Switching to dumbo mirrors

[Chris64]

I found a couple templates for their location. It seems like in pictures most people line it up in the middle with the wing-window support bar. The factory location is a few inches forward of that.

I didn't get the bracket that goes inside the door (yet). If I do get it, I think that will dictate where they go.

My questions:

1) I'm not a huge fan of the plastic inserts. What do you guys think about using (maybe stainless) threaded rivets instead?

2) Considering the above, is the bracket necessary?

 

[Tank6x2]

No marks or dimples on the inside of the door where the inner plate mounts? I’ve only ever seen them on

 

[ali_c20]

Threaded rivets are ok. Don't use stainless as the sheet metal that is contact with them will rust very quick ( galvanic corrosion). Use standard ones with zinc plating. I did dumbo ears on a friends K5 with threaded rivets. We made a reinforcement plate from sheet metal of an old door and glued it with 2k epoxy to the inside. Then we installed the threaded rivets and the mirror. We used 5/16 bolts.

 

[Daron58]

I used rivet nuts, they make aluminum ones with the steel thread and the brackets that go in the doors can pivot left or right I just did mine, let me know if you need a picture with the measurements I’ll send it to you

 

[jacjr1479]

I found a couple templates for their location. It seems like in pictures most people line it up in the middle with the wing-window support bar. The factory location is a few inches forward of that.

I didn't get the bracket that goes inside the door (yet). If I do get it, I think that will dictate where they go.

My questions:

1) I'm not a huge fan of the plastic inserts. What do you guys think about using (maybe stainless) threaded rivets instead?

2) Considering the above, is the bracket necessary?

Chris64, do you have a copy of the template you can share?

 

[Chris64]

Chris64, do you have a copy of the template you can share?

I actually do, but it didn't really line up to anything for me. I ended up just eyeballing it. I think I centered the top with the back of the wing-window.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[jacjr1479]

Thanks for sharing. I'll have to print and see how I can line it up, might have to do the same thing and eyeball it. Thanks again!

 

[hoagster]

I used rivet nuts, they make aluminum ones with the steel thread and the brackets that go in the doors can pivot left or right I just did mine, let me know if you need a picture with the measurements I’ll send it to you

Do you still have the measurements. I'm in the process of changing over to Dumbo's on my build! diregard didn't read the whole thread.

 

[Grit dog]

Do you still have the measurements. I'm in the process of changing over to Dumbo's on my build! diregard didn't read the whole thread.

I thought your truck was painted already?

 

[hoagster]

I thought your truck was painted already?

It is but it had those huge tow mirrors and I welded all the holes for those monsters since they were jacked up/ I know I should have drilled everything prior to paint but I'll have to live with it!!

 

[Ken B]

I did not have any reinforcing , backing way back when I went to dumbos. The metal on the door actually split due to closing the door over the years and the weight of the mirrors.

 

[edgephoto]

You can also use Well Nuts. They are used to hold roof racks on and will be fine for mirrors.

 

[Camar068]

You can also use Well Nuts. They are used to hold roof racks on and will be fine for mirrors.

wow....never thought about well nuts for my visor. Have to change them as they dry rot n such tho.

[edit] lol more thought....hard to get to for my application.

Thx Dude

 

[Rudy Mienert]

it seems Im joining in the middle of this conversation, but I am switching from my "West Coast" to the dumbos, and am searching for measurements to drill the holes before paint. The critical one seems to be the lowest, as that attaches to the reinforcing bracket inside the door. The template here doesn't have measurements, ans refers to an "existing mirror hole, which may or not be where my current mirror holes are. Any more detailed illustrations/measurements??

 

[hoagster]

I just put mine on and the critical placement is the upper two. The skin in doubled at the top. My doors are not drilled on the inside for the lower reinforcement bracket 73 year model. Two members took pictures of the measurements @TotalyHucked is one. I think if you do a search with his tag you'll find it. Here is how I did mine and they are solid.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Take your time with the placement, mine aren't perfect but I'm happy with it. Used a smittybuilt nut cert tool.
https://www.smittybilt.com/shop/tools-storage-garage/nutsert-tool-kit-2834/