For Sale: Smaller rear view mirror kits - Page 2 - LotusTalk

GaryD · 10-23-2006, 07:58 PM

OK - I went to work and back today. The autozone mirror is great - much better than the OEM. The scale of it is much more in keeping with the car. I am going to file down the adapter part a bit (referred to above). The mirror did not fall off in a 100 miles of driving but I know it would be a bit more secure if I were able to tighten it down better. The view is great and steady - and you get stereoscopic vision - not like the confusing image I got when looking in a micro mirror.

So a great mod - I recommend it. Anyone else find an 8" mirror without the double joint and extension arm be sure to post because I would like to try and get one that sits further back to the windshield than the Autozone does.

Dark_helmet · 10-23-2006, 09:20 PM

I really would like this but I'm just not sure if the double joint would make it closer to me than I would like.

khamai · 10-23-2006, 09:46 PM

Huge thanks to Dan!

I mounted mine yesterday. It works perfectly. Absolutely no issues for me being closer. The view out the rear is near perfect, but looking over the front right fender is SO much easier/better!

Cheers,
Kiyoshi

JWA · 10-23-2006, 10:04 PM

Don't forget that Dan can make his adapter work for any mirror that you find. You send him the lug that comes with the mirror and he'll send you back a functional adapter.

GaryD · 10-24-2006, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_helmet

I really would like this but I'm just not sure if the double joint would make it closer to me than I would like.

I don't think so. When I first put mine in the car I thought it appeared too close but once I drove with it I realized its fine. The mirror is inexpensive and its a much better solution than keeping ths stock - so my thinking was put it in - and then, if there is a better one out there (meaning one without the double joint), replace it later.

ChrisB · 10-24-2006, 10:04 AM

The problem with a mirror without the double joint is that it will be somewhat lower. More than the smaller size, the major benefit I get from this kit is a far better line of sight under the mirror. Before, when I came to an intersection, I had to duck and look under the mirror to see if there were pedestrians about to enter the crosswalk. Now I can easily see them without moving my head.

def · 10-24-2006, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khamai

I mounted mine yesterday. It works perfectly. Absolutely no issues for me being closer. The view out the rear is near perfect, but looking over the front right fender is SO much easier/better!

Next time I see you, I'd like to check yours out! I'm rather tall and worried about the view out the back with the raised/closer mirror

tesprit · 10-24-2006, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_helmet

I really would like this but I'm just not sure if the double joint would make it closer to me than I would like.

If you are in doubt as to whether you will like the mirror or not, here is what you need to do. Go to your local AutoZone parts store and purchase the CIPA #31000 mirror. Remove your existing mirror and have an assistant sitting in the passenger seat hold the CIPA mirror with its mounting lug still attached to the base onto your windshield mount. This will put the mirror base in the exact same spot as the adapter will. You sit in the driver's seat and while he/she holds the mirror in place you play around with the adjustment. If it works for you just order the adapter from me and if it doesn't work take the mirror back to AutoZone and get your money back.

def · 11-01-2006, 11:18 AM

I checked out Kiyoshi's this past weeekend - looks great! I sent the payment via paypal

Kevin

ChrisH · 11-01-2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tesprit

If you are in doubt as to whether you will like the mirror or not, here is what you need to do. Go to your local AutoZone parts store and purchase the CIPA #31000 mirror. Remove your existing mirror and have an assistant sitting in the passenger seat hold the CIPA mirror with its mounting lug still attached to the base onto your windshield mount. This will put the mirror base in the exact same spot as the adapter will. You sit in the driver's seat and while he/she holds the mirror in place you play around with the adjustment. If it works for you just order the adapter from me and if it doesn't work take the mirror back to AutoZone and get your money back.

Or, just make a paper cutout sized to the replacement mirror (that is, there is a hole in the paper the size and shape of the new mirror), and tape it over the stock mirror. You can then figure out if you can live with the rear visibility. (Of course, this method doesn't help you figure out the forward visibility improvement.)

ChrisB · 11-01-2006, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisH

Or, just make a paper cutout sized to the replacement mirror (that is, there is a hole in the paper the size and shape of the new mirror), and tape it over the stock mirror. You can then figure out if you can live with the rear visibility. (Of course, this method doesn't help you figure out the forward visibility improvement.)

It also doesn't take into account the different position of the new mirror which stands off the windshield much further than the OEM mirror and can be positioned a fair amount higher than the OEM mirror. Those two factors have as much effect on the outcome as the size difference...maybe more.

