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rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 10th, 2017, 7:44 pm
by buddy
In trying to register my long owned and long parked 1929 AA that the DMV has no record of. (thats another story) The Calif. Highway Patrol says i need a rear view mirror. I pointed out that they were not factory issued. They say I need one in order to register the truck. Rather then fight with them I will probley install one. Any suggestions on what would look good and be practical?

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 11th, 2017, 5:25 am
by Neil Wilson
buddy wrote:
October 10th, 2017, 7:44 pm
In trying to register my long owned and long parked 1929 AA that the DMV has no record of. (thats another story) The Calif. Highway Patrol says i need a rear view mirror. I pointed out that they were not factory issued. They say I need one in order to register the truck. Rather then fight with them I will probley install one. Any suggestions on what would look good and be practical?
One possibility is to just install any inside mirror long enough to get registered and then remove it.

Otherwise, you can use the inside mirror bracket for the 1929 passenger car by drilling mounting holes for sheet metal screws (or install D-nuts) in the header above the windshield. If you also want to actually see anything, you can make an extension to lower the mirror based on your height (which I did for a closed cab years ago for my 6' height). This will tend to look correct for the year.

"Practical" - not likely that you will be able to use any inside mirror much unless you have an express.

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 11th, 2017, 6:44 am
by 1crosscut
I thought that trucks came standard with a rear view mirror mounted on the drivers side door post. I didn't think that a inside rear view mirror was offered.
I would get a door post mounted mirror installed at a minimum on the drivers side. I added one on the passenger side of mine. Really like having two mirrors.

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 11th, 2017, 5:12 pm
by Moto Largo
I used this black cast iron mirror on my AA:
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_mode ... black.html
My '28 AA has two threaded holes at the top of the door post, just below the roof line that were perfect for this mirror. I had to grind a bevel on the mounting base in order to adjust it properly. It is very sturdy and looks the part. There are also mirrors that fit on the door hinge pin, but I would guess that they will be hard to keep in adjustment.
Alan in Roberts Creek

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 11th, 2017, 5:20 pm
by KimVanOrder
I used a auto interior mirror. (from a 28 a) I mounted it onto a piece of sheet metal, then tucked the top end in around the header panel and the bottom into where the header panel mounts into on the bottom. Mount the mirror as low as you can so you can see thru the back window. The original style fits with the rest of he style. The outside mirror is on DS and is original, mounts just under the visor..

Hope this helps.. do what ever to get it registered, then change it to what you want. Check what is legal in your area to drive around with.

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 11th, 2017, 7:09 pm
by buddy
Thanks for the info everyone. Yeah i should have been more clear--the interior rear view is what the CHP is questioning.

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 11th, 2017, 7:35 pm
by 1crosscut
Interior one... Hmmm... So if a person has a new truck that has a factory or for that matter an after market solid box that is taller than the cab and totally blocks the rear window they are still going to require an interior mirror?? I'm thinking not. They would have to say the side mirrors are adequate. Why would they force you to install an interior mirror if you already have a side mirror(s)?
Just me but I'd go to battle on this one.

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 12th, 2017, 6:11 am
by gearling
Just some thoughts on this...
If it wasn't factory, it shouldn't be required, and you sure as s##t shouldn't have to drill holes in your antique vehicle to adapt it.
What about box vans? Is an interior mirror required so you can see the front of the box?
How many people did you talk to?
Almost every single time I've renewed my driver's license I've had to go through 2 to 3 tiers of supervisors because I'm told I can't get a license due to the fact I'm blind in one eye and can't pass the eye test. Completely different scenario, but its testimony to the fact that incompetence runs rampant in bureaucracies!
Here in the Great State of Texas, antique tags exempt you from seat belts, turn signals and anything else that wasn't standard equipment in production. But please don't move here because of that, we have too many guys from Cali here already! :D

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 12th, 2017, 6:49 am
by Moto Largo
Why not get any old mirror that glues onto the glass and scrape it off after CHP has been satisfied? It is unlikely that you will ever get busted for a missing mirror while driving your old truck,
Alan in Roberts Creek

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 12th, 2017, 6:57 am
by Neil Wilson
buddy wrote:
October 11th, 2017, 7:09 pm
Thanks for the info everyone. Yeah i should have been more clear--the interior rear view is what the CHP is questioning.
Bubby, The Ford's terminology "rear view mirror" means inside mirror. So, you was clear to my way of thinking. While I agree with what others are saying - you should not be required to have an inside mirror. But, it is usually not worth the effort fighting the system. Install a temporary inside mirror, get your registration, remove the temporary mirror and move on. You will not be required to have an inspection to renew - correct?

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 14th, 2017, 5:04 pm
by KimVanOrder
My understanding is that If no interior mirror, because of blocked rear window, then two outside mirrors are required. ( this is for modern autos). I'd do what Neal said. Do what is requested in a non-destructive way to the truck, get the paper work done, then remove it.. Suction cups on windows, magnetic mounts, etc..

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 14th, 2017, 8:32 pm
by Chris Haynes
Actually CHP is supposed to verify the numbers. Not do an equipment check. If he refuses to verify the numbers I would go talk to his watch commander.

Re: rear view mirror and california registration

Posted: October 17th, 2017, 1:35 pm
by locke9999
my thoughts

they prob want two mirrors either in or outside.

al