"I'm always right", or "Anyone find a smaller rearview mirror?"

I'm only 5'6", but I still sit too high to see around the darned mirror without scrunching down. In my case, when I had the windshield replaced they also had to replace the rear view mirror, because the mirror base attached to the new glass was a different shape than the old base. I didn't get a chance to compare the height of the old and new bases on the glass, but I did get to compare the old and new mirrors. The new mirror has a longer support piece, making it sit lower. Not a good deal. What can be done about it? I don't know.

 

I too have to adjust my position to see the road during right turns in my F355. I am 6' and thought there had to be others that had this situation. I think a smaller mirror should be doable.

 

I had the same exact problem (I'm 6' tall) - after nearly getting hit at a 4-way stop (failed to see the car on my right) I figured safety was more important than keeping the mirror original. I purchased a smaller mirror from Kragen and mounted it as high up on the windshield as it would go and still provide good rearward visibility. An easy and inexpensive fix; about $25 and 30 minutes to remove the old mirror and install the new one. Just be careful removing the old mirror (I used a mild solvent and a trim removal tool) and make sure the glass is clean before using the bonding agent to install the new mirror.

Edit: I also used some Loctite on the set screw for the new mirror; the suspension on these cars is stiff enough that it would work loose after a while from vibrations.

 

Curiosity sets in......... post a pic when you have a chance .

 

That would make a good 348 Brotherhood "how to" (i.e. correct solvent to use, apply or don't apply pressure, etc.).



By the by: couldn't the stalk from the windshield to the mirror be shortened or angled differently to solve the same problem?

 

When I get home from work, I will take a look to see what can be done from my perspective

 

You work?

 

The rear view mirror twists off, anti-clockwise, less than 1/4 turn. The base stays attached to the windshield glass (hopefully) if it was glued on correctly.

 

My thoughts, exactly!......I think he is just saying that to make us feel better..lol

 

Had the same issue when I went to SanFan to pick up the car last year, completely removed it, mount and all, about 30 minutes after I took delivery. The side views are so good you can see behind you and blind spots fine.

Gumball Rally 1976 "whatsa behind me... is not important"

 

Kragen's finest:
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I bought a mirror from Kragen (I picked one that was thinner than the original); used Goof-Off (the solvent a lot of guys on here use for the sticky parts cleaning) and a trim removal tool to gently pry off the original mirror. I pryed at the original mirror with the trim removal tool as I worked Goof-Off into the back of the OEM mounting plate. As wingfeather found out a good yank removes it. Then I cleaned the area with an alcohol wipe to remove any remaining residue. For the life of me I can't recall what bonding agent I used, it is the stuff they sell at Kragen right next to the mirrors. I also removed those annoying seatbelt turds (not sure of the technical term) in the headliner that are supposed to hold the belts up when you enter/exit the vehicle. That allowed me to place the mirror quite a ways up the windshield. The most important thing to have on hand is a six-pack of beer to calm your nerves so you don't think about how much it will cost to replace the windshield if you muck it up...

 

That's a great mod. Outstanding. It's bound to improve visibility for drive-ability and safety.

 

Thanks, and yes, visibility improved dramatically for my height and driving position. Wingfeather, I'm not sure what you can do about the dome light; although any mirror that is smaller that can be mounted up a little higher in the windshield will make an improvement in forward visibility.

 

I was lucky, mine fell off one day. I almost chucked it out the window but decided to keep it on a shelf instead.

As I recall, California only requires two mirrors. So two outside mirrors keep you legal.

 

Hey hey hey . I just work in an unconventional way