LagondaNet

[jonc]

I looked into the mirrors some time ago, and David kindly took some photos on a meet-up. Finally, here is some info.

For the series 2/3 cars, the exterior mirrors were made by automotive accessory company Surrey Steel and branded Autosafe. Their operation for adjustment is often described as 'click-clack' since they use solenoids for the movement instead of motors and this is the sound they make when adjusted.

There were two versions. The earlier chrome base, used from launch to about 13178 and the later black base used from this point until the launch of the series 4 car.

The chrome base mirror was fitted to the A post finisher from launch up to about 13069:







Then the same mirror was moved to the door, with the angle of the base adjusted, and the wedge-shaped piece of plastic underneath removed:







And then the revised mirror:





Here is the underside from 13379 in its original paint. Markings are 'eII-III-01*1403 AUTOSAFE' which is the same on both mirrors.




In the parts catalogue, the drivers mirror of the chrome base version shows an additional 'mounting plate', different for LHD and RHD cars. Also, of the black base mirror, there was a heated version introduced at 13284, and the parts catalogue lists flat glass for USA cars, and convex for everywhere else (although I think I have only ever seen flat glass).

The chrome base mirror was also used on some of the AMV8 cars of the '80s and also Lotus Elite/Eclat/Esprit (1978/79). They are difficult to find now in the Uk, but they were used on the Holden Monaro as 'Sports mirrors' in Australia and are now being remade. However, they are not electrically adjustable. You can find them on eBay in Australia including new rubber gaskets.

[Lagondanet]

Very interesting Jonathan. Thanks. I should say 13049 only ever appears to have had one mirror (drivers).

[jonc]

Ah yes - passenger mirror was initially an optional extra (£149.50 in 1982 price list). The first prototype builds were photographed with no external mirrors, 13008 was fitted with drivers side only, and unusually its case was black (probably unpainted plastic) instead of body coloured.

I think you also commented previously that when the mirrors were fitted to the A post finisher, the passenger side one when fitted was pretty useless!

[Vincent]

[Lagondanet]

Ed has #13493 in CH and is looking for 'the black plastic piece which goes into the opening on the base'.

He asks * Do you know a source where I can get
this piece for an outside mirror (as pictured)? I've been looking for quite some time...but no luck. Is this piece coming from an other model (donor) or is this an Aston Martin exclusive part? * Can anyone help?

ed.marton@bluewin.ch

[JohanB]

This cap is still available through Aston Martin. Recently bought one as well as the piece that sits on the front on the mirror base. Quite cheap, I think 7 or 8 GBP each. Ordered it through Rikki in the UK. Part number is 37.36320 if I'm not mistaken
This mirror is by Vitaloni and also used on the contemporary AM V8 and Ferrari 308/328. AM doesn't have any new mirrors anymore. The same caps can be obtained from Ferrari specialists as well though didn't find anything below U$ 50 each. Who said Aston spares are expensive?
Be careful with these mirrors, there are some ex-Ferrari mirrors on Ebay starting U$ 400something for an incomplete mirror, only left hand available.

[Lagondanet]

Thank you Johan. I have passed this on to Ed.

[Lagondanet]

Ed says he has now ordered the part from WS.

[ERM]

Hi Roger and Johan,
Thanks a lot for your help. Got the little plastic insert today and it fits.
Looks much better now.....

Best regards ED