Correct Rearview Mirror for a 1964 BJ8

[SHG]

I was reading the restoration book and found that my Bj8 is supposed to have an oval mirror with a black back. And, much to my chagrin, I have a rectangular mirror with a silver back, like the BJ7s and before. It's an early phase II BJ8, and I'm absolutely certain the PO didn't change anything, so would anybody have an idea why this would be? Thanks.

 

[tahoe healey]

My BJ8 phaseI has a rectangular one as yours. I think the bigger one came late. They don't work well anyway when the top is down so keep the classic looking one.

 

[MadRiver]

Hi Scott:

My early Phase II has an oval mirror with a black back. Still can't see when the top is down!

 

[shorn]

The rectangular mirror was used on early BJ8 cars up through car number 73213. At that point they went to the oval mirror. You can find your body number on the aluminum tag that is normally just above and to the right of the vehicle id tag on the firewall. Why BMC found it necessary to have a separate body number and vehicle id (car) number is a 64000 dollar question. In any event body number 73213 would include early phase 2 BJ8's.

 

[SHG]

let me just whip out my heritage certificate here, and...Body number 72503. Thanks Shorn. Now I feel better about it. And I can't see over the top either.

 

[anthony7777]

[ Why BMC found it necessary to have a separate body number and vehicle id (car) number is a 64000 dollar question.] they did it to confuse the heck out of the "matching number" barrett jackson croud! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif

 

[tahoe healey]

Yea, so the bigger mirror makes no difference since the back window didn't change size. And since it only works with the top up they must have got a good deal on a gross of oval mirrors.