For years, I wrestled with maintaining the authentic look of my classic vehicle while ensuring modern-day safety on the roads. The challenge of finding replacement parts that fit both the aesthetic and functional requirements was constant, especially for something as crucial as side mirrors. A broken or non-existent mirror isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a significant safety hazard, severely limiting visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. It became imperative to find a reliable and period-appropriate solution to avoid potential collisions and legal issues. The thought of finding an affordable, functional, and aesthetically fitting universal mirror, such as the Fit System 1701 Driver/Passenger Side Replacement Economy Classic Round Universal Mirror, would have been a game-changer back then.
- Product Type:Vehicle Mirror
- Item Package Weight:0.6 Pounds
- Item Package Dimension:19.81 cm L X18.8 cm W X12.7 cm H
Navigating Your Choices: Key Considerations for Automotive Mirrors
Automotive mirrors are more than just reflective surfaces; they are vital safety components that provide crucial visibility of your surroundings, minimizing blind spots and enhancing situational awareness. Individuals typically seek new mirrors to replace damaged ones, upgrade their vehicle’s aesthetics, or to ensure compliance with road safety regulations, especially for older cars that might not have come with adequate mirror coverage.
The ideal customer for a product like the Fit System 1701 is someone with a classic car, hot rod, or custom build looking for an economical, yet functional and stylish, round chrome mirror. It’s perfect for DIY enthusiasts and those on a budget who prioritize a vintage look and basic functionality over complex modern features. On the other hand, if you require mirrors with power adjustments, heating elements, turn signals, or a vehicle-specific fit that perfectly matches factory specifications, this universal economy classic round mirror might not be the right choice. Similarly, if your primary concern is absolute rust resistance in harsh environments without any post-purchase treatment, a higher-end, stainless steel or galvanized option might be more suitable, even if it means a higher price tag. Before purchasing, consider the mounting type (door mount in this case), the material composition (metal vs. plastic), the required adjustability for your specific vehicle, the ease of installation, and how the mirror’s aesthetic will integrate with your vehicle’s overall design.
- [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Chevrolet Suburban 2015-2020, Suburban 3500 HD 2016-2019, Tahoe 2015-2020; Compatible with GMC Yukon 2015-2020, Yukon XL 2015-2020
- Mirror Compatible with Nissan Sentra 2007-2012 JNS52EL
- Widely Applicable: Door Hinge Mirrors compatible with Wrangler JK JKU 2007 to 2018, Wrangler JL JLU 2018 to 2025 & 2020-2025 Gladiator JT. Note: Not compatible with 1987-1996 Wrangler YJ, 1997-2006...
Introducing the Fit System 1701: A Closer Look
The Fit System 1701 Driver/Passenger Side Replacement Economy Classic Round Universal Mirror is precisely what its name suggests: an affordable, classic-styled round universal mirror designed for easy replacement on a wide array of vehicles, often older models or custom builds. It promises to deliver essential rear visibility with a timeless chrome aesthetic, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious restorers and classic car enthusiasts. When you purchase this unit, you typically receive one mirror assembly, complete with a mounting base and the necessary screws for installation. Compared to more expensive, vehicle-specific OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) mirrors or advanced aftermarket options, the Fit System 1701 distinguishes itself by offering a straightforward, no-frills solution at a significantly lower cost, prioritizing classic appearance and basic functionality over high-tech features or bespoke fitment. It’s a testament to Fit System’s expertise as part of K Source, “The Mirror People,” who have nearly 70 years in mirror manufacturing, even if this particular model is on the economy side.
This specific universal mirror is ideally suited for anyone restoring a vintage car, hot rod, or custom vehicle where an authentic period look is desired without breaking the bank. It’s also a solid choice for those needing a simple, functional replacement that doesn’t require complex wiring or specialized mounting. Conversely, it’s not the right product for someone seeking a perfect factory match for a modern vehicle, or for those who require features like power adjustment, integrated heating, or sophisticated blind-spot monitoring.
Here’s a quick breakdown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Affordable Price Point: Offers excellent value for its classic styling and functionality.
* Classic Aesthetic: The chrome, round design perfectly complements vintage vehicles.
* Relatively Easy Installation: Many users find it straightforward to mount.
* Universal Application: Designed to fit a wide range of vehicles, not just specific models.
* Decent Build for the Cost: The mirror back and ball joint are metal, suggesting some durability.
Cons:
* Prone to Rust: The included screws and sometimes the mirror backing itself can rust quickly.
* Plastic Mounting Base: While chrome-like, the base is plastic, which can be less robust than metal.
* Limited Adjustability for Some: Certain vehicle angles might restrict optimal mirror positioning.
* Potential for Glass Detachment: A small number of users reported the mirror glass falling off after a short period.
* Minor Imperfections: The edge around the mirror might not be perfectly chromed.
Unpacking the Fit System 1701’s Design and Practicality
Having relied on the Fit System 1701 Driver/Passenger Side Replacement Economy Classic Round Universal Mirror for some time, I can attest to its practical performance and how its design elements contribute to its overall utility. This isn’t a mirror packed with high-tech features, but rather one that excels in delivering fundamental visibility with a timeless aesthetic, addressing core needs for many classic vehicle owners.
Classic Round Form Factor and Chrome Finish
The most striking feature of the Fit System 1701 is its classic round shape paired with a lustrous chrome finish. Measuring at a compact 8 x 7.5 x 5 inches and weighing just 9.12 ounces, this design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s deeply functional for its intended purpose. On my classic vehicle, these round mirrors truly complete the vintage look, blending seamlessly with the lines and original design cues that rectangular or more modern mirrors simply wouldn’t. The chrome catches the light beautifully, adding a touch of period-correct elegance. This aesthetic aspect is incredibly important for anyone investing time and effort into restoring an older car, as ill-fitting accessories can detract from the entire project. The benefit here is clear: it provides an authentic visual appeal that is hard to find in modern alternatives, enhancing the vehicle’s curb appeal and historical accuracy. It solves the problem of needing a functioning mirror without compromising the vehicle’s classic integrity.
