The mirrors on a classic car like the Datsun 240Z, 260Z, or 280Z can really make a difference - both in looks and in safety. Upgrading the mirrors improves the car's look, but it also makes it much easier to see around you - especially when you think about that these cars only came with one mirror from the factory.
There are a few different options, though - you can keep the single mirror on one side, add a mirror to your passenger side, or add fender mirrors and remove your stock mirror. Each has its pros and cons.
This guide will talk about all the options out there, from sleek JDM Fender mirrors to sturdy door mirrors. If you're passionately restoring a classic or just adding your own personal touch with some unique parts, it's important to know what options are around - especially before you start drilling new holes.
Let's get started!
Disclaimer: This article is authored by a member of the Skillard community and reflects their personal views, not necessarily those of Skillard. We welcome your feedback and corrections in the comments to help us continually improve this content.
Table of Contents
Before You Upgrade Your Mirrors:
When you're picking out mirrors for your Datsun to 240Z, 260Z, or 280Z, you want to choose if you want to go classic and stock with the single stock mirror or modern - and add a second mirror.
This choice is important because mirrors are obviously important for good visibility and safe driving. But they also need to match your Datsun's style, and this guide will help you think about your options, from the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) fender mirrors to the more common and close-door mirrors.
The JDM fender mirrors are a good choice if you want to keep the original Japanese look. They sit on the fenders and can set your car apart from others and give it a really cool style! But have you thought about how they change the way you see out of the car? They're not for everyone, so make sure you try some before you start drilling holes.
On the other hand, modern door mirrors are pretty easy to get used to. They're bigger, which means they give you a better view and make driving safer. Their design fits smoothly with your car's shape, too. And, of course, they are more common and close here in the US, so there's no learning curve. Lastly, you already have one set of holes drilled on your driver side, so you don't have to fill any holes or anything - you just drill the new holes in your passenger side.
Both choices have something valuable, so the goal is what feels right to you and your car's aesthetic. Let's talk about fender mirrors first.
Fender Mirror Options
When you're on the hunt for Fender mirrors for your Datsun Z - be it a 240Z, 260Z, or 280Z - you might want to check out the Reproduction Fairlady Z Fender Mirror Set!
These mirrors are priced at $529.00 and are built to last. They are designed to look just like the originals (which can easily run over $1,000 pre-owned) and they come equipped with a spring mechanism that protects them from bumps. This is super important if you're trying to keep your classic car looking its best. The taller stems fit the Z-Cars' curved fenders just perfectly which definitely helps to improve your visibility. They fit all Datsun Z models from 1970 to 1978 and come with everything you need for installation - both the left and right mirrors and some easy-to-follow instructions.
If you do choose to get Fender mirrors, make sure you take a look at our Skillard Long Stalk Fender Mirror Under Bracket! The OEM fender bracket gets rusted out super easily and it's hard to find a 50 year old version that is still in good shape. It has a tough stainless steel bracket that really makes mounting easy.
Installing these mirrors will need a little care! You'll have to measure the distance from the outer edge of the fender to the inner edge of the mirror base and also from the rear edge of the headlight bucket to the front of the mirror base. You usually need to drill two holes per fender - usually 7 inches from the inside side of the fender and 10.5 inches from the front of the headlight bucket.
A template can really help you get them just right if you're going for a symmetrical or asymmetrical look. While the original specs usually call for symmetry, some people use an asymmetrical setup to make a unique visual statement or to help with visibility.
Now, if you're upgrading from an older model and you already have a mirror hole on the driver's side, the Skillard Mirror Delete Plate can be a real lifesaver! It's an easy fix, it looks great, and you can stay away from the need for any complicated bodywork. This makes your upgrade process a lot smoother.
For any car enthusiast like me, getting the mirrors just right, if you like them perfectly symmetrical or intentionally asymmetrical, really adds a little something special that can make your car stand out!
How Do Door Mirrors Compare?
When you're deciding if to go with OEM or aftermarket door mirrors for your Datsun 240Z, 260Z, or 280Z, it's important to think about a few important points like how easy they are to install, how they look, if you can easily find them, and how much they cost.
The biggest benefit of the OEM mirrors is that they will keep your car looking original and fit perfectly into the old mounting holes, especially on models from before 1978. This means you won't have to cover or fill any holes from old mirrors, and your door mirrors should mount up to your OEM holes just fine. But you might need to make some adjustments for newer models.
And surely it will be closer. Fender mirrors take some getting used to, whereas most modern cars use door mirrors - so there won't be any learning curve.
For a unique touch, you could think about fitting mirrors from a Honda S2000 or a Mazda Miata onto your Z. This option can become pretty difficult as it often means more custom work, but it's an option that some people have tried with changing degrees of success on forums like HybridZ.
Or, you can try the APR GT3 carbon fiber mirrors. We sell these as well at Skillard, and they come with billet aluminum door mounts that you can leave raw or have powder coated in black. They're really nice.
Removing old, rusty mirrors can be difficult and will need extra care and the right tools to avoid harming your car. When you're drilling, you need to be extremely steady-handed to keep the paint job pristine.
