There was a time when my classic Ford Bronco felt like an extension of myself, but as the years rolled on, some of its critical components began showing their age. Specifically, the side mirrors had seen better days, becoming cracked and losing their reflective quality, severely hindering my rear visibility. This wasn’t just an aesthetic issue; it was a significant safety concern. Driving without clear, reliable side mirrors on busy roads or when backing up is incredibly risky, leading to blind spots that could easily result in an accident. Solving this problem wasn’t just about restoring my truck’s original look; it was about ensuring safe operation for myself and others on the road.
When you’re looking to replace an essential component like your vehicle’s side mirrors, it’s usually because the original ones are damaged, missing, or simply worn out, compromising your ability to drive safely and confidently. Side mirrors are crucial for spatial awareness, allowing you to monitor traffic, change lanes, and park effectively, all while minimizing dangerous blind spots. Therefore, investing in a quality replacement is paramount.
The ideal candidate for a replacement mirror set is someone who prioritizes safety, seeks an OE-style fit without the dealership price tag, and isn’t afraid of a bit of DIY installation, or has access to a trusted mechanic. This specific TRQ mirror set, designed for the 1987-1991 Ford Bronco and F-150, targets owners of these classic trucks who want to restore their vehicle’s original functionality and appearance.
Conversely, if you own a vehicle outside this specific make, model, and year range, this particular mirror kit is not for you. Attempting to force a fit could lead to frustration, damage to your vehicle, or an insecure installation. Similarly, if you’re expecting mirrors with advanced features like heating, power adjustment, or integrated turn signals, these manual, flat-lens TRQ mirrors will not meet those needs. For such requirements, you would need to seek out higher-end aftermarket or OEM-specific alternatives tailored to your vehicle’s existing mirror features. Always double-check compatibility against your vehicle’s exact specifications, including trim level, before making a purchase.
Before committing to any purchase, consider the following:
* Vehicle Compatibility: Is it a direct fit for your specific year, make, and model? Even a year or trim difference can mean incompatible mounting points.
* Mirror Type: Are you looking for manual, power, heated, or signal-integrated mirrors? Ensure the replacement matches your existing setup or desired upgrade.
* Lens Quality and Curvature: Does the lens provide adequate field of view? Is the passenger side lens a “objects are closer than they appear” type or flat? This impacts safety.
* Material Quality: Are the housing and mounting components robust enough to withstand daily driving conditions and environmental exposure?
* Installation Difficulty: Will it require specialized tools or significant mechanical expertise? Look for direct-fit, bolt-on solutions for easier installation.
* Brand Reputation: Is the manufacturer known for producing reliable aftermarket parts?
Introducing the Product
The TRQ Driver & Passenger Side Mirror Set is a direct-fit, OE replacement kit specifically designed to revitalize the look and functionality of 1987-1991 Ford Bronco and F-150 trucks. This set promises to restore clear rearward visibility with a classic chrome housing, offering a direct bolt-on solution that mirrors the original equipment’s form and fit. When you purchase this TRQ mirror set, you receive a complete package: both a driver’s side mirror and a passenger’s side mirror, along with the necessary mounting hardware and gaskets, ensuring you have everything needed for a comprehensive replacement.
Compared to original Ford OEM parts from the late 80s/early 90s, these TRQ mirrors offer a significantly more accessible and budget-friendly alternative. While original parts might offer a slightly more robust build in some aspects, TRQ aims for a comparable fit and finish at a fraction of the cost, making them an attractive option for classic truck restoration or repair. They are an ideal choice for owners of the specified Bronco and F-150 models who need a reliable, visually accurate replacement without breaking the bank. They are not suited for those seeking mirrors with modern features like power adjustment or integrated turn signals, or for vehicles outside the specified compatibility.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Direct-fit OE replacement for 1987-1991 Ford Bronco and F-150.
* Comes as a complete set (driver and passenger side).
* Attractive chrome housing matches classic aesthetic.