The new mirror has more than enough rear visibility. Positioned on the end of the double-jointed arm, it could be at least another inch narrower (width) and a half inch less height.

For me the biggest benefit was one I wasn't expecting...raising the line of sight limit. I can see much more under the new mirror than I could before...somewhat like the effect you get from removing the sun visors, only it allows me to see pedestrians rather than traffic lights.

tesprit · 11-18-2006, 08:16 AM

I am just checking to see if anyone else out there is interested in a mirror kit or an adapter alone. I have not sold any in the last week, so if there is no further interest I will pull the plug on getting more parts made. For those of you that have already purchased kits and adapters, I will always be able to supply you with replacement parts if needed and I will just make them by hand on my personal shop tools on an as needed basis. For everyone else, PM me if you want a mirrror or adapter kit and I want to thank everyone who purchased one of my kits/adapters and I hope you enjoy them for years to come.

Dan

ewalberg · 11-20-2006, 05:45 PM

Yeah, i'll take it. One thing that occured to me is that the closer it is to your head (well, closer to the rear window anyway), the greater the viewing angle out the back... which could mean any loss due to it's being elevated might be made up for by it's being more proximal to back of the car. Plus everyone likes it and the stock mirror is a bit silly.

... time passes...

I got the complete package, installed it. I Like it. Definetely improved forward view, and you can adjust the elevation of the mirror up and down to your preference since it's on a double ball socket. Before i got this i almost drove into a big Volvo to my right which had right of way at a 4-way stop because i couldn't see the stupid thing behind the stock mirror. Ive got it all the way up against the top of the windshield cross pillar (soft top) and i have no issue with the rear view. WIth the mirror shifted all the way up you can't see quite as far up into the sky out the rear view but maybe slightly lower farther down behind the rear deck. Frankly it's irrelevant because cars sit on the ground so the only thing you wouldn't be able to see is a hover craft that's 6' off the ground and tail gating you. Point being anything behind you that is tall enough to extend above the rear deck will be seen... which is every car on the road.

No news is good news. I didn't notice the mirror was installed acccept that i was no longer cocking my head all the time to see around the stock mirror.

tesprit · 02-13-2007, 04:32 PM

I just wanted to let everyone know I still have adapters and combo mirror kits for sale. I am making up the parts for the adapters and kits on an as needed basis at this time and the prices are still the same as listed at the beginning of this thread. For those who have already purchased kits or adapters, I will always be able to supply replacement parts if you need them. Just PM me if you need anything. Thanks!!

TheViper · 02-13-2007, 04:59 PM

Just wanted everyone to know that I recently obtained Dan's mirror adapter and the much smaller mirror and it works great. I recommend this upgrade without reservation. Thank you Dan.

climb4fun · 02-13-2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

Just wanted everyone to know that I recently obtained Dan's mirror adapter and the much smaller mirror and it works great. I recommend this upgrade without reservation. Thank you Dan.

Any pics of your new mirror? and cost?

TheViper · 02-14-2007, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by climb4fun

Any pics of your new mirror? and cost?

Look at near the begining of this thread and you will see photos of the adapter mount and comparison of mirror size.

def · 02-14-2007, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

Just wanted everyone to know that I recently obtained Dan's mirror adapter and the much smaller mirror and it works great. I recommend this upgrade without reservation. Thank you Dan.

+1!

abearman · 02-21-2007, 09:15 PM

this is too good to be true...

dukenyc · 05-17-2007, 07:08 AM

Anyone have a link to the nickel technique used in removing the stock mirror?

thanks.

10-23-2006, 09:20 PM	#22 (permalink)
Dark_helmet Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 209	I really would like this but I'm just not sure if the double joint would make it closer to me than I would like. __________________ 2006 CO, Sport pack, Touring pack, LSD/TC, Hardtop, Starshield

10-23-2006, 09:46 PM	#23 (permalink)
khamai --Moderator-- Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 3,196	Huge thanks to Dan! I mounted mine yesterday. It works perfectly. Absolutely no issues for me being closer. The view out the rear is near perfect, but looking over the front right fender is SO much easier/better! Cheers, Kiyoshi __________________ life is better behind the wheel of a Lotus...

