C3 Passenger Mirror

[Anthony C.]

I have a 1980 restoration project going. The right hand passenger mirror is broken and needs to be replaced. I'm having trouble locating the parts. Part of the mystery (to me) is, this R/H mirror is a remote cable operate mirror. Did the 1980 model come with this type of mirror or was it just an external manual mirror? I have checked with many of the big parts suppliers and none of them even offer 1980 R/H bullet mirrors. Is the 1980 interchangeable with any other years? I'm going to check with salvage yards but I wanted to find out if this remote mirror on my car is bogus or not. Any help before I start buying would be really appreciated. Thanks

[Tom R.]

Re: C3 Passenger Mirror

Tony:

The sports mirrors were installed as pairs from 78-82. In late 79 they became standard equipment and the driver's side had the remote control unit that extended into the door panel as you describe. It looks like according to an 1983 Parts & Illustration Catalog, the right hand mirror went through a couple of revisions in 1980 with the latter being a remote control unit. The part number shows a 14016042 for a RH Mirror with remote control. I would be curious to see what shows up if you go to your Chevy dealer and ask for a replacement.

I would venture to say if you've got a whole in your door panel...it came that way from the factory. The tech manual does not address a passenger side remote control outside rearview mirror.

BTW...I see these often at swap meets. Not exactly show quality but with some ambition could be rebuilt. Keep me posted.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Passenger Mirror

Tom, if'n my fuzzy memory serves me correct, the mirror has been discontinued some time back. Joe Lucia should be able to address the availability today.

[Anthony C.]

Re: C3 Passenger Mirror

Tom,

After removing the door panel I found that this is not the original panel, but the routing for the cable and mounting hardware all appear to be of a factory finish. I have checked with Chevy and numerous parts companies. The right hand remote mirror has been discontinued. Oddly enough, the right hand manual sport type mirror has also been discontinued! So, either I turn my head to the right....alot, or... I have found a used remote mirror assembly at www.corvettepartsman.com. Its in good condition and with a little bit of work it will do the trick. I still can't figure out why the R/H mirror only has been axed??? Anyway, Thanks for the help!

[Reba Whittington]

Re: C3 Passenger Mirror

When a part is discontinued, it is usaully because GM has exhausted its available supply of them and does not plan to produce more. Many parts that come in left and right configurations go out of the catalog listing at different times. Some of us have learned to grab available items when we see that one side has been discontinued. It is only a matter of time until the other one is.