Mirror Education

[Macroni]

What type of mirror is on my 69S? I noticed them on a RHD RS. Where they optional in 1973? I also understand they were installed in Japan on both doors as it was a requirement. Last question are they still available?

[Macroni]

I forgot the picture. Thanks for help!

[rpsurfr]

what is the best source for these. I see repos are they any good?

[John Z Goriup]

Those are the 4" dia. DURANT mirrors. Standard for many years.

Yes, still available from Porsche. I purchased two last year for $229.00 each, and that was at a discount. List is more, They are identical, ( but be very careful before you drill holes in the passenger door since the mounting position is not symmetrical )

Re the reproductions, .....DON"T DO IT. They are in the $ 65.00 each range, they're crap and you can spot them from a mile away. ( Apropos reproductions, note the shi**y fit of the horn grilles, which are repros......it's the best we could get them to fit ). Just another obvious reason to avoid any Repro parts.

Attached a photo of my friends car on which we installed newly purchased OEM mirrors a couple of years ago. Note the position of the mirrors. The passenger side unit must be placed further back and a little higher on the door so the driver can look through the triangular vent-window if he wants to see where he's been.

[Macroni]

Thanks John just the info I was looking for. Currently my 73 has 74 flags on both sides. I want to replace w/ something more appropriate.

[Bill Simmeth]

Luke,

I thought the chrome flags were appropriate for '73 US cars. Here's Raj quoting Peter Morgan a couple of years ago in this thread...

Peter Morgan's book page 34-under body trim & fittings.

"Into 1971,this was the last year the pretty,round Durant external mirror was fitted as standard to cars for ALL MARKETS.The following year legal requirements in the US and Germany for a larger glass area forced the introduction of the rectangular type,but several markets (including the UK) retained the round Durant mirror for some YEARS."

Personally, though, I think that the round Durants are more attractive.

[aporschaguy]

I totally agree that the reproductions can be spotted a mile away. I own one that won't make it onto my car. The color of the metal is all wrong and doesn't shine like the original.

[gsjohnson]

Luke,

I thought the chrome flags were appropriate for '73 US cars. Here's Raj quoting Peter Morgan a couple of years ago in this thread...



Personally, though, I think that the round Durants are more attractive.

My 72T has this mirror and it is original to the car.

[Macroni]

The car I was with was a UK delivery 1973 RS. I also understand from another Early S member that when he purchased his RS from Japan he also had round Durants on both doors per Japan Law.

I like having mirrors on both doors and think Durants look better than the 74 Flags and are just a tad more cool.

[Bill Simmeth]

Durants look better ... and are just a tad more cool.

No argument there! Your already cool 73 will be that much cooler.