Side mirrors

[dvdswan]

Did Ford ever put larger folding mirrors from the factory. Similar to this...

 

[MikeG]

Look like full size truck mirrors to me. Hmmm......

 

[dvdswan]

I'm trying to find some that are actual factory and not some cheap copy. I see a lot of pictures of Rangers with them, but it seems rockauto and others don't show them.

 

[4x4junkie]

They're called "Bright low-mount swingaway mirrors" in the Ford brochures up through 1992. So yes, they were a factory item.

They're pretty durable (unlike the little flag-style mirrors), there's good chance you can find a decent set at a wrecking yard.

 

[dvdswan]

That's what I'm hoping for. Thank you.

 

[gaz]

dvdswan,

They were stock on my 87 BII; ironically, people always ask me where I sourced the Sport mirrors on the Ranger

Had to paint them black?

 

[dvdswan]

Ok, so is there an interior door brace/bracket for the lower or upper arm on the mirror for support?

 

[gaz]

dvdswan,

There is no interior brace, it very much just bolts on. I don't remember it the screw bosses are reinforced inside.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Not really a "brace" but the skin has a reinforcement inside.

 

[sgtsandman]

Looking at the conditions of some of the doors, I would reinforce them when mounting the mirrors. I would recommend using threaded inserts as well instead of a bolt and nut.

 

[dvdswan]

So which would be better for the mirrors?

jack nuts with a plate or 12g sheet

or rivet nuts in a brace/bracket about 1/8" x 1" x 6-8"

I suppose I would know better once I find a set of mirrors though.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would make a plate that covers the same footprint as the mirror base on the outside of the door and put that inside the door. Then just use bolts/nuts or whatever.

 

[dvdswan]

Thank you for all the info.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would make a plate that covers the same footprint as the mirror base on the outside of the door and put that inside the door. Then just use bolts/nuts or whatever.

Exactly how I did it on my first gen... except I tack welded nuts to the flat stock and it was a bit bigger then the mirror base.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It's been years since I looked at mine. Went and checked out my parts doors and there is a brace that runs top to bottom.

Starts at the top mirror bolts

Bottom mirror bracket bolts

Possibly riveted at the bottom.