Factory Fit vs. Modified: Choosing Mirrors for Your Plymouth Valiant

I had a customer once bring in a ’64 Valiant with a shiny new mirror kit he bought online. Looked good in the box—chrome finish, modern styling. But once we bolted it up? The base didn’t follow the door contour, the angle was useless, and worst of all—it covered part of the trim line. We yanked it off and started over.

Plymouth Valiant mirrors might seem like small details, but they make a big difference when it comes to originality, drivability, and overall look. Whether you're after a factory-spec restoration or something a little more custom, here’s what to know before you mount anything to those doors.

 

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Understand Your Year’s Mounting Setup

From 1960 through the mid-70s, Valiant mirror placement varied quite a bit—even between trim levels.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s typical:

• Early ’60s (1960–64): Most had door-mounted driver’s mirrors only. Chrome rectangular base with simple round glass. Passenger mirrors were usually dealer-installed and not always matched.
  
  

• Mid-’60s to Early ’70s: More models began offering both mirrors factory-installed. These were often angle-mounted on sculpted bases that hugged the door skin.
  
  

• Later ’70s Valiants: Saw more sporty shapes and remote-adjust mirrors becoming standard on upper trims.
  
  

Andy’s Tip: Factory service manuals or brochure photos are your best friend. Always verify mounting location and style before drilling.

 

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Factory Fit: What to Look For

If you're keeping it original, here’s what matters most:

• Correct base shape and angle – matches door curve and avoids gaps
  
  

• Correct fastener type – some used screws, others bolts through door skin
  
  

• Factory-style gasket – seals against water and protects paint
  
  

• Finish – polished chrome or brushed, depending on model year
  
  

These mirrors are usually reproductions, but when sourced right, they’re nearly indistinguishable from NOS.

👉 Shop Plymouth Valiant Mirrors – https://www.oldmoparts.com/classic-plymouth-parts

 

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Custom Fit: If You're Modifying

There’s nothing wrong with going custom—just be thoughtful. A bullet-style mirror might look cool on a ’71, but it’ll look out of place on a ’63. When modifying:

• Choose mirrors that visually fit the car’s lines
  
  

• Avoid overly modern shapes or plastic housings
  
  

• Use an angle base that matches the door slope
  
  

• Keep the bolt spacing similar to factory if possible (or fill/repaint holes professionally)
  
  

Andy’s Tip: When in doubt, mount it with tape first, step back 10 feet, and see how it looks in the body line.

 

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Installation Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

DO:

• Use masking tape when marking your holes
  
  

• Install gaskets under the mirror base
  
  

• Check interior clearance to avoid interfering with window tracks
  
  

DON’T:

• Guess at mounting location—measure off the vent window or trim line
  
  

• Use universal mirrors without test fitting
  
  

• Forget to seal holes with rustproofing if drilling new spots
  
  

👉 Find Factory-Fit Mirrors for Your Valiant – https://www.oldmoparts.com/classic-plymouth-parts

 

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Andy’s Take

I’ve seen it all—from hot glue mirror mounts to fiberglass patch jobs gone wrong. Truth is, getting your Valiant mirrors right doesn’t take much—but it does take care. Whether you want stock or custom, make sure it fits the car and helps you drive safely. You don’t need to see the future—just the lane next to you.

 

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Need Help Finding the Right Mirror for Your Valiant?

We stock mirrors for nearly every year of Plymouth Valiant, along with hardware and accessories to make installation clean and correct.

👉 Shop Plymouth Valiant Mirrors – https://www.oldmoparts.com/classic-plymouth-parts
📞 Phone Orders: 617-244-1118
📩 Email: orders@oldmoparts.com