I have a 1986 omc 356 wide body. It needs finishing touches such as mirrors, do i put them on the door or fender. The exhaust sits low, what are my options to tuck it up. I need a eye brow and dash pad where would i find them and how do know if they would fit. help
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Mirrors - either the door or fenders work. I think they were an aftermarket option installed by the dealers. I would tape them down with painter's tape where you think you want them, sit in the car, and get a real sense of how well they work in that position before drilling the holes.
Exhaust - Probably the best thing to do is use the search option to see what other people have done. I have a tri-mil exhaust that doesn't sit low and Vintage Speed from Taiwan makes a similar exhaust system for speedster replicas. Other people seem to have had good luck with an A-1 Sidewinder system.
Eye brow and dash pad - Probably any of the manufacturers off the manufacturers page would be able to hook you up. NLAparts.com or the Sierramadrecollection.com might have them as well but I expect they would be more expensive.
Some thoughts that you might want to consider. I don't like them on the doors because I think they stick out too much and are subject to door slam (only my opinion). If they are too far out in front on the fenders, I think that they stick out too much, as well (once again, only my opinion). I opted for the fenders very close to the windshield for appearance. The driver's side one works fine with the top down, although I have to lean out a little to see. The passenger side is useless. With the top up and the side curtains installed, the driver's side also become useless. In general, this isn't a problem for me. I drive it with the top down 99% of the time, look over my shoulder, and rarely use the passenger mirror on any car. If I were to do it again, I think I would put them further out on the fenders, then I could see them through the windshield at all times. I also might have considered the Carrera style mirrors, because they look a little sleeker in this position.
I also have a CMC widebody and have looked around for parts. JPS in California has replacement parts for the cars they build and from the pictures it seems they also match my car. You can find some of the interior and exterior bits there.
I bought a cheap exhaust from CIP that was listed to fit a Speedster body. Well it did fit after I cut it in half and welded it back together! Beware and listen to others here that have had good luck finding something.
I drilled and tapped my windshield pillars and installed a set of motorcycle mirrors. They are small, very nice, give great visibility and don't interfere with my doors/windows at all.
Good Luck!
David
Some thoughts that you might want to consider. I don't like them on the doors because I think they stick out too much and are subject to door slam (only my opinion). If they are too far out in front on the fenders, I think that they stick out too much, as well (once again, only my opinion). I opted for the fenders very close to the windshield for appearance. The driver's side one works fine with the top down, although I have to lean out a little to see. The passenger side is useless. With the top up and the side curtains installed, the driver's side also become useless. In general, this isn't a problem for me. I drive it with the top down 99% of the time, look over my shoulder, and rarely use the passenger mirror on any car. If I were to do it again, I think I would put them further out on the fenders, then I could see them through the windshield at all times. I also might have considered the Carrera style mirrors, because they look a little sleeker in this position.
Joe--my mirrors are fine and work well. They are mounted on the fenders---I can just reach the driver's side one to adjust it.
Maybe you don't have a "real" passenger side mirror. Some makers actually use two drivers side mirrors for both sides and the passenger one won't be able to be adjusted to where it's usefu.
Get yourself a real right side mirror from Stoddard.
I mounted mine on the doors. It's easier to adjust them that way and I think it looks better. I decided to install Durant mirrors, found on later 356 C and early 912/911 models. I installed a convex mirror on the passenger side by grinding down a larger convex bus mirror to size.
It works great with the top down and okay with it up, providing I lift myself out of the seat and look over the bottom of the side curtain.
Jack, the issue with my passenger mirror is that is obscurred by the window frame due to where I had Carey put them. My mistake.
Oh--I didn't know that. Well, since you are having the car painted this winter have Cary
repositio the mirrors---you'll never see where the holes used to be. Knowing you, you alreadt have this planned.
Looking forward to seeing you in the Smokies. It will be sensational!
Thanks for your replays I am looking forward to finishing the car,
I mounted mine on the doors. It's easier to adjust them that way and I think it looks better. I decided to install Durant mirrors, found on later 356 C and early 912/911 models. I installed a convex mirror on the passenger side by grinding down a larger convex bus mirror to size.
It works great with the top down and okay with it up, providing I lift myself out of the seat and look over the bottom of the side curtain.
Why bother with that Troy.. I just refuse to change lanes! Problem solved!
Speedster "D" Still going straight!
