Gen1 mirrors - replacements, substitutes or converting to "western style"

[89longbed]

There are a lot of earlier threads on replacing the Gen 1 flag mirrors, but all seem to be about replacing them with the larger, polished stainless low-mount Western style mirrors (XLT mirrors). Does anyone have suggestions for other options? I believe my first driver side replacement was from a dealer and it didn't stay in position for very long, so I went to a catalog Western style (that wasn't good). Is there a better quality black mirror that mounts well on the Gen 1 doors (drilling and patching where the existing mount is expected)? Can you still find good Gen 1 XLT mirrors in salvage yards? Guess I need to see what comes up on EBay.

 

[scotts90ranger]

When that comes up as a problem I grind the aluminum off that holds the spring plate on, take the plate off so I can grind some more off the posts then drill/tap the posts for a #8 machine screw (maybe #10, use judgement...) then tighten them down, this lasts for years and is adjustable if the spring plate bends...

I even have this in the tech library from WAY back in the day if I remember right...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The "western style" mirrors also have a brace that goes inside the door and helps the door skin from flexing if that is your issue.

Another issue at least on our '91 vs my '85, the western mirrors are mounted farther back on the door from the factory.