Paddy Hopkirk mirrors onto Toledo.

[TillyTheToledo1995]

Shortly after purchase of the car, I decided that I would like to change the mirrors to ones that have a touch more practicality (and style) of them than the original TEX mirrors. After searching online, I decided I would like to purchase the Paddy Hopkirk mirrors (as used on the BMW E9 and some Mercedes Benz models in the early 1970’s, I’m lead to believe).

However, finding these was no easy task. After doing some trawling online, I found the ones available either only come as a drivers side mirror (and/or) came with no brackets or gaskets (but still commanding £60+ in a used condition with no fitting kits). Until last week, advertised on an online auction site - A pair of original, brand new old stock (still in the original packaging) Paddy Hopkirk mirrors with gaskets and brackets.

I finally managed to nab these for £50 - Which, I think was an extremely good deal. After all, second hand used ones were costing £60+ in a tatty condition. They arrived quickly and couldn’t wait to get these on the Toledo. Upon removing the old TEX mirrors, a bit of work was needed as a previous owner failed to use Waxoyl under the TEX mirror plinths, the original holes were starting to corrode and rust out over.

After a day of preparing the area and painting (also new holes were drilled and the old holes solder welded back up) in anticipation for the Paddy Hopkirk mirrors, they were fixed onto the doors the next day.

Below is some images of what it looked like before, to what it is now. I think these are a tad more practical, as I can see more out of them. I think that was £50 well worth spending!



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[Boost All The Dollys]

Those Hopkirk mirrors look good, especially when located on the door. I replaced my singular wing mirror with a pair of bullet mirrors but made the mistake of putting them on the doors a bit further forward than you have them and they have exactly two problems:

1. The mirror body is long enough that it prevents the quarter light mirrors from opening fully. Not a massive problem as only ever open them slightly anyway but a slight annoyance.

2. The angle of the mirror is so extreme that the drivers side is right on the limit of it’s movement and the sight picture is tiny. The passenger side is basically useless and is only there to make the car look more symmetrical.