I used a VW Beetle from around 1970, a lot smaller than the stock one. You need to take your mirror and stalk off, pull the stalk, then do the same to the VW mirror and install the Lotus stalk into the VW mirror.

 

Just went through this same dilemma as my OEM mirror was crazy loose and would move around on its own.

Went with this option:

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

Just went through this same dilemma as my OEM mirror was crazy loose and would move around on its own.

Went with this option:

Pardon Our Interruption...

View attachment 1286462

This IS the VW mirror. The seller is just putting the VW mirror on an Elise stalk and adding about $40.

Way Smaller Rearview Mirror - $30 mod!

Sick of the full sized truck rearview mirror in your Lotus? Want one that's >30% smaller for $30? It just so happens that a 1968-1975 Volkswagen type one (beetle) rearview mirror like this one on eBay fits right on the Lotus mount, so it's smaller, but uses the exact same positioning as...

www.lotustalk.com

 

Good business model

It's a good thing they aren't in stock, otherwise I probably would have accidently ordered one already.

 

My windshield was replaced and added UV film as well. Picked up a small suction cup mirror from Amazon instead of installing one with a bracket again

 

So this is a topic I can contribute to. I bought my Elise last September, and have been dealing with the massive rear view mirror that slowly angles itself downward as I drive over bumps. Absent the micro mirror in stock, I looked for other solutions. I started by reading every lotustalk thread on rear view mirrors I could find.

I tried this mirror from the local autozone but it just felt too cheap (3 out of 5 starts is about right) and at 8 inches was still too big.

@Chococar had an elegant solution here but it requires a custom part and I don't have ready access to someone to produce that. But I liked that mirror that he got here.

I ended up going with this (very similar) Speedmaster mirror, from Summit Racing for $40: Speedmaster PCE419-1002

I like the aluminum look, and it has a short arm (similar to chococar's custom piece) that pivots at both the window and mirror that makes it highly adjustable.

It just arrived the other day, I haven't installed yet but will post a picture this weekend. I read the threads about removing the OEM mirror and started looking at the mount carefully, wondering if I could avoid breaking my windshield -- and it just popped off into my hand, little metal button and all. I guess I was one of the lucky ones. I have some permatex 81840 "extreme" rear view mirror adhesive for the metal button that came with the new mirror, and then the new base attaches to that with a little set screw.

Enjoy...

 

Can't really tell from the Speedmaster link above but it doesn't appear to have a dimmer lever? IMO, that should be a requirement given the low ride height and almost any following vehicle at night... I do kinda like the raw metal though. Does it match the exposed aluminum in the cabin?

 

Good point about the dimmer lever, it does not have that. My Elise has upgraded headlights but I feel the lighting it still not great, and with all the deer where I live, I don't drive after dark enough that it's a problem for me. But it should be a consideration for others. The aluminum has a bit more polish on it than the rest of the car. I'll post some better pictures soon.

 

That one from @Chococar looks exactly like the one I have now (I bought my car secondhand, so I don't know for sure). It's just great as far as aesthetic goes, but some of the joints are extremely loose. I constantly have to readjust it to see behind me. Now, that is a positive at night as I simply don't see the headlights behind me / no need for a dimmer feature

At present, it sounds like the VW approach is probably going to be my best bet. Thanks all!

 

Here are some close ups of the Speedmaster mirror. It has a bit more front bezel than the one @Chococar used.

 

On the Speedmaster site they currently have an 18% off promotion:

Ball Milled Billet Aluminum 5 1/2" Rear View Mirror

SpecsBrand:PCEPart Number:PCE419.1002Part Type: Rear View MirrorsMirror Adjustment:ManualMirror Shape:RectangularHousing Material:Billet aluminumHousing Finish:PolishedQuantity:Sold individually.Notes:Mirror is ball-milled and 5 1/2 in. long.

speedmaster79.com

It also says it uses "glare-reducing glass" (whatever that means).

 

I've removed my rearview mirror from all my small fun cars. They always just seem to get in the way and with a small car the side views mirrors always do a good enough job. Then if you NEED one for inspections get one that uses a suction cup and throw it up there.

 

I tried that option, but I'm so conditioned to having a rear view mirror that I find it disconcerting to drive without one

Although I'm reminded of a scene from the fun 1976 movie The Gumball Rally:

 

However the previous owner decided to install my micromirror and the condition of the glass around it makes me pretty much afraid to touch that thing. Don't want to be replacing a windshield yet

 

I've been lately considering replacing my mirror with a combined drive cam/backup cam unit. Amazon has many models, a couple of which are as small as 7 inches...or an inch smaller than whatever aftermarket mirror I put in. (It was long enough ago that I don't remember. RLS maybe? Not a Micromirror for sure.)

 

Make sure you read through the original mirror thread if you are considering using the stock post and ball joint so you know what to look for in the replacement mirror.

 

I have one of these rear view mirror from the beetle if anyone wants it for a small sum, sadly doesnt fit my car. Stalk has already been removed so its easy, plug and play.