1981 Porsche 911 Side View Mirrors: What Pelican Parts Forums Recommend

If you own a 1981 Porsche 911, you know that even small details like the side view mirrors can affect both the look and functionality of the car. Over the years, these mirrors can become loose, faded, or just plain outdated. Fortunately, the Pelican Parts forums are a goldmine of advice from owners who have replaced or upgraded their mirrors. This guide covers the most common mirror options, installation tips, and what the community recommends for a 1981 911.

Understanding Your 1981 Porsche 911 Mirror Options

The 1981 model year sits in the middle of the G-Series production, which ran from 1974 to 1989. These cars originally came with either the flag-style manual mirrors or the optional electric (power) mirrors. Both types are prone to vibration, clouding, and broken adjustment mechanisms. When shopping for replacements, you’ll encounter three main categories: OEM, aftermarket, and racing-style mirrors.

OEM Mirrors

Original Equipment Manufacturer mirrors are direct replacements that maintain the car’s classic appearance. For a 1981 911, genuine Porsche parts are still available from dealers or specialty suppliers like Pelican Parts. The left and right mirrors are not identical – the driver’s side often has a convex shape for wider view. OEM mirrors cost more but guarantee fit and finish.

Aftermarket Mirrors

Several brands produce reproduction mirrors that mimic the OEM look. Some are made in Europe and offer good quality at a lower price. Be aware that cheap reproductions may have thinner glass, weaker plastic, or poorly fitting rubber gaskets. Forum discussions on Pelican Parts often warn about mirrors that whistle at highway speeds or leak rain into the door.

Racing / Aero Mirrors

For owners who track their 911, lightweight carbon fiber or aluminum mirrors are popular. Brands like Rennline and Elephant Racing offer small, aerodynamic shapes that reduce drag. These often require drilling new holes or using adhesive mounts. They aren’t street-legal in some states if they lack a passenger-side convex mirror, so check local laws.

OEM vs Aftermarket Mirrors: Pros and Cons

Deciding between OEM and aftermarket depends on your budget and goals. The Pelican Parts forums have countless threads comparing the two.

OEM Pros:

• Guaranteed fit – no drilling or modification needed.
• Matches the original curvature and glass tint.
• Electric heating elements (if you have heated mirrors) work correctly.
• Retains resale value for purists.

OEM Cons:

• Expensive – a single mirror can cost over $300.
• Still uses old technology – glass may have slight distortion.
• Hard to find for some rare options like the early electric mirrors.

Aftermarket Pros:

• Lower cost – typically $50 to $150 per mirror.
• Some aftermarket mirrors include modern blue-tinted glass to reduce glare.
• Can be painted to match your car’s color at a body shop.

Aftermarket Cons:

• Quality varies widely. Pelican Parts users report that some brands require shimming to seal properly.
• Plastic components may degrade faster than OEM.
• Threads for the mounting screws may strip easily.

Common Mirror Issues and Solutions

From the forums, these problems come up most often for 1981 911 mirrors:

Loose or Wobbly Mirror

Over time, the internal spring mechanism weakens. The mirror head can vibrate at speed. Solutions: replace the entire mirror assembly, or disassemble and add a nylon washer to preload the spring. Some owners glue the head with silicone – not recommended because it makes future adjustments impossible.

Cloudy or Cracked Glass

Original glass crazes from UV exposure. Replacement glass is available separately for some mirrors. Pelican Parts sells the glass piece for the driver’s side for around $30. To remove old glass, heat with a hair dryer and gently pry from behind.

Non-Functioning Electric Adjustment

If your 1981 911 has power mirrors, the motors often fail. The cheap fix is to swap in a set of manual mirrors. Several forum members have converted back to manual because the electric motors are hard to find. If you want to keep power, you can sometimes repair the motor by cleaning the contacts with electrical contact cleaner.

Water Leaks

Water entering the door through the mirror base can ruin the door panel and speaker. The rubber gasket between the mirror and door hardens with age. Replace the gasket with a new OEM part (about $15 each) and apply a bead of silicone sealant under the base.

Installation Tips from the Pelican Parts Forums

Installing side view mirrors on a 1981 911 is straightforward but requires patience. Here are the steps commonly shared:

1. Remove the interior door panel – pop off the armrest, unscrew the window crank, and pry the panel off. You’ll need access to the three nuts that hold the mirror base.
2. Disconnect the wiring – if you have electric mirrors, unplug the connector. Note the wire colors for reassembly (usually brown for ground, red/green for power).
3. Remove the old mirror – unscrew the three 10mm nuts from inside the door. The mirror then lifts off.
4. Clean the mounting area – scrape off old sealant and rust-proof the bare metal with a primer.
5. Install the new mirror – place the new gasket on the door, then set the mirror in position. From inside, tighten the nuts to 7–10 Nm. Do not overtighten; you can warp the plastic housing.
6. Adjust the mirror – for manual mirrors, push the glass to its desired angle. For electric, connect the wiring temporarily and test movement before reinstalling the door panel.
7. Seal the base – apply a thin line of RTV silicone around the gasket edge after final fit.

One forum tip: use a small magnet on a stick to retrieve any dropped nuts inside the door cavity.

Pelican Parts Forums: Recommended Mirrors for 1981 911

Based on dozens of forum threads, these are the most frequently recommended options:

• OEM Porsche Flag Mirror – if you want an exact reproduction, go with the original part. Part numbers for left and right are different. Check with Pelican Parts for availability.
• URO Parts – a budget aftermarket brand that gets mixed reviews. Some say they fit well, others complain about loose glass. Best for a daily driver if you don’t mind occasional adjustments.
• Rennline Carbon Fiber Mirror – expensive ($400+ each) but extremely light and vibration-free. Ideal for track use. Requires drilling holes or using adhesive pads.
• Classic Retrofit from Design911 – a British supplier known for high-quality reproductions with modern glass. Several forum members praise the fit and clarity.

Final Recommendation

For a 1981 Porsche 911 that you drive regularly and want to keep looking original, the best choice is OEM Porsche flag mirrors. They cost more upfront but will last another 30 years and require no modifications. If budget is tight, a high-quality aftermarket mirror from a trusted brand like Design911 (available through Pelican Parts) is a solid second option. Avoid the cheapest no-name mirrors – they’ll likely frustrate you with poor fit and fogging. And always consult the Pelican Parts forums before buying: search for “1981 911 mirror” to see recent installs and any new issues. With the right mirror, your 911 will look great and give you clear rearward visibility for years to come.