Mirror correct for ‘81?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Bennyt

Full Access Member
Joined
May 17, 2019
Posts
1,042
Reaction score
1,459
Location
Surprise
First Name
Ben
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350
Below is the 67-72 style. I know a few that have swapped them onto the squarebody as they look similar but are larger. I personally like the small sport mirror and on a shortbed, I don't find it to be an issue.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

WesN

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2018
Posts
210
Reaction score
572
Location
Edmonton Alberta Canada
First Name
Wes
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
C1500
Engine Size
350
If you want to really see behind you get so of the mirrors they put on some Ram trucks, they stick out about 2’ on each side. I have never sat in one but I think you might be able to read the rear license plate hahaha they are ugly.
 

ChuckN

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2022
Posts
925
Reaction score
2,635
Location
Bellinham, WA
First Name
Chad
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350
Below is the 67-72 style. I know a few that have swapped them onto the squarebody as they look similar but are larger. I personally like the small sport mirror and on a shortbed, I don't find it to be an issue.

You must be registered for see images attach
That looks nice. I can’t tell from the picture, do they use the same base as the sport mirror?
 

Bennyt

Full Access Member
Joined
May 17, 2019
Posts
1,042
Reaction score
1,459
Location
Surprise
First Name
Ben
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350
That looks nice. I can’t tell from the picture, do they use the same base as the sport mirror?
No, the base is bigger. And I think it leaves a small gap but I've seen it done a few times that came out nice. There is a black showtruck with woodgrain that is in a bunch of magazines but I can't find any images.
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
29,108
Reaction score
23,981
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
My first car was an Impala that didn't even have the optional passenger side mirror. The driver mirror is similar in size to the squarebody mirrors.

I've got the little mirrors on my stepside and also my K5 Blazer. The driver mirror gives good enough visibility. The passenger mirror... I just count my blessings they are even there, lol.
 

SirRobyn0

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2019
Posts
6,742
Reaction score
11,319
Location
In the woods in Western Washington
First Name
Rob
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
C20
Engine Size
305
While "dumbo" might not be a flattering term for a mirror, most folks know what your talking about no matter the year or make of truck. My square came stock with the "dumbo" mirrors and I cannot image the stock mirrors would be terrible for me. Especially with the hauling and towing I like to do. My previous truck was a 92' Dakota with small car style mirrors and I felt they were inadequate for that small truck and installed the Dodge "dumbo" mirrors on it. One of my favorite things about the "dumbo" mirror is if I'm in a tight spot on the farm and knock the mirror into something it folds rather than breaking.
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
29,108
Reaction score
23,981
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
While "dumbo" might not be a flattering term for a mirror, most folks know what your talking about no matter the year or make of truck. My square came stock with the "dumbo" mirrors and I cannot image the stock mirrors would be terrible for me. Especially with the hauling and towing I like to do. My previous truck was a 92' Dakota with small car style mirrors and I felt they were inadequate for that small truck and installed the Dodge "dumbo" mirrors on it. One of my favorite things about the "dumbo" mirror is if I'm in a tight spot on the farm and knock the mirror into something it folds rather than breaking.

My wife has tested the damage-free foldability of them at speeds up to 25 mph, lol.
 

JamesSam

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2023
Posts
1,157
Reaction score
3,136
Location
VA
First Name
Sam
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Silverado V10
Engine Size
5.7 L 350 v8
Pros and cons to both styles. I think the "dumbo" style fits most squares best and you have great rear visibility. Mine has the elephant ears. I think the dropped sporty look on any square C 10's look really sharp with the "sport" style or even the 67-72 mirrors but even the dropped squares going for the fast look with rally wheels etc. don't look bad with the "dumbos" like @TotalyHucked 's. @ChuckN your truck looks really cool with the rally wheels and sport mirrors. I hope you can learn to utilize them.
 
Last edited:

ChuckN

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2022
Posts
925
Reaction score
2,635
Location
Bellinham, WA
First Name
Chad
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350
Pros and cons to both styles. I think the "dumbo" style fits most squares best and you have great rear visibility. Mine has the elephant ears. I think the dropped sporty look on any square C 10's look really sharp with the "sport" style or even the 67-72 mirrors but even the dropped squares going for the fast look with rally wheels etc. don't look bad with the "dumbos" like @huk 's. @ChuckN your truck looks really cool with the rally wheels and sport mirrors. I hope you can learn to utilize them.
Thanks bud! The rallies are one of my favorite things, so they aren’t going anywhere. And I do like the look of the sport mirrors- I mean, after all, it’s a short-wide. There’s not a ton of real estate to look after, there. I’m not towing for sure.

I back it up our private drive about 700 feet around a blind corner in our neighborhood to get to my parking spot in the garage as it is and have no issues. I think I might refresh the mirror glass, though, and maybe get rid of that fish-eye on the passenger side that has a cataract :anitoof:
 

Turbo4whl

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2019
Posts
2,884
Reaction score
6,485
Location
Downingtown, PA
First Name
Wayne
Truck Year
1974
Truck Model
Jimmy
Engine Size
350
My first car was an Impala that didn't even have the optional passenger side mirror. The driver mirror is similar in size to the squarebody mirrors.
My first car, a '64 Plymouth Fury did not have any outside mirrors. I added one to the driver's side.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
42,137
Posts
909,894
Members
33,634
Latest member
prenrag
Top