Retromod Power Fender Mirrors

My project is a set of powered vehicle fender mirrors, designed with inspiration from the sleek, classic aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s. These decades were known for their distinct automotive styling, where form and function blended seamlessly into striking designs. I want to capture that same essence while integrating modern functionality through powered adjustability.

My vision was to create mirrors that hold the charm of vintage bullet-style fender mirrors, commonly found on classic European and Japanese sports cars. These mirrors, characterized by their rounded, streamlined housings and round glass lenses, contributed to the unmistakable look of cars from that era. Unlike modern side mirrors mounted on doors, fender mirrors provide a unique aesthetic and a different viewing angle, often improving visibility by reducing blind spots.

Rather than simply replicating these retro designs, I incorporated an organic flow in the structure—one where the mirror assembly appears to emerge seamlessly from the vehicle’s hood, forming a continuous, elegant curve into the mirror housing. This integration will give the mirrors a more intentional, sculpted look rather than appearing as a tacked-on accessory for my retromodded 1982 Datsun 280zx.

My design process started by taking side profile images of the vehicle I intended the mirrors to go on. I edited the background from the image and placed the vehicle on a blank white canvas to sketch on. I often find my greatest success when I can design within a greater context of the aesthetic. I created and iterated several profiles that matched my internal vision and consolidated the ideas that I liked most.

I felt very torn between two designs, one which more gradually arises from the hood with no frontal overhangs, and one that better pays homage to the fender mirror styling. To resolve this, I chose to take another side profile image of the car with greater context for the vehicle’s lines. My resolution was to pursue the former.

While working on modeling a mirror in SolidWorks, I encountered a significant challenge: sizing the housing to fit the mirror glass appropriately. Initially, I was hesitant about using a 4″ mirror, considering it too small for safety based on my experience with fixed mirrors. The recycled mirrors I found were primarily 4″ acrylic, which easily scratches—particularly problematic for removing ice. Thus, I decided to order a 5″ mirror and proceeded to model the housing in CAD. To visualize the fit, I edited the model onto an image of my car, using the current mirror for scale. The result seemed slightly large but acceptable. However, when I printed the prototype and tested it on the car, its size was comically large. Laughing at the mismatch, I resigned myself to using the 4-inch mirror, rationalizing that making it power adjustable and positioning it closer to the driver could compensate for its smaller size.

The mirror’s design prioritizes printability. It includes mounting posts for attaching a recycled power mirror regulator assembly and features a cable pass-through that integrates seamlessly with the assembly. The assembly itself is securely attached to the fender with a bolt hidden in the base, while the housing pivots on the base, secured by a concealed fastener.

The final print came out rather well. There are still strongly visible seams that I wish I could have made more inconspicuous. I am however overjoyed with the final shape and styling of the mirror. My aesthetic goals have been met and exceeded as these mirrors stand as a massive improvement of my current fixtures.

Considering my functional goal, I also could not be happier. I will finally be able to remotely control my fender mirrors from the comfort and convenience of the driver’s seat. They are capable of pivoting such that one design will be applicable to both sides of the vehicle, the original mounting solution is maintained such that I will not needlessly drill more holes in my car, and my safety will be preserved with the precise adjustability of the lenses.

Next for the fender mirrors is mounting them to my car and consolidating the electronics I used in development into a clean user interface. I think that there is opportunity for these mirrors to be used by others, there is a large following in this aesthetic, and I really believe that this design will make a big impact.