328: Inexpensive right-side mirror fix: | FerrariChat
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328: Inexpensive right-side mirror fix:

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Gatorrari, May 29, 2004.

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  1. Gatorrari

    Gatorrari F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 27, 2004
    16,506
    Georgia
    Full Name:
    Jim Pernikoff
    #1 Gatorrari, May 29, 2004
    When I got my 328, probably the biggest annoyance was the ridiculous right-side mirror with its normal (as opposed to wide-angle) glass. Its field of vision was so limited it was essentially useless.

    I just completed a simple fix that cost all of......$25!

    I went to an auto parts store and bought a replacement piece of wide-angle glass intended for a right-side mirror. These were all pre-cut for particular vehicles, but, naturally, they didn't have one sized for Ferrari. So I bought a bigger piece intended for Ford SUVs and vans. Cost: $15.

    I traced the shape of the 328's mirror on a piece of vellum (tracing paper) and cut it out to make sure it matched the actual shape of the mirror glass. I got it right on the first try, or otherwise I would have repeated the procedure until it looked fine.

    I taped this piece of vellum to the large replacement mirror and took it to a local glass store, where they cut it to shape; not quite perfect, but close enough. Cost: $10.

    Then I attached the trimmed mirror glass to the original mirror with the double-sided tape that came with the replacement. Although the replacement had a bit of curvature, the tape is still holding it onto the original. You have to look real close to see that the mirror is not stock.

    Then I took the car for a test drive. 1000% better! Now I can switch lanes to the right without holding my breath.
     
  2. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 26, 2001
    33,397
    E ' ' '/ F
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    Enzo Gorlomi
    #2 GrigioGuy, May 30, 2004
    Hmmm.

    Ok, that's a cost-effective way to put a convex mirror there, but it's really not needed.

    The stock mirrors can be adjusted to almost completely eliminate blind spots. It's just that the right side mirror is going to be canted further outside than you expect, and you won't see the side of your car in it.

    Properly adjusted, you should be able to have someone walk behind your car, and they'll disappear from the driver side mirror just as they appear in the rear one, then just as they leave the rear one they'll show up in the passenger side.

    It's very different than other cars, but it works well once you're used to it.
     
  3. jlmainusa

    jlmainusa Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    20
    Mendham, NJ USA
    Full Name:
    Jeremy Condie
    #3 jlmainusa, Jun 1, 2004
    Great idea. Can you post some pics. I might copy. Thks
     
  4. wolftalk

    wolftalk Formula Junior

    Jan 27, 2004
    367
    san franciso area
    Full Name:
    phil
    #4 wolftalk, Jun 3, 2004
    the other small problem is the original mirrors are made by vitaloni, and they used a blue tinting. if you replace one, you may need to replace both if you care whether the mirror glass looks different.

    another solution is to go significantly faster than everything else around you :)
     
  5. Lawrence Coppari

    Lawrence Coppari Formula 3

    Apr 29, 2002
    2,192
    Kingsport, TN
    Full Name:
    Lawrence A. Coppari
    #5 Lawrence Coppari, Jun 3, 2004
    Agree with Tillman. If your mirrors are adjusted properly, there is no blind spot. The adjustment is easy at stoplight when you're in a center lane with cars all around you - to the right and left - with everyone stationary.
     

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