I just purchased a 64 roadster that had been recently restored. The previous owner did not replace the side view mirror(s). I was curious if anyone knew what door or wing mirrors would have been offered for my car when new. Did the factory install these mirrors or did the dealer?

Also, what type of spot light or fog light would have been offered and how would they have been mounted?

Nick - 64 OTS

Submitted by therays@flash.net on Tue, 03/01/2005 - 13:40

Just for reference, on one car: I have a '66 "E" OTS with the original period bullet-style (dealer installed, driver side) mirror that's mounted on the top of the bulkhead between the door and bonnet openings. Works pretty well there -- doesn't shake like it would on the bonnet or door.

Glenn Ray
1966 E-Type OTS
Michigan

Submitted by jht66efhc@eart… on Mon, 02/28/2005 - 22:55

Hey, what's wrong with bullet mirrors? :-) To answer one of your questions, exterior mirrors were installed by the dealer. There was a "standard" swan neck type that was commonly mounted on the door, but according to the concours guide any period style mirror is acceptable since the factory did not install them. I agree with bonnet placement, especially if you intend to mount one on the passenger side as well.

Jack Terrick
S1 E FHC

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Thu, 02/24/2005 - 17:48

Nick,

Be careful about what you are buying on Ebay. Some vendors are okay, others, well.... Personally, for things like that, I'd rather shop around and get them from one of the usuals. That way, if I have a problem, I have some recourse. My personal opinion. I've bought stuff on Ebay, but shop carefully.

As far as where to mount them, it's up to you. I'd suggest sitting in the drivers seat and have someone hold the mirror for you, so you can determine where you can see the mirror the best and get the best view.

As far as the fog lights go, you are probably right. Personally (again) I don't like to put anything where it will interfere with air flow. These cars tend to overheat in hot weather, so keeping the air flow as unobstructed as possible is high on my list. But fog lights shouldn't be too bad.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC
'69 XKE OTS

Submitted by nkasperski@min… on Wed, 02/23/2005 - 14:18

Steve,

Thanks for the quick response. I agree that mounting the mirrors on the doors is not very effective. I would like to mount them on the bonnet just behind the front wheels so they are out of the way when I open it. I prefer the Lucas style mirrors and will probably buy a NOS set on eBay. In my humble opinion, bullet mirrors just don't look right on an E-type.
My car currently has Phillips halogen lights, which work fine, but I don't like the fact that they were not "standard equipment". I am also worried about the heat issue. I'd like to replace them with either Lucas sealed beam lights or tripods. I have seen pictures of E-types with fog or spot lights mounted between the vertical front bumper overriders. I would assume that if the bottom of the lights are no lower than the bottom of the overriders, they shouldn't touch the ground when the bonnet is opened. I would also think this wouldn't impact the air flow to the radiator very much either. This would allow me to have original headlights and an extra spot light or two for more power when I need it.

Nick - 64 OTS

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Wed, 02/23/2005 - 10:10

Nick,

Congratulations on your purchase! The '64 roadster is a great car. Hopefully, you'll bring it out and participate in lots of JCNA events with is, especially the slalom program.

As far as the mirror goes, if you are concerned about "concours" originality, you should check the model guides and also some of the restoration and E-type books out there. I've seen so many different style mirrors and different mounting locations on E-types, I won't even venture a guess.

If you're not worried about originality, several of the "usual suspects" offer various styles of mirrors. One of the problems I've experienced with the E-type mirrors is that when they are mounted on the doors, they are simply too close to the driver to really get a decent view. I've see the "bullet" style mounted on the bonnet wings, which give a better view, but kind of spoils the look. A trade-off, I guess.

As far as fog lights go, I've never seen them mounted on an E. The problem is, there really isn't any place to put them. You can't hang them on the bottom of the bonnet. They will get in the way when you open the bonnet and the angles don't really work for that. You can't put them in the opening. So where do you put them? The covered headlight cars have a problem -- the lights just don't do much at night because they are so far recessed. I've installed modern halogen bulbs in my Ser. II and III cars which is a huge improvement, but I don't know if you can use them in the covered headlight version (they may build up too much heat).

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC
'69 XKE OTS