whatever is best.

First question is do I really need to have them (not legally but for actually using them to see what's behind / at the side?). I haven't driven a Mini yet so all new to me. I've read older threads on here about mirrors and it seems that the internal rear view mirror vibrates at speed and is pretty much useless.

Next, do I need one at all on the passenger side? Lots of cars seem to have only the drivers side one. Cosmetically, one each side might look better.

If I was fitting mirrors, I'd narrowed my choices down to either the Bullet or Tex ones as per the links below:

https://minisport.com.au/right-hand-bul ... r-arm-type
https://minisport.com.au/mini-door-mirr ... -steel-rah

I've read here that some of the older versions of these had dodgy plastic mounting brackets and tended to fall off. Is that still the case or are the newer ones OK? I've also read that the Bullet type are pretty much for cosmetic purposes and not much good as a mirror.

Any suggestions on good quality ones welcome.

Thanks, Rocky

Pretty sure outside mirrors were an option or after market item back in 1963.

I find that the view out of the mini is excellent at all angles due to the thin pillars and I’ve happy driven around without any external mirrors. If you did want to install them the drivers side is probably more useful. You can always try without one and see what you think.

I’ve got this type on the drivers side at the moment, bolts in through the window and no holes are required in the door. I’ve since swapped the nut for a nicer dome headed one

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Thanks Cooperess - I reckon mine might have been an "add on" at some stage. I've seen lots of early cars without any mirrors. As far as I know, you don't need external mirrors for a road worthy in VIC. Just an internal one.

Timmy - that's a different one. Where did you get that? Good to hear that I really don't need them. As you say. might wait until I get the rocket on the road and see what its like without them. One like yours could be easily taken on / off. Do you reckon the window would break if some numbnut bumped the mirror or is there enough movement in the mirror head to allow for that?

Rocky

I've got a 850 where there has been mirrors on it in the past, but someone has removed them. I don't find its an issue on the open road, but sometimes in more suburban driving (like coming out of a parallel park where the car behind you is blocking vision), I do miss having a drivers side rearview mirror. And my wife loves her coffee, so any drive in the mini starts off with visiting a cafe for a decent coffee before hitting the road. Since the doors have holes in them anyway, I'm thinking about reinstalling some. Just have to work out what style I want.

Yeah it’s definitely not compulsory to have them until cars made in the early 70’s.

Mine is a Downton or Raydyot style mirror. I got mine from the site below, but they are easy to find on eBay etc. I’ve had it on for 5 years and never had an issue. There is some swivel in the mirror for any light bumps
https://performancewarehouse.com.au/ind ... uct_id=743

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One on the drivers side is handy, especially on dual lane roads. I have a bullet type, but I have difficulty getting it adjusted. I still have to move my head a lttle to see what is in the other lane.

Thanks Hewey, Timmy and Stibbsy. Sounds like one on the drivers side would be handy. The Tex brand ones look a bit like the Wibroc one that was on it.

I quite like the look of these too
http://www.minispares.com/product/Class ... AM112.aspx

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I’ve had both on my 850. The bullet ones were difficult to get adjusted and the couldn’t see much anyway. The Tex ones work fine. I guess if you want to use them practically, then go for the Tex. If that’s not necessary, then go for the bullets because I reckon they look better and period fit for the car.

The Tex ones can be a little disappointing with regular loosening the mounting and adjustment...

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Thanks for the replies. I've cleaned up the old Wibroc that was on it and while not like new, it might be good enough to use again. I'm thinking that just one mirror on the drover's side might look a bit unbalanced so I might see if a bloke I now with a few wrecks has another wibroc laying around in his shed.

Has anyone fitted any of these (or similar)?
https://minisport.com.au/mini-mirror-ar ... lah-or-rah
https://minisport.com.au/mini-mirror-ar ... lah-or-rah
https://minisport.com.au/mini-flat-glas ... lah-or-rah

I'd reckon they'd need some sort of plate inside the door to help spread the load on the spring part.

Rocky

Yep have to agree, the mounting on mine are fine, but they do get knocked easily and need adjusting regularly.

Finally found a pic of the style I'm after - anyone know who sells these? I want the round mirror as I feel it works better with my stock 850, but also it looks like the mounting plate will cover the two mounting holes?

I just googled "classic style wing mirror" and this was the first result https://www.ebay.com.au/i/303084438027

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