GTR High Performance tech...
GTR High Performance tech Dave Chamberlain pops mirror glass into Agent 47's sleek, new mirror housing for '05-present S197 Mustangs. The new glass is included with each mirror, and it's made with OEM dimensions, so there's no variance in the amount of side-view visibility.
We lead off this month's installment with a question: What in the world was Ford thinking back in 2005 when it decided to assemble S197 Mustangs with side-view mirrors that look like they should be standard equipment on F-Series trucks?
Despite the S197's neo-retro mix of classic '68 Mustang and '05-present styling traits that give new 'Stangs their extreme cool, it appears designers really didn't put much thought toward giving the mirrors any type of knockout, unique flavor.
We see this faux pas as one of the few disservices done to '05-and-up Ponies. However, as is the case with other OEM components or areas of new Mustangs "that can use improvement," a member of the aftermarket-Agent 47, for this particular malady-has stepped in and righted the wrong that is the factory side-mirror setup on S197 'Stangs.
The company's Retro-Race Mirrors (PN A47RRM; $249) are bolt-on, direct-fit (the mirrors use the stock mounting locations and connectors for quick-and-easy installation) power mirrors that really enhance the new Mustangs' identity by replicating the classic, aerodynamic look of the racing-style mirrors found on fastback-style Mustangs of the late '60s.
Gonzalo Topete's '06 GT recently received the mirror upgrade, which was done at GTR High Performance in Rancho Cucamonga, California, by technician Dave Chamberlain. As you'll see in the photos, the mirror change only requires a few simple tools and about an hour of labor to make a huge difference (for the better) in the Pony's profile.
Our test S197's bulky, original...
Our test S197's bulky, original side-view mirrors leave a lot to be desired, especially when compared to the aerodynamically (and aesthetically) superior pieces of '68-'69 fastback 'Stangs.
Agent 47's Retro-Race Mirrors...
Agent 47's Retro-Race Mirrors are made with UV-stable resin, and come in Black Satin, which so-closely resembles the factory mirrors' color that painting the upgrade pieces is not required. However, thanks to their smooth-finish, the new mirrors don't require near as much sanding as textured stock pieces do, should you decided to paint them.
With the stock mirrors clear...
With the stock mirrors clear of the doors, their insulated backing pads must be separated from both housings to access the drive motors. The Agent 47 kit includes new insulated backing pads (made of foam) as well.
Retro-Race Mirrors are sold...
Retro-Race Mirrors are sold without drive motors, so the factory drives must be swapped into the new housings. Dave first takes the OEM mirror glass out of its housing (this is the most tedious, time-consuming part of the project), and then unplugs and removes the original motor, which is retained by three Torx screws.
Once the motors are in place,...
Once the motors are in place, the new mirrors are assembled and installed on the 'Stang in reverse order of the originals' disassembly and removal. Note that the OEM mounting studs are retained. Remember to hang on to these pieces when the factory mirrors are broken down.
Much better. This is how it...
Much better. This is how it should have been done in the first place!