If you're thinking about adding a passenger side mirror to an early Z model, keep in mind that it originally didn't come with one, so you will have to drill new holes. Our S30 Billet Door Mirror Mounts can really help make this process easier by covering up old holes and guiding you in setting up new ones. Just make sure you measure and mark everything very carefully to get it right!
After drilling, it's really important to mount the new mirror properly with a plate and a foam gasket - this helps prevent water from getting inside and will make sure it holds up well. And, if you drilled new, remember to seal up that metal with paint, too! Even if you don't see it, you still want to re-paint the inside of those holes to keep rust out.
Mirror Mounts and Delete Plates
Installing mirror mounts on Datsun 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z models is really important for properly attaching side view mirrors, although the process varies a bit depending on the model.
For the 240Z, you usually need to take apart the door cards to get to the screws inside the door panel. You might even want to remove the window pane, though this is optional (it does make things easier, though).
On the other hand, the 260Z and 280Z models make it easier to get to these screws just through the door panel - specifically, the 280Z might only need you to pry off a plastic cover to see the screws, which is easier than the process for the 240Z.
If you choose to remove the door mirrors altogether, there are mirror delete plates available. These plates, which you can find in raw aluminum, black powder-coated finishes, or even engraved options, cover up the holes left behind. In fact, we make them here at Skillard!
The installation process depends a bit on the model - the 280Z uses these plates on the driver's side without needing to drill new holes, but you might need to make new holes on the passenger side depending on previous mods or if there wasn't a mirror there before. For the 240Z, you're probably going to need to drill to line everything up with the installation plate's holes.
Each delete plate kit comes loaded with a threaded backing plate, a foam gasket, a surface plate, and all the needed hardware - besides, buying a pair means you get double these parts! Remember, custom parts like these might not be immediately available, and they can take up to 3-4 weeks to ship after you place your order.
Again, if you're on the lookout for something a little different for your mounts and plates, check out Skillard's S30 Billet Door Mirror Mounts. They are built to give classic Datsun models a new look.
Or, if you don't have the OEM holes drilled in your driver door (perhaps the old owner had them filled), or if you want a different look, you can check out our trim mounts. These mount to your doors without having to drill into the body panel, which makes them a convenient and low-risk option.
Fender Mirror Placement and Positioning
If you're into that classic Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) look, you might want to roll with the Japanese fender mirrors.
This is where things get a little difficult. There's some debate on how to mount fender mirrors on the Datsun Z cars:
- Some say a symmetrical setup is the way to go. You usually place the mirrors around 7 inches from the inside edge of the fender and about 10.5 inches from the front of the headlight bucket. You make sure they're evenly positioned on both sides. Pretty easy, right?
- Others swear by the offset placement. Maybe you're more concerned with achieving better visibility while driving, or you want to keep things as authentic as possible. In this scenario, an offset placement might work better for you. This setup means positioning the mirrors a bit differently on each side - especially beneficial for vehicles with left-hand or right-hand drive configurations. This means that your mirrors won't be mounted perfectly evenly, so you'll be able to tell a bit from the side. Some say that this is how some cars were shipped from factories in Japan, though. But you'll have to flip the measurements anyway since you likely have a left-hand-drive car and not a right-hand-drive one - so keeping it "authentic" is kind of a moot point here.
What's the benefit of the offset mount? Supposedly, moving the driver-side mirror slightly forward or backward can help with your field of vision, depending on your personal preference when you're out on the road. I don't think there's a very big difference between the two, in my opinion. It's a personal preference thing.
Before you drill any holes or make any major changes, it's a really good idea to measure everything very carefully. Then, measure again. Grab a tape measure and a level. Use masking tape to mark where the mirrors will go. I've seen people rush this part and end up with less-than-perfect outcomes, and you can't un-drill a hole in your fender. This prep step is really important and will make sure that your mirrors are positioned accurately and also look like they are meant to be there.
So, if you choose a symmetrical or an offset arrangement, remember to take your time. Measure three times, cut once!
Build Your Dream Car
Upgrading your Datsun 240Z, 260Z, or 280Z with high-quality mirrors improves its safety and looks, sure - but it's also a tribute to the car's rich heritage. If you want some sporty door mirrors or you want to take the dive and drill into your fenders and plug the old holes in your door, either one of these is a great option and is (in my opinion) better than the single mirror you had from the factory.
When you're ready to upgrade, searching for parts can be a little difficult on these cars. It's important to know where to look. This is where Skillard comes into play! We are experts on Datsun vehicles, and unlike many other stores, we don't make parts for hundreds of different cars - we specialize in Datsun cars like the 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z.
Our products, from slim bumpers to sleek aluminum door cards, from minimalist center consoles to aerodynamic spoilers. And, of course, lots of great mirror products, like our fender mirror mounts, billet door mirror mounts, and trim mirror mounts for those without the OEM door holes (or who just want a unique mounting position). All our products are carefully made here in the US for Datsun enthusiasts.
If you're starting a new restoration project or progressing with a regular one, why not visit Skillard.com to check out our complete lineup of products? Level up your driving experience today with Skillard!
