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MG MGA - How to recognize original parts


I have a set of wing mirrors (single bolt). How do I distinquish original vs reproductions. I believe there should be a mark. But which mark is it and where to find it?

Thanks.


S bird

See: <http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=37038>
If your backing plates have the lettering and look like they need to be re-chromed then they are most likely original as no-one was making repros. until about ten years ago.
David Werblow

Wing mirrors were not "original" at all they were a dealer add accessory. Most were Lucas parts but a dealer could have put any mirror in any position they or the buyer wanted. Personally I think wing mirrors belong in the trash. They detract from the lines of the car and are almost worthless.
R J Brown

Harsh RJ, but true!
Neil McGurk

I don't know about Dutch regulations but in the UK there is no requirement to mark mirrors although some are E marked indicating they have passed compliance testing.

Looking up the regulations which are very complex:- for new cars purchased after 26th January 2010, 2003/97/EC or UNECE Regulation 46 compliant mirrors will be required and these should have the appropriate E mark, E11 for those tested in the UK, E4 I think for the Netherlands. For cars first used before 1978 you can fit whatever you want. For those between the dates it seems very complex but does not really concern us here.

I don't think that the Lucas type single bolt mirrors carry any marking and don't seem to require one. I don't know if they would pass.

I have a genuine 1950s mirror made by Raydyot on my car and have been told more than once by "experts" that it is completely the wrong type for the car.
Malcolm Asquith

I think that the overall utility of the wing mirrors is primarily dependent on where they are mounted. 40 plus years ago, my dad mounted a set approximately where Barney recommends (not the usual location), and I always found them to be useful, even if they were too small to be ideal.
Del Rawlins

I've found my mirrors, mounted over the wheels, are invaluable while traveling with a luggage rack. (Or when pullong a heavy load over the Rockies!) My opinion. Marvin


Marvin Stuart

I have wing mirrors mounted over the front wheels and when set up correctly are a good addition. The offside mirror is especially useful as you get a good view down the inside lane when pulling over on the motorway. As my car is a daily driver I would not be without them.

Neil
Neil Purves

Good laugh, Marvin!
David Werblow

The mirrors should have "Lucas England" along with a part number and a couple others, in raised letters on the underside of the base, next to the threaded stud. If they don't have this lettering, they are reproductions.
Steve S

Don't mean to sound to harsh but every time I sit down in my 58 roadster with the mirrors misaligned and have to either get a helper or get in and out at least 3 times to get them right I just want to scream. It is not that they do that great of a job way out over the tires either. It just annoys the heck out of me to see them misaligned. I'd rather they just weren't there.
I did not want the holes left in but the lazy bodyman "forgot" to weld them up as requested prior to paint. So instead of making a stink I just threw the mirrors back on. This was my third MGA and the first one with mirrors. I prefer the look without mirrors and never missed them on the first two. The next 3 cars I made sure the holes were gone.
I have seen brackets that mount mirrors on the windshield post. That seem the least offencive place to put them and places them within reach of the cockpit. If you insist on mirrors that seems to be a better place.
This is a decision that needs to be made prior to paint. If you chose to put in the holes you are just stuck. If I can help one person miss the sour grape attitude I feel each time I drive that car then I feel better.
In short they are ugly, a pain in the @$$ and not very effective way out on the fenders.
R J Brown

The problem is putting them way out over the wheels. At or just aft of the cowl vents they work much better. On the windshield post isn't the greatest spot because you have to look through the side curtains to see them.

Del Rawlins

Besides all the emotions and personal feelings, advantages en disadvantages, my wing mirrors look perfect, work fine and in holland it's allowed.

David, Malcolm thanks for your advice

Sander
S bird

Putting Mirrors over the wheels is a PITA. The angle of view is severely limited, and you cannot adjust them easily without a helper. They also get in the way when doing any work on the engine. (the B I look after has them on the wings, and the first thing I do with a service is remove them )

I have mounted my mirrors on the doors - they are a legal requirement here. The field of view is MUCH larger than with them over the wheels, and the line of the car is much cleaner than with them over the wheels.
dominic clancy

I removed the wing mirrors many years ago after tiring of constant adjustments to keep them correct. I have been using a small convex mirror to provide good panoramic rearward visibility. AutoZone sells them in the child seat accessory area for Moms to watch the kids in the back seat. Mine adheres to the windscreen with a suction pad. I can see over items on my luggage rack and the convex shape diffusses the glare of truck and SUV headlihgts behind me. Instead of a blinding glare I just see a point of light. The last one cost less than $5.00
R. D. De Fauw

Here's a shot of the suction cup type mirror I've used for a few years now. It's good for seeing over a large suitcase unless the top is up, then the wing mirrors are necessary. Marvin


Marvin Stuart

Here is a picture of 2 Lucas fender mirrors with original packaging. Only marks on mirrors are where the pen is pointing. Written is "Lucas made in England" The mirrors were made in 6/72 and 9/72 as printed on the boxes. They were bought by the PO of my 1962 MK11.
Car looks great WITHOUT them!!!


R J Brown

Wow, RJ, they look just like the ones I put on my MGA quite a few years ago and the car looks GREAT with them. Marvin
Marvin Stuart

What no pic?
Must not look as good as this:


R J Brown

RJ,

Where are the wing mirrors ?

Looks pretty tame without them ...
Chuck Mosher

Every bit as good, RJ. Marvin


Marvin Stuart

Marvin looks great!
Is that Mineral blue like my coupe?
Love that color, looks classy on an A!!
Just look at the lines on that thing.
Really wouldn't want to spoil perfection!


R J Brown

Hi here is a photo of my old coupe in mineral blue


g c pugh

Mineral blue is my favorite color for the MGA. But then I like the MGA in any color, even Alamo Beige. Marvin
Marvin Stuart

This thread was discussed between 01/04/2010 and 09/04/2010

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