I know this post isnt too technical, but, im really at my wits end with trying to find replacement sideview mirror glass for my Class C. RV . The glass suddenly dropped out and smashed on the ground. A picture of my sideview mirror can be seen in this persons for sale add...and it is the exact model RV (and mirrors) that i have : http://www.rvusa.com/rvs/2008/coachmen-freedom-express-21qb-class-c-used-denton-texas-440211I dont know the make of the mirror, I bought the RV privately and the Seller bought the RV from Camping Word -- i went back to them and they cant help , i went online to suppliers and cant find the replacement mirror glass by looking at loads of pictures , and i cant find anyone locally or online who will cut me a piece to my specs.What can i do short of buying a whole new mirror with extended arms ???Are there such things as RV JunkYards around ?I thought about just getting some household mirror glass cut but im told it is illegal to put that on the outside of an Automobile. Please help. Thanks.

David - For automotive glass, you must use safety glass. But for exterior mirrors, I've never heard that you must use safety glass. When the mirror dropped out and hit the ground, did it leave shards, or did it crumble up into tiny pieces typical of safety glass?If it were me, I'd have a piece of mirror cut to fit and be done with it.

TucsonJim wrote:David - For automotive glass, you must use safety glass. But for exterior mirrors, I've never heard that you must use safety glass. When the mirror dropped out and hit the ground, did it leave shards, or did it crumble up into tiny pieces typical of safety glass?If it were me, I'd have a piece of mirror cut to fit and be done with it.When it fell out, it smashed on some stones and it broke into shards. I went to an Auto Glass place in my locale, and they said it was illegal to use house glass for an Auto Sideview Mirror. If i cant find a replacement mirror glass, then i think that is my only other option .Also, what is the strongest correct adhesive to use on the back of glass ?Thanks,

If you really want a strong adhesive, use two part epoxy. Just give it the proper time to cure before putting back on the vehicle.If the mirror broke into shards, it wasn't safety glass to start with.

TucsonJim wrote:If you really want a strong adhesive, use two part epoxy. Just give it the proper time to cure before putting back on the vehicle.If the mirror broke into shards, it wasn't safety glass to start with.Ok Jim. Many thanks. Thats a big relief. Ill go ahead and get some household mirror glass cut and use epoxee . Dave .P.S. I nearly moved to Tucson in 1980 back when it was just a little Town. Since then, ive vacationed there about 6 times and have friends who live on the far northside of the City. Did they ever rebuild Old Tucson .. I hear it burned to the ground . How about SummerHaven up on Mt. Lemmon....is that all rebuilt now after their major fire ? I spent my honeymoon night in SummerHaven at one of those cottages. Its an awesome place up there.

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Need replacement SideView Mirror glass but cant find it

16 Replies

HelloImDavid
Explorer
Nov 14, 2013
Thanks everyone for your help. Im going to go to NAPA first and look thru their shelf selection and if that dont work...then ill contacts VelVac . If that fails, then ill go with regular mirror glass hopefully cut to exact size.

By the way, Ive found out that regular mirror glass is highly reflective whereas auto mirror glass is far less reflective plus you can actually see thru it when held up to light. Ive had two Glass Shops tell me that you arent supposed to use regular mirror glass for a sideview mirror because its easy for the DRiver to be blinded by reflection if the sun hits it directly. Just a heads up.
IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Nov 14, 2013
As others have said it is most likely a Velvac Mirror

HERE Is a replacement glass from them, you can order from Ryder or Velvac
Scroll down and there are others there too.

If you know the model # (found on the bottom of the mirror) you can order from them. You can call Velvac @ Toll Free: 800.783.8871

They are very helpful, all you need is the model number and they will walk you thru it.
Good Luck and let us know how it works out.
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Nov 14, 2013
NAPA has a huge variety of replacement glass.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Nov 14, 2013
I don't know what glass shop you talked to, but exterior mirrors have no special requirements.
That sure looks like a Velvac to me. Try them and the local Chevy dealer.

If the mirror was flat any glass shop should be able to cut and fit a replacement. It isn't rocket surgery.
Do not try to use epoxy to hold the replacement. If you do use it and the mirror gets damaged again, you will have a bad time trying to clean out the epoxy to replace it.

Matt
jbarry
Explorer
Nov 14, 2013
I think most Class C outside mirrors are Velvac. I replaced my Minnie's passenger side mirror recently. It's a Velvac and I got the replacement directly from Velvac. It's flat with a convex small mirror set in one corner. Good instructions for replacing it. Took about 10 minutes. Wasn't necessarily cheap, but it was worth it.
DaHose
Explorer
Nov 13, 2013
Hmmm.... looks like the big mirrors on an RV/Truck tend to be flat. Go figure.

If they are flat, then local glass shop is the way to go.

Jose
j-d
Explorer II
Nov 13, 2013
This Page shows Flat and Convex Glass "Kits" for Chev/GMC cutaway van chassis. Also replacement mirror heads, which might be the easier way to go.
DaHose
Explorer
Nov 13, 2013
Side mirrors are seldom flat. They are almost always curved at least a little bit. Take a straight edge to your existing mirror and confirm if it is curved, because you will notice the difference and will not be happy with the results of plain mirror glass.

If it is curved, one option would be to purchase a large truck replacement mirror, then use a dremel to cut the retaining lip off, remove the glass and have it cut to fit your mirror.

Jose
Snowman9000
Explorer
Nov 13, 2013
It's probably a Velvac. Go to velvac.com and look around, and maybe call them.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Nov 13, 2013
I would think Coachman could tell you who the supplier is/was. I suspect it's Velvac.

Any glass shop could easily make a replacement unless it was a heated mirror.