11-01-2006, 11:18 AM	#29 (permalink)
def ...ault Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,085	I checked out Kiyoshi's this past weeekend - looks great! I sent the payment via paypal Kevin __________________ //kevin 05 Graphite Gray - Red Touring / LSS / Starshield / Stage 2 + more

11-18-2006, 08:16 AM	#32 (permalink)
tesprit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 1,264	Any more interest out there? I am just checking to see if anyone else out there is interested in a mirror kit or an adapter alone. I have not sold any in the last week, so if there is no further interest I will pull the plug on getting more parts made. For those of you that have already purchased kits and adapters, I will always be able to supply you with replacement parts if needed and I will just make them by hand on my personal shop tools on an as needed basis. For everyone else, PM me if you want a mirrror or adapter kit and I want to thank everyone who purchased one of my kits/adapters and I hope you enjoy them for years to come. Dan

11-20-2006, 05:45 PM	#33 (permalink)
ewalberg Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 487	Yeah, i'll take it. One thing that occured to me is that the closer it is to your head (well, closer to the rear window anyway), the greater the viewing angle out the back... which could mean any loss due to it's being elevated might be made up for by it's being more proximal to back of the car. Plus everyone likes it and the stock mirror is a bit silly. ... time passes... I got the complete package, installed it. I Like it. Definetely improved forward view, and you can adjust the elevation of the mirror up and down to your preference since it's on a double ball socket. Before i got this i almost drove into a big Volvo to my right which had right of way at a 4-way stop because i couldn't see the stupid thing behind the stock mirror. Ive got it all the way up against the top of the windshield cross pillar (soft top) and i have no issue with the rear view. WIth the mirror shifted all the way up you can't see quite as far up into the sky out the rear view but maybe slightly lower farther down behind the rear deck. Frankly it's irrelevant because cars sit on the ground so the only thing you wouldn't be able to see is a hover craft that's 6' off the ground and tail gating you. Point being anything behind you that is tall enough to extend above the rear deck will be seen... which is every car on the road. No news is good news. I didn't notice the mirror was installed acccept that i was no longer cocking my head all the time to see around the stock mirror. Last edited by ewalberg : 12-11-2006 at 10:20 PM.

10-23-2006, 07:58 PM	#21 (permalink)
GaryD Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 466	OK - I went to work and back today. The autozone mirror is great - much better than the OEM. The scale of it is much more in keeping with the car. I am going to file down the adapter part a bit (referred to above). The mirror did not fall off in a 100 miles of driving but I know it would be a bit more secure if I were able to tighten it down better. The view is great and steady - and you get stereoscopic vision - not like the confusing image I got when looking in a micro mirror. So a great mod - I recommend it. Anyone else find an 8" mirror without the double joint and extension arm be sure to post because I would like to try and get one that sits further back to the windshield than the Autozone does.

10-23-2006, 10:04 PM	#24 (permalink)
JWA #33 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 3,284	Don't forget that Dan can make his adapter work for any mirror that you find. You send him the lug that comes with the mirror and he'll send you back a functional adapter.

10-24-2006, 10:04 AM	#26 (permalink)
ChrisB I'm Lovin' It! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 3,748 Images: 1	The problem with a mirror without the double joint is that it will be somewhat lower. More than the smaller size, the major benefit I get from this kit is a far better line of sight under the mirror. Before, when I came to an intersection, I had to duck and look under the mirror to see if there were pedestrians about to enter the crosswalk. Now I can easily see them without moving my head.

02-13-2007, 04:32 PM	#34 (permalink)
tesprit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 1,264	Mirror kits and adapters still available I just wanted to let everyone know I still have adapters and combo mirror kits for sale. I am making up the parts for the adapters and kits on an as needed basis at this time and the prices are still the same as listed at the beginning of this thread. For those who have already purchased kits or adapters, I will always be able to supply replacement parts if you need them. Just PM me if you need anything. Thanks!!

02-13-2007, 04:59 PM	#35 (permalink)
TheViper Ex-Brit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 1,768	Just wanted everyone to know that I recently obtained Dan's mirror adapter and the much smaller mirror and it works great. I recommend this upgrade without reservation. Thank you Dan. __________________ A/C Improvement Modifications http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f3/e...ent-mod-59938/ 1) Insulate the cockpit from Solar (3M Crystalline Tint) & Convected (insulate sills) heat. 2) Replace evaporator thermostat with an upgraded electronic version to prevent freeze up. 3) Increase airflow into cockpit by removing both driver & passenger side footwell intake panels & blocking 2 outside air intakes in nose.

02-21-2007, 09:15 PM	#39 (permalink)
abearman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 45	sold this is too good to be true...

05-17-2007, 07:08 AM	#40 (permalink)
dukenyc Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 236	Anyone have a link to the nickel technique used in removing the stock mirror? thanks.

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