Truck Mirror Upgrade

I’ve always found the standard mirrors to have really poor visibility and tend to suffer from “floppy mirror syndrome” when on the motorway (there are ways to reduce this).

I swapped the right side one to a convex mirror type on the drivers side which did improve visibility, however I have always liked the “Syncro look” of the truck mirrors. They give a wider angle of view and can be folded back against the van when needed.

I took the plunge and got the following set from Brickwerks: Mirror Set – T3 / Truck Style / Convex *Complete Set*

Lower bracket security bolts

Top and bottom gaskets and mirror bolt

Fitment of the lower bracket seal/gasket

Upper bracket screws

The set consists of the following parts:

• Truck Mirror – Left – 251857513F
• Truck Mirror – Right – 251857514H
• Mirror Screw Set (Tamperproof)
• Self Tapping Screw – 5.5×22 / Philips / Countersunk / Raised Head (2)
• Self Tapping Screw – 5.5×16 / Philips / Countersunk / Raised Head (4)

Removing the old mirrors

There are two philips screws holding the mirror in place, undo these and remove the rubber gasket from underneath.

Removing the mirror gasket from the bodywork

Standard holes for mirror – cleaned

Installing the Truck Mirrors

Fit the plastic gasket to the bottom of the bracket and bolt into place using the tamperproof bolts (or re-use the original bolts).

Line up the upper bracket to the door frame and use a punch to mark where to drill a pilot hole for the 5.5×22 screw.

Marking hole position with punch

Guide hole drilled for longer upper bracket screw

Rubber gasket for upper bracket

Upper bracket longer screw in place

Install the rubber gasket and drill holes for the two 5.5×16 screws. I painted the exposed metal to protect against rust.

Guide holes drilled for upper bracket screws

Self-tapped holes for upper bracket screws

Painted holes for upper bracket screws

Upper bracket self tapping stainless screws

Tighten everything up then attach the mirror to the bracket using the supplied bolt and washer. I used a vise grip to compress the bracket so I could slide it into the mirror channel.

Bracket clip too wide for mirror

Clamping bracket clip to mirror

Mirror slotted into bracket

The 10mm bolt then secures the mirror to the bracket.

Bolt securing mirror to bracket

10mm mirror bolt

Cap for mirror bolt

Once adjusted to your preference just tighten up the bolt and put the cap on the bolt. That’s it!

The mirrors look really smart and i’m really happy with the improved visibility.

Before:

After:

Alternative Options

Landrover Mirrors

It is possible to use Landrover Defender mirrors when used with a custom bracket. They offer convex mirrors for excellent visibility and can be folded back whilst retaining their position.

Custom Brackets: The brackets are available to buy direct from Rowlesy by emailing dr.748@hotmail.co.uk

Landrover mirrors with custom bracket

Landrover mirrors with custom bracket

Custom Landrover brackets by Rowlesy

(Images courtesy of DoubleOSeven on the Club 90-90 forum)

LT Mirrors

VW LT mirrors also fit if you can find a pair, although the angle of the bracket is sightly different as shown in this picture from thesamba.com: