Inside rear view mirror

[Chuck W.]

I would like to add an inside rear view mirror to my CJ3B. I have looked at several different ones, but before I commit to drilling holes in my windshield frame, I wonder what other folks have done. I'd like a small, unobtrusive mirror. I am rather tall, so I don't want it to block my forward vision. I bought a cheap one with a suction cup to stick to the glass, but the first bump I hit, it fell off and broke. What have you guys used?
I'm thinking something like this, but it would kill me to drill holes in my windshield frame! I wonder if two-sided tape would hold it?

[SteveKfl]

There's a lot of leverage from the weighted head on the stem bouncing around, but I would try it before drilling if you're that concerned.  What would you do about the holes in the mount with no scews?  Cut off length of screws (or use short ones) and silicone the "heads" in place?
 
Maybe JB WELD is another alternative attempt option before drilling?  Another consideration might be to compare "mounting bases" to see if there are some that "would hide" changed drilling locations if desired or needed with replacement mirrors if needed or desired.  Good Luck!

[Rus Curtis]

This looks like a suction cup mirror on Lawrence Wade's jeep:



I think mounting it to the glass will stick better and a low mount will not interfere with your view up high.

My Parts Manual shows:

GROUP 35-24--MIRROR-REAR VIEW--INSIDE
671167     Kit, rear view mirror, inside.....1

I found this (as a reference image) showing a NOS (scroll down):
https://www.willysjeepparts.com/Mirrors.htm

I had an "add on" by a PO that I didn't like.  It was a large threaded stem poking through the w/s frame but it worked.  I found a mirror at one of the reunions that looked very close to what I've seen described as a correct style.  It looks better - but it does look more like the 95036 on the same site above (even had the little tab on the bracket when bought).  When getting the holes welded up in the w/s frame, I had the large centered hole filled in, then I drilled two small holes for the one I have now.  Had to dig it out of the box, but attached below are a couple if images of what I will be using.  Also, a visit to the owners pages, I found an image (hard to see) showing the two fasteners through the w/s frame holding the mirror:

Last 3B Stateside

[Ron D]

Hi. Glad to be here. First post.

I've had good luck using a magnet to mount a vintage inside rear view mirror on my M38.
Magnet lets me stow it in glove box when need be.

Don't know how to post a photo yet, but here's a link to a photo of mine.
http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gallery/albums/album404/DSCN0780.sized.jpg

[Chuck W.]

welcome to the CJ3B group. Thanks for the idea on the magnet, one more choice to think about.
Do you know what type magnet you used? Threaded hole in the center?

[Ron D]

It's a "regular" magnet (not one of the hi-tech neodymium type).
I bought it from a rack at my local Ace Hardware Store, different sizes available. Probably available at most any big box hardware store.
I think it's actually some kind of tool hook garage organizer. Cost less than $10 with tax.

As bought, the magnet sits inside a steel cup --- both the cup and the magnet have a hole (not threaded) through the center with a J-hook pressed through it (easily removed).
I recall having to enlarge the hole in the steel cup a bit to accept the mounting shaft and nut on the mirror I used (vintage 1950's Chevy, $25 on fleabay).
The hole through the magnet was plenty large enough already, so the nut rides below the surface of the magnet.

If it helps, this is same style as the mirror I'm using: https://www.ebay.com/itm/363954873947?hash=item54bd66a65b:g:fW4AAOSw6pFjBAcu&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8IxWrlDeS8eX0LPI9PRyzUBc78%2FyfNlLy5nAdCNHH737HbMBU11%2BVgSHIxn%2BzYzW6fDk%2FKuytdozdlsjnDoKM44IqCz9BwXgjR4ZNw9iM6EXd1cXqVh9o3LcqTZf%2FZ7HTlAeSr%2FrBKb4V%2FFYN7htRtFKTDZuNX0SUL7AzUQY2KSz%2BlCXOBC2Kj2Rfqg9frn4JWqcsc3paxuxDMC41xnNf9G60EICtwumZny0YE%2BiEwZLZDZl8zAKTdvcMM%2F66YiEpifoi2Abi83XfpdVRvjvmqvKLvq9fae0jpI6bfCnEBFoSuEH2Ubbs2lINxCVy%2F3lLw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6C78uP9YQ

[Chuck W.]

I am beginning to like this idea, it will let me use the mirror in either my CJ3B or my M38 without any modifications. I found a small NOS mirror off of a Henry J that has a threaded stem, so now I need to go look at magnets. Thanks!

[Ron D]

You're welcome.
And thanks for the welcome!
I'm here mostly for the CJ3A stuff (cousin to my M38)
Great forum!

[Rus Curtis]

Magnets!  It's amazing how much can be forgotten over time.  I even bought one myself (and yes I forgot about it) - not specifically for the mirror - but for a handy way to attach something down the road. 

Welcome Ron D!!

[Chuck W.]

Look, Ma....no holes!

So, using all the great advice I got here, this is what I came up with:






Once I get it sanded and a coat of gloss black, nobody but us will know!

Thanks!!

[Ron D]

Nice!

I glued the thinnest piece of gasket paper I had over the magnet because it or the cup wants to scuff windshield frame paint taking it on and off.
Still stays in place well.

[Rus Curtis]

Looks like a snug fit!

[Chuck W.]

because it or the cup wants to scuff windshield frame paint taking it on and off.

I am afraid of that, although my frame is powder coated, I may try to glue a piece of felt over the magnet.

Looks like a snug fit!

That was the only magnet that Ace had that the hole in the magnet was big enough to take a nut. I'd really like one that is a little smaller. At least it won't vibrate loose!

[Ron D]

because it or the cup wants to scuff windshield frame paint taking it on and off.

I am afraid of that, although my frame is powder coated, I may try to glue a piece of felt over the magnet.

That was the only magnet that Ace had that the hole in the magnet was big enough to take a nut. I'd really like one that is a little smaller. At least it won't vibrate loose!

I must've bought the last slightly smaller one. 

I tried felt too, but it was either too thick or slippery on the paint --- didn't like what it did to the magnetism (didn't want to chance it bouncing loose and breaking glass) so I tried the thin gasket paper. Seems to work ok.

[Chuck W.]

Well, I decided the 3" magnet was just too big, so I ordered a 2" off e-bay. It's the right size for the windshield frame and fits the mirror stem fine. I put two layers of a heavy clear contact paper over the bottom of the base to prevent scratching the windshield frame as Ron D. suggested.
This was one of those little projects that's going to help make the jeep more enjoyable to drive and was fun to do. Thanks for all the input!