Speedster Aero mirrors

I need help with info on Aero mirrors. Ie it true that the mirror is only intended to be mounted on the left side? I want to mount them on both sides and I was told by Stoddards that the mirror would not look right on the right side. Also, does anyone know of a source for other types of mirror that might look good on a Speedster? I don't want to use the Talbot or Durant mirrors. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Howard,

The mirrors are probably only for the left side but you can modify them for the right side by doing a little grinding on the mirror head mounting cup, This allows it to be turned inward somewhat so the driver can see the side of the car. I have seen the Aero's advertised by one on the major vendors,Tweeks, maybe that advertise left and right. The aero's are nice mirrors and authentic looking so I'd recommend them.

Bruce

Howard:

If you don't want to grind off the mirror holder cup (and remove the chrome plating with it), then check out article 203 under the "knowlege" section of this site. I wrote that article to show how to modify the right side mount to give the mirror more "swing" to be aimed properly, without grinding anything. I have included pictures of the mod below. It's pretty easy to do.

Gordon

Howard, according to Dr. Johnson's book on the 356; most of them were dealer mounted so there's really no "correct" way to mount them. Lots of Speedsters came with the mirrors mounted on both front fenders; I'd venture to say it's the classiest way to install them.

Hi Howard,
As a fellow subscriber said in a previous reply, many of them didn't come with mirrors. They were mounted by the dealer as an option, usually on the door and once in a while you find them on the fender. In spite of this, you're right; it's not common to find an original with the right side mirror. From my experience, if you have to drive it with the top up (I frequently have to), I would mount it, for safety reasons. The visibility is very low with it, I wouldn't want to drive without it.
In my opinion, a nice looking alternative for the aero is the mirror used on 550's and Carrera GT's. I don't know who supplied it, but check out Johan Wellen's Speedster Carrera inventory; in the 1957 year, look for #83721.
Best regards.
Miguel Caldeira Proenca
Lisboa - Portugal
m.caldeira.proenca@mail.telepac.pt

Sorry, forgot the url; it's
home.tiscali.be/johan-wellens/57.htm .
Good luck.
Miguel

I found the answer to my problem. Tweeks/Mid America sells a repro mirror which is not off set at the mounting base as is the original. Thus the mirror will mount left and right and look and operate the same. Thanks for the input.