Exterior Mirrors

[broboyle]

Came across these this AM, potentially interested for my 1981 Bronco. Any way to distinguish if these are OEM versus a cheap aftermarket / LMC?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165255350472?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

[Gary Lewis]

I think they look like OEM, and the advert says "A nice pair of unusual OEM mirrors..."

[1986F150Six]

broboyle,

What is your plan for your truck? Are you looking only for NOS [new old stock]? Are you only interested in the early more angular style of factory mirrors?

Edit: I just noticed that the link you provided is to a set of used mirrors, not NOS.

[1986F150Six]

Used at a lower price if the later aero head mirrors are okay with you:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/313809183891?hash=item49107c2493:g:0wAAAOSw-2JhybwP

[delco1946]

Does LMC advertise their version as OEM? I can state their mirrors will start rusting on the underside within the first year. They also didnt move (supposed to collapse towards the door panel, but instead would just try to take the door panel with it!).

I got tired of playing that game and so found some mint NOS for $250 (pair). My truck is in the shop, but as i recall, the difference between NOS and LMC (in my case) was the nut used to mount the extender to the main bracket. I think the original ford nut was rounded (could be vise versa) so check out some original mirrors and see if that holds true for you. My NOS also close/collapse like the good lord intended! lol.

[salans7]

^Correct.

The mirrors in the original Ebay link are most likely either not OEM, or a mix and match of new and used. The OEM "Swing Away Two Position" mirrors have three mounting points at the top and three at the bottom, making a total of six mounting holes for each mirror. They also have a rounded nut holding the extendable arm to the frame. The mirrors in the Ebay link have a hex head nut, and only four mounting points.

LMC sells a reproduction of the "Swing Away Two Position" mirrors, and although visually they are VERY similar, they do not function well and are hard to move.

[broboyle]

I would prefer NOS or used as long as they are OEM and the early more angular style as they would be period correct for my 1981. I had a set of angular but the passenger was broken when I purchased the vehicle.

[broboyle]

Thank you for the response! I was doing a comparison online but LMC only has a single photo. I would hate to spend the coin on remakes that would be worthless in a year versus a true OEM that would be period correct and quality.

[1986F150Six]

Here is one single position NOS mirror currently available:

E0TZ-17696-E

https://www.rearcounter.com/E0TZ-17696-E-parts439216.html

[1986F150Six]

Mirror head, I believe. NOS currently available.

https://www.rearcounter.com/EOTZ-17723-A-parts115378.html

[broboyle]

I reached out, thank you for the research and help!

[salans7]

Here is a picture of both mirror assemblies side by side. On the left you have an OEM mirror, and on the right, you have a reproduction from LMC. They are very close, but the LMC version has a different style nut holding the extension arm to the frame, and the finish on the angled side of LMC mirror head is a little "flatter" than the OEM. In other words, I can see my reflection in the angled side of the OEM mirror, but the angled side of the LMC mirror is cloudy. You also can barely adjust the position of the frame on the LMC mirror.

[broboyle]

This is exactly the answer I was hoping for, a side by side comparison! Thank you very much.