* Includes mounting hardware and gaskets for a complete install.
* Foldable design offers practical clearance in tight spots.
Cons:
* Lacks the “objects in mirror are closer than they appear” feature on the passenger side (flat lens).
* Some users report potential fitment issues with specific models within the stated range.
* Quality of some minor components (e.g., screws, internal brackets) could be improved.
* May require slight bending or specific installation sequence for proper alignment.
* Concerns about potential shaking at highway speeds for some older truck applications.
Unpacking Features and Their Benefits
Having spent a considerable amount of time with the TRQ Driver & Passenger Side Mirror Set, I can delve into the specific features that make it a compelling choice for vintage Ford truck owners, alongside some of the areas where it could see improvement.
Direct OE Replacement and Vehicle Specific Design
The primary promise of this TRQ mirror set is its claim as a direct OE replacement, meticulously designed for the 1987-1991 Ford Bronco and F-150. This means the mounting points, overall dimensions, and aesthetic profile are intended to seamlessly match the original factory mirrors. In practice, this generally holds true. The mirrors arrive ready to install on your truck’s door mounts, eliminating the need for complex modifications or custom brackets.
Benefit: For owners of these classic trucks, finding parts that fit perfectly without extensive fabrication can be a challenge. A direct OE replacement simplifies the repair process significantly, allowing for a quicker, more straightforward installation. This saves valuable time and potential labor costs if you’re doing the work yourself, or ensures your mechanic can get the job done efficiently. It also means the aesthetics of your truck remain consistent with its original design, which is important for maintaining its vintage appeal. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that despite the “direct fit” claim, some individual vehicle variations or previous repairs might necessitate minor adjustments, as noted in user experiences. This highlights the importance of checking fitment information carefully.
Complete Set Inclusion: Driver and Passenger Side Mirrors
Unlike some aftermarket offerings that sell individual mirrors, the TRQ set provides both the driver and passenger side mirrors in one package. This comprehensive approach ensures symmetrical appearance and consistent functionality across both sides of the vehicle. The kit includes the mirror assemblies themselves, along with inner supports, lower covers, gaskets, and all necessary mounting hardware.
Benefit: Receiving a complete kit is incredibly convenient. You don’t have to source individual components or worry about mismatched parts. This integrated solution streamlines the replacement process, ensuring you have everything you need right out of the box. For someone dealing with a broken or missing mirror on either side, this means a single purchase can resolve the entire issue, restoring full visibility and balance to the vehicle’s exterior. The inclusion of gaskets is a small but valuable detail, as original gaskets often degrade over time, and new ones help prevent water intrusion and provide a secure, vibration-free mount.
Elegant Chrome Housing
The chrome finish on these TRQ mirrors is a standout feature, particularly for vehicles from this era. Many 80s and early 90s trucks featured chrome accents, and these mirrors complement that aesthetic perfectly. The chrome housing provides a bright, reflective sheen that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of a classic Bronco or F-150, making it look well-maintained and cared for.
Benefit: Beyond just looking good, the chrome housing adds a layer of durability and resistance to the elements. Chrome is known for its corrosion resistance, which is vital for exterior automotive parts exposed to rain, road salt, and UV rays. This means the mirrors are not only designed to look great but also to withstand the rigors of daily driving and maintain their luster over time, contributing to the longevity of the product and the preserved appearance of your truck.
Foldable Feature
A practical design element of the TRQ mirrors is their foldable capability. This allows the mirror assembly to be manually folded inwards towards the vehicle body. This seemingly simple feature is often overlooked but provides significant utility in various situations.
Benefit: The ability to fold your side mirrors is incredibly useful when navigating tight spaces, such as narrow driveways, crowded parking lots, or automated car washes. It helps prevent accidental damage from brushes with walls, other vehicles, or even pedestrians. Furthermore, for those who occasionally venture off-road or into dense brush, folding the mirrors can protect them from being snagged or broken. It’s a subtle nod to practicality that adds a layer of convenience and protection for your investment and your vehicle.
