Newbie questions about 1970 side mirror

[FlowerGirl]

Hello,

I just bought a 1970 1600 Sport and love it. Ok, more than love it. I thought I knew a lot about the 1600s but having one in the garage makes me notice even more.

I think the two side mirrors on mine were replaced (see pictures below). They don’t look quite right and they feel too lightweight to be an original part. I searched online and I’m definitely finding pictures of 1970 1600s with different mirrors and quite a few with only one on the driver’s side. So some questions come to mind, all probably with painfully obvious answers to all of you.

1. Where can I get a catalog or owner’s manual for the 1970 so I can figure stuff like this out?
2. Am I right that I have replacement mirrors?
3. How rare are original side mirrors?
4. How many originally came on the car?
5. Can anyone suggest a place to get them or do I just watch for a 70 being parted out?

I apologize if this topic is not in the right forum or has been asked before. I searched but didn’t see.

FlowerGirl

[Solex68]

Here's a great link to download parts catalogs and service manuals.
.
https://www.311s.org/pmwiki-311/pmwiki. ... on.Manuals

[FlowerGirl]

Thank you!

[Solex68]

And you are correct these are not the correct mirrors (for any year). I'm pretty sure passenger side mirrors are unobtanium for your year, maybe you could buy a pair of 240z mirrors. I believe the finish may be different, buy they will have the correct shape.
Another issue you may face, is that the base you have is larger than the correct one, so if you replace it, hopefully it's red under your current mirror now.
These are all the things I faced when I was in your situation. I'm not expert though.

[Solex68]

Oh,
Just to make sure I covered the questions:
1. Where can I get a catalog or owner’s manual for the 1970 so I can figure stuff like this out? Link sent.
2. Am I right that I have replacement mirrors? Yes
3. How rare are original side mirrors? Pretty rare, if they even existed. Earlier Year mirrors are easier to get
4. How many originally came on the car? One for your year (not sure on all years)
5. Can anyone suggest a place to get them or do I just watch for a 70 being parted out? I believe one or more vendors will have the driver side. You could also make a post in "Classified Wanted"
You are off to a great start on this board BTW. Good job.

[FlowerGirl]

Thank you, this is such a great site!

[drieseck]

FlowerGirl, There are several components that were sold with parts (like mirrors) that were slightly different within the same model year. Often seen as improvements, often responding to different import requirements. If you look at cars sold (or marketing photos) in Japan vs. Australia vs. US, vs Canada some had round, some had rectangle (like the 240Z mentioned by Solex68---and still available). Folks here that know more than me might correct this, but it has been my experience.

Another helpful link to all your car's components and how they fit together is here: https://www.carpartsmanual.com/datsun/sports-1965-1970.

And, as you come to need parts there are vendors on this site that sell new parts as well as many folks selling good used parts (some vendors do also), you just need to ask. Lastly, look also on Facebook, a series of the Roadster's gurus and vendors list parts and as important----respond quickly to assist owners questions.
Welcome to the adventure!

[FlowerGirl]

Thanks, drieseck. I thought I had seen a lot of variations, so I guess I can go with what's available. The roadster needs to be painted and it seems like that will be a good time to take care of the mirrors. Also, I appreciate the link.

Yes, an adventure., so true!

[redroadster]

My 70spl. Mine came with the vary rare option ,split view mirror
Delete if to many bites

[FlowerGirl]

Thank you, good to see the pictures

[70-1600]

FlowerGirl - my 70 1600 came with a stock mirror, dull aluminum finish. It was showing its age. Found a pair of 240Z chromed mirrors (various vendors carry them, like ZCar Depot). Same shape as the stock aluminum; different mounting which required I drill an additional hole vs stock. Here are some pics of the stock, the chromed 240Z driver and passenger side, and the two compared. The passenger side doesn't quite adjust appropriately for a left hand drive car. I suspect it is really a driver's mirror for a RHD car.

Stock.jpeg

New Chromed.jpeg

Pass 1.jpeg

Pass 2.jpeg

Compared.jpeg

I prefer the chromed look vs the aluminum finish. Good luck!

-jt

[FlowerGirl]

JT - very helpful, thank you. I’m trying to decide if I return to one mirror on the driver’s side or if I get two since someone added a second mirror (at least, I think they did, but I’m not sure). I really appreciate the pictures and side by side comparison.