Universal Compatibility and Mounting
As a “universal mirror,” the Fit System 1701 is designed with broad adaptability in mind. It features a “door mount” type, which is common for many classic cars. The base has mounting holes spaced approximately 4-1/16th inches apart center to center, making it straightforward to align with existing holes or drill new ones if necessary. I found the installation process to be quite manageable. While I did have to drill a couple of small new holes on my vehicle for a perfect fit, the overall process took me less than 15 minutes per side. This ease of installation is a huge benefit for DIY enthusiasts, saving both time and the expense of professional fitting. It means that whether you’re working on a Ford Fairlane, a Miata, or another classic, this replacement mirror offers a viable solution. This adaptability is key for solving the problem of sourcing hard-to-find original parts for various vintage models.
Construction Materials: A Balance of Cost and Performance
Understanding the materials of the Fit System 1701 is crucial for setting expectations. The product description notes that the mirror’s backplate and the ball joint are metal, which provides a solid core for the reflective surface and its adjustability. However, the mounting base is described as “chrome-like plastic.” This combination allows Fit System to offer the mirror at an “economy” price point. While the plastic base is sturdy enough for general use, I’ve observed that it lacks the sheer robustness of a full metal counterpart, and some users have taken to filling the base with epoxy for added strength. My own experience confirms that the chrome finish on the plastic base is quite good initially, seamlessly blending with the metal components. The benefit of this material choice is undoubtedly the cost savings; it makes a classic-style mirror accessible to a wider audience. However, it’s also where one of the product’s primary disadvantages lies: the included screws, and sometimes even the back of the metal mirror itself, have a tendency to rust quickly, especially when exposed to moisture. I quickly replaced the original screws with stainless steel ones after noticing initial signs of corrosion, a small but worthwhile investment for long-term appearance. For preventing rust on the mirror back, a clear coat application upon purchase could be a simple preventative measure.
Adjustability and Field of View
The mirror offers basic manual adjustability via its ball and socket joint. For the most part, I’ve found it provides a decent field of view, allowing me to see clearly what’s behind me. The round shape inherently offers a slightly different perspective than rectangular mirrors, often providing a broader, albeit more distorted, view. However, it’s important to note the experience shared by some users, including myself, regarding adjustability limitations. On the passenger side, depending on the vehicle’s door angle and the driver’s seating position, angling the mirror inward enough for optimal rear visibility can sometimes be a challenge. I haven’t resorted to modification, but I can see how a minor tweak with a Dremel tool, as some suggested, might improve the range of motion for specific vehicle setups. This slight limitation isn’t a deal-breaker for me, as the primary aim was a period-correct look and basic rear visibility, which it certainly provides. The benefit is that for most common vehicle applications, it offers sufficient adjustment for safe driving.
Overall Durability and Longevity Expectations
Given its “economy” designation, it’s fair to manage expectations regarding long-term durability, especially when considering the reported rust issues and occasional glass detachment. In my experience, the core functionality of the Fit System 1701 has held up well, particularly the arm and the general integrity of the chrome finish on the visible parts, aside from the easily replaceable screws. It’s a product that, with minor proactive measures like using better screws or a clear coat, can offer good service life for its price. The fact that it’s made by Fit System, a brand under K Source, which has a long history in automotive mirrors, lends some confidence in its fundamental design and manufacturing process, even for their more budget-friendly lines. While a couple of accounts of glass detaching are concerning, they seem to be outliers rather than widespread issues, and I haven’t personally encountered this with my units.
What Others Are Saying: Real-World Experiences
Having extensively scoured various online forums and marketplaces, it’s evident that the Fit System 1701 generally garners positive feedback from users. Many appreciate its ease of installation, often noting how quickly they could mount them, sometimes requiring just a few drilled holes. Owners of classic cars, including vintage Ford Fairlanes and various Miata models, frequently praise how original and authentic these mirrors look on their vehicles, a huge win for aesthetic accuracy. The consensus is that for its affordable price, the build quality is surprisingly good, and the mirrors effectively provide the necessary rear view. While some users highlighted the quick rusting of the included screws and occasional rust spots appearing on the mirror backs over time, these were often seen as minor inconveniences easily remedied by swapping out hardware or applying a protective coating. A few individuals mentioned slight issues with full adjustability on specific vehicle types, but overall, the sentiment remains that these mirrors offer excellent value for anyone seeking a classic look without a hefty investment.
Final Thoughts: Is the Fit System 1701 the Right Choice for You?
The critical problem this universal mirror solves is the lack of proper, period-correct rear visibility for classic and custom vehicles. Without functional mirrors, drivers face dangerous blind spots, increased risk of accidents, and potential legal issues. It’s a safety component that simply cannot be overlooked. The Fit System 1701 Driver/Passenger Side Replacement Economy Classic Round Universal Mirror is an excellent fit to address this challenge for several compelling reasons: its highly attractive price point makes it accessible for any budget; its classic, chrome-plated round design perfectly complements vintage aesthetics; and despite minor potential longevity issues with hardware, it provides reliable and sufficient rear visibility for daily driving. If you’re restoring a classic or need an affordable, stylish replacement that gets the job done without fuss, this mirror is a fantastic option. Click here to check it out and bring that essential visibility and classic charm back to your ride.
Last update on 2025-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API