OEM Mirrors for 1974 Blazer

[Chief Brody]

Anybody know the scoop on GM oem mirror manufacturers?

I got two different sets at the parts yard today and one is stamped "LO-MAR" on the back edge and the other is stamped "da" or "dp" with a Maple Leaf

 

[Jester1]

Hey Chief,

Been watching your build. I have a '73 in the back yard with a really good set of tripod mirrors on it. I will have a look in the daylight for the markings to let you know.

 

[oakknight]

guy finally sent pictures .

I know you already got some , just thought Id share the pictures.

 

[Chief Brody]

Thanks...that is a nice set of mirrors...looks like I see the same stuff in those as in mine...looks like dirt on the surface but it is really the "silvering" backing that is checking and letting go...

 

[Chief Brody]

I found out today that it is possible to polish stainless steel and make it look almost like chrome. Apparently there are industrial polishers that can do this and there are metal finishing shops out there that do this....I haven't found one near me yet, but the option to ship them to somebody is there.

I don't really want them to look like a mirror but I do want them to look more like new...not sure how shiny they were when they were new...they look a little faded...a little tired to me, but maybe that's how they really looked?

 

[Metrodps]

Little off topic....... I had a stainless King Cobra that I took some red rouge and started with then took some flitz and it looked like chrome. If you are wanting to go that route just a little info for you.

 

[Chief Brody]

Little off topic....... I had a stainless King Cobra that I took some red rouge and started with then took some flitz and it looked like chrome. If you are wanting to go that route just a little info for you.

OK...what's "red rouge" and "flitz"?

 

[Jester1]

Red rouge is a very fine buffing compound and flitz is an over the counter polishing paste. Very good chrome and stainless polish. Reloaders use rouge in walnut shells to polish brass cases. Can be purchased in stick or powder form. Check eastwood or any other bodyshop supplier.

 

[Jester1]

If you have a benchtop grinder you can pick up a polishing wheel for it and do it in the garage. Not a lot of effort and minimal equipment. You can totally do it your self. If no grinder check pawn shops or garage sales or any tool auctions in your area. I picked one up for 25 bucks. If new will run about 100 for a decent one.

 

[Metrodps]

OK...what's "red rouge" and "flitz"?

\/ \/ \/ what he said

Red rouge is a very fine buffing compound and flitz is an over the counter polishing paste. Very good chrome and stainless polish. Reloaders use rouge in walnut shells to polish brass cases. Can be purchased in stick or powder form. Check eastwood or any other bodyshop supplier.

I used the stick rubbed it on then took a polishing wheel on a high speed drill.

Was real easy to do. I even did the same on the forks of my Harley (sold it).

 

[Cornfield creations]

I have used angle grinders with wool bonnet polishing pads, used for polishing clear coat. Works pretty good with flitz. Flitz polish to me sounded like a joke till I tried it. It does a great job.

My stainless pipes on my motorcycle rubbed the ground on a deep lean turn, Once I sanded it somewhat smooth, I at least got it back to a shine. Nothing else worked but flitz

 

[Chief Brody]

I have used angle grinders with wool bonnet polishing pads, used for polishing clear coat. Works pretty good with flitz. Flitz polish to me sounded like a joke till I tried it. It does a great job.

My stainless pipes on my motorcycle rubbed the ground on a deep lean turn, Once I sanded it somewhat smooth, I at least got it back to a shine. Nothing else worked but flitz

Which type of Flitz is it...the Stainless Steel polish is a pump spray?

 

[Metrodps]

I used the one in a paste tube like for toothpaste.

 

[Chief Brody]

Mystery of the correct mirror solved!!!

The JAWS Blaer in the movie has the "dp" mirrors...I know it's blurry in the still, but if you watch it moving you can actually briefly see it...the LoMars are stamped in tiny letters in the edge that you can't see...the "dp" has the big square logo

 

[Chief Brody]

Also...those mirrors are very stainless steel looking...shiny but dull...definitely not like chrome

 

[Jester1]

Hey chief,

Went and looked at the mirrors on my 73. They have the lomar mirrors on them and they are stainless. Took some pics. I can email them for you tomorrow if you like.

 

[76zimmer]

Chief, I believe the mirrors were left with a natural smooth stainless finish, but not polished....your right polishing them looks like chrome...the originals were more of a satin look to them.

 

[brian wafer]

i believe D A was dominion auto.

 

[USSkoval]

Also...those mirrors are very stainless steel looking...shiny but dull...definitely not like chrome

In old movies and TV shows they would smear a low glare substance on vehicles that were close to the camera. The mirrors were probably a good bit more shiny that what that screen shot shows. Notice the really dull paint on the windshield pillar?

 

[Chief Brody]

In old movies and TV shows they would smear a low glare substance on vehicles that were close to the camera. The mirrors were probably a good bit more shiny that what that screen shot shows. Notice the really dull paint on the windshield pillar?

Yeah...it probably would hurt anything to polish them up...somewhere between where they are right now and chrome...would look good.

As for the photo, in that shot the Blazer is still in motion...makes everything look dull....when it finally stops everything shines up but the mirrors still aren't chrome looking.