Flat Lens Curvature
The TRQ mirror set utilizes flat lenses for both the driver and passenger side mirrors. While the driver’s side typically features a flat lens, many modern (and even period OEM) passenger side mirrors often use a convex (curved) lens with a “objects in mirror are closer than they appear” warning. This design provides a wider field of view, helping to mitigate blind spots.
Consideration/Drawback: The use of a flat lens on the passenger side can be a significant disadvantage. A flat lens offers a 1:1 view, which means you see objects at their actual distance. While accurate, this limits the field of vision compared to a convex mirror, potentially increasing the size of your blind spot on the passenger side. For a larger vehicle like a Ford Bronco or F-150, this reduced peripheral vision can be a safety concern, making lane changes and parallel parking more challenging. It requires drivers to be extra diligent with head checks to compensate for the narrower view. This is a compromise often made with aftermarket OE-style replacements to keep costs down, but it’s an important factor to be aware of for safety-conscious drivers.
Installation Experience and Quality Control
While the TRQ mirrors are designed for direct fitment, the installation process can sometimes present minor challenges. Some users have found that the mounting bracket might need a slight downward bend to ensure the top bolts align perfectly, or that following a specific bolt sequence (bottom bolts first, then top) ensures the mirrors sit straight rather than angling downwards. This suggests that while the fit is generally good, minor manufacturing tolerances might require a bit of finesse during installation. Additionally, a few reports indicate that the quality of some smaller components, like the internal support structure or certain screws, could be improved, with instances of supports snapping or mirrors arriving with minor cosmetic imperfections.
Benefit/Drawback Balance: The ease of installation is largely positive, given that it’s a direct bolt-on. The need for minor adjustments isn’t uncommon in aftermarket parts and is generally manageable for someone with basic mechanical aptitude. However, concerns about component quality and potential fitment inconsistencies within the listed vehicle range (specifically, one user mentioning it did not fit their 1990 Bronco as advertised) are worth noting. While many will find these TRQ mirrors to be a straightforward upgrade, potential buyers should be prepared for the possibility of minor adjustments during mounting and closely inspect the product upon arrival. The positive aspect is that when properly installed, the mirrors offer a stable view, and their foldable nature is a definite plus.
User Testimonials
After sifting through various online comments from individuals who’ve installed these TRQ side mirrors, a recurring theme of general satisfaction with a few key considerations emerges. Many users praised the overall quality and the completeness of the kit, appreciating that everything needed for installation was included. Several pointed out helpful tips for achieving a perfect fit, such as the best sequence for tightening bolts and the occasional need for a slight bracket adjustment to ensure the mirror sits perfectly straight. While the majority found the mirrors to be a good value replacement, some noted that the passenger side’s flat lens, lacking the “objects are closer” warning, was a drawback for safety. A small number of reviewers encountered specific fitment challenges for their stated vehicle year or expressed minor concerns about the long-term durability of certain materials.
Concluding Thoughts
Dealing with damaged or missing side mirrors on your vehicle isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious safety hazard. Compromised visibility significantly increases the risk of accidents, making essential maneuvers like changing lanes or backing up far more perilous. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial for your peace of mind and the safety of everyone on the road.
The TRQ Driver & Passenger Side Mirror Set offers a compelling solution for owners of 1987-1991 Ford Bronco and F-150 models. First, its design as a direct OE replacement simplifies the installation process, aiming to provide a seamless fit that restores your truck’s original appearance. Second, the inclusion of both driver and passenger mirrors, along with all mounting hardware, means you get a complete, ready-to-install package. Finally, the classic chrome housing not only enhances the vintage aesthetic of your truck but also offers durability against the elements. If you’re looking to restore full visibility and style to your classic Ford truck without the OEM price tag, this set is certainly worth considering. Click here to check the product out and see if it’s the right fit for your needs.