C2 63 - Long base mirror, paper gasket.

[Collin MacDonald]

One of the judges told me the 1963 long base exterior mirror did not use a plastic mounting gasket but a paper gasket. Ok so what do I use? What was the color, thickness etc of this gasket. I checked around and everybody seems to be selling the black plastic one...any ideas?

Thanks,

Collin

[John D.]

Re: C2 63 - Long base mirror, paper gasket.

Collin, In my research I was told that the gasket was not paper like the gas cap gasket but very thin rubber. Same configration as the typical thick replacement rubber one but only a fraction of the thickness. The perimeter lip on the originals is much less evident than the repros. Previously I scanned all the catalogs and no one listed a "paper" one. Don't know if my theory is correct but I am sure you will get some answers here.One of the restorers told me he takes the repros and shaves them down with exacto blades. John

[Jim L.]

Re: C2 63 - Long base mirror, paper gasket.

well here is what i can add to this myth. i have two original mirrors pt# p-3821956 c-2 and 1-h.these parts i took off a 62/63 full size GM car 15 years ago. that is the base for my research as the real-deal. both gaskets are plastic for a good reason. there are two raised slots at each end of the plastic gasket which index into the base of the mirror base to aid in holding the gasket correctly. turn your mirror base over to where the part # is and you will see what i have described. i can provide pictures of what i have if you are still in question or the judge that told you it was made of PAPER (NOT). one of these mirrors is on my feb built car with the original PLASTIC gasket. i will, tell you this, there is a minor difference in the replacement vise original, but i won't say what so judges start looking for this. kinda like fly -- in the pepper!!!

jim

[John D.]

Re: C2 63 - Long base mirror, paper gasket.

Judges that I had been working with were looking for a thin plastic or hard rubber gasket, not paper. I have yet to see a '63 with a paper gasket but that doesn't mean that they don't exist. Franz Estericher, the '63 geru agrees that the gasket is a thin plastic one. He said he has been able to cut down the replacements and make them exceptable. I recently saw a NOS '63 mirror and it had the "real deal" plastic gasket. Now if I can talk the owner into selling it rather than wasting it on a steel body car!!

[Jim L.]

Re: C2 63 - Long base mirror, paper gasket.

with your answer, the cat is out of the bag with the difference between original and replacement part (great research on your part). one ata-boy for you!!!
jim