Rear View Mirror - Chrome or Plastic

[ChrisInNashville]

Decades ago, I replaced this pitted metal and plastic mirror with a similar one.  Then, this summer, I came across a chrome one that I use now.  BUT, somewhere I believe I read that early pagodas has a chrome mirror and later ones had a plastic mirror housing on a metal arm.  I don’t know that my old one was original.  So, what was original spec for 1969?[/img]

[lreppond]

The DOT mandated the black plastic mirrors as well as satin finish on the horn ring on all US bound 280SLs.  I think prior to that, all 230 and 250 came with polished chrome rear view mirrors and horn rings.   The thinking was that the polished chrome was unsafe since reflecting the sun could be blinding to the driver!   In Europe the polished chrome touches remained for the duration of the w113 run. 

[ChrisInNashville]

Interesting.  Maybe that explains why the chrome mirror came from one of the European sources….

I’m interested in what everyone thinks - should I revert to plastic or remain with chrome?

Originality or aesthetic?

[Jonny B]

The change from chrome to matte finish and such occurred at VIN ending 2980 for the 250 SL for US cars. This was the DOT mandate to make the cars safer. There were a large number of changes at that point, hard pockets to soft, the rubber type heater levers, rounded corners on the dash pads, etc.

[rwmastel]

Wiper arms & blades also went from chrome to matte finish.

[Bruce Rudin]

I felt more than comfortable changing the mirror, horn ring and pockets back to the Euro version.  I also deleted the side market lights and over riders. And the way nicer outside rear view mirror. I am not looking for show points. I want beautiful details and none of the DOT mandated items help.

[ja17]

Many of the sedan mirrors of the era were the same and with the same finishes. However the SL mirror stems were shorter than the sedans! Chris, it looks like your picture is showing a sedan mirror with the long stem.