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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Visor mount rearview mirror?
Posted by: ewdysar Jun 20 2011, 11:42 AM
This weekend, I bumped my rearview mirror while cleaning the windshield and the mirror popped right off. This isn't the first time (one drawback to owning the car since 1988, some "only once" repairs are coming around again).
I'd rather switch over to a mirror that comes off of the center visor mount, I believe that Dr Evil and JWest have offered options over the last decade.
Is anyone out there providing bolt-on solutions these days? Are there very clear instructions (including specific donor info) for someone to make their own?
Thanks in advance for any leads on this.
Posted by: Bruce Hinds Jun 20 2011, 12:04 PM
I was going to do that year ago when replacing my windshield but found that my mirror had not been mounted in the center. It's a little to the right of center and gives me a much better view.
If you re-glue it, clean the spot well with alcohol and it should stay on for a long time.
Posted by: sawtooth Jun 20 2011, 12:38 PM
I just installed a converted http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-914-interior-rear-view-mirror-BMW-conversion- _W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4aac153d53QQitemZ320714653011QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTru
ckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_500wt_1182. Looks like mack914-6 is a member here. I'm really happy with it, mounted perfectly and has a nice textured finish on the stem and visor pins. Has a slightly larger mirror area and I think gives overall better visibility. I loved not having to glue the old mirror to my new windshield.
Posted by: DBCooper Jun 20 2011, 06:20 PM
I have one too, good stuff.
Posted by: a914dude Jun 20 2011, 06:46 PM
WINK Mirror...
Posted by: hot_shoe914 Jun 20 2011, 09:38 PM
WINK Mirror...
Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Jun 20 2011, 10:26 PM
I just installed a converted http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-914-interior-rear-view-mirror-BMW-conversion- _W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4aac153d53QQitemZ320714653011QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTru
ckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_500wt_1182. Looks like mack914-6 is a member here. I'm really happy with it, mounted perfectly and has a nice textured finish on the stem and visor pins. Has a slightly larger mirror area and I think gives overall better visibility. I loved not having to glue the old mirror to my new windshield.
IMO, that just worsens the main problem with the stock mirror location. It's even more "mounted too high for effective rear vision".
The Cap'n
Posted by: mack9146 Jun 21 2011, 11:00 AM
I just installed a converted http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-914-interior-rear-view-mirror-BMW-conversion- _W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4aac153d53QQitemZ320714653011QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTru
ckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_500wt_1182. Looks like mack914-6 is a member here. I'm really happy with it, mounted perfectly and has a nice textured finish on the stem and visor pins. Has a slightly larger mirror area and I think gives overall better visibility. I loved not having to glue the old mirror to my new windshield.
IMO, that just worsens the main problem with the stock mirror location. It's even more "mounted too high for effective rear vision".
The Cap'n
The BMW conversion corrects the problem with the factory (window) mounted. If you are a taller driver it actually give you better visibility. You will be pleased with the visor mount location, even looks better.
Mack9146
Posted by: mack9146 Jun 21 2011, 11:02 AM
I just installed a converted http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-914-interior-rear-view-mirror-BMW-conversion- _W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4aac153d53QQitemZ320714653011QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTru
ckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_500wt_1182. Looks like mack914-6 is a member here. I'm really happy with it, mounted perfectly and has a nice textured finish on the stem and visor pins. Has a slightly larger mirror area and I think gives overall better visibility. I loved not having to glue the old mirror to my new windshield.
Sawtooth,
Thanks again for the plug. Glad that it work out for you and that you are pleased with the fit.
Mack
Posted by: r_towle Jun 21 2011, 11:17 AM
Didnt someone find a mirror that had lights in it also....like a dome light?
Rich
Posted by: Rand Jun 21 2011, 11:26 AM
WINK Mirror...
I know those things aren't everyone's cup of tea because of how they look, but they sure are functional. The visibility is amazing, full panorama with no blind spots. After using one, I don't want to be without it.
Posted by: andys Jun 21 2011, 12:07 PM
I know those things aren't everyone's cup of tea because of how they look, but they sure are functional. The visibility is amazing, full panorama with no blind spots. After using one, I don't want to be without it.
Wink is a great product, but that's part of the problem. You get so used to that great rear view that when you drive a car without one, it leaves you feeling a bit hesitant. Wink on a race car is a must-have.
Andys
Posted by: mack9146 Jun 22 2011, 02:47 PM
Didnt someone find a mirror that had lights in it also....like a dome light?
Rich
I have considered doing a conversion on a BMW lighted mirror, but the cores go for $50-$60 and above range, so I stick with the cheaper non-lit mirrors.
I would consider doing a lighted mirror, but would have to charge $100-$125 range for the conversion. If you have the core I would convert for you, but drop me a line.
Mack
Posted by: Bruce Hinds Jun 22 2011, 03:40 PM
The courtesy lights in the mirror would be a nice feature. We have them in our Sebring and the passenger can actually use the light and it doesn't interfear with the driver's vision. The location of the origion is terrible....
Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 22 2011, 04:03 PM
Didnt someone find a mirror that had lights in it also....like a dome light?
Rich
Ya, I have one with two aimable dome lights on the bottom
It is sweet! I am glad that someone else has taken up making and selling these for an appropriate price. They look great and I love the function. 
Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Jun 22 2011, 04:39 PM
I just installed a converted http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-914-interior-rear-view-mirror-BMW-conversion- _W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4aac153d53QQitemZ320714653011QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTru
ckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_500wt_1182. Looks like mack914-6 is a member here. I'm really happy with it, mounted perfectly and has a nice textured finish on the stem and visor pins. Has a slightly larger mirror area and I think gives overall better visibility. I loved not having to glue the old mirror to my new windshield.
IMO, that just worsens the main problem with the stock mirror location. It's even more "mounted too high for effective rear vision".
The Cap'n
The BMW conversion corrects the problem with the factory (window) mounted. If you are a taller driver it actually give you better visibility. You will be pleased with the visor mount location, even looks better.
Mack9146
Interesting. In the past people have had me place the mirror LOWER on the windshield to improve the field of view. Does your conversion raise or lower the installed height?
The Cap'n
Posted by: Bruce Hinds Jun 22 2011, 04:43 PM
Didnt someone find a mirror that had lights in it also....like a dome light?
Rich
Ya, I have one with two aimable dome lights on the bottom
It is sweet! I am glad that someone else has taken up making and selling these for an appropriate price. They look great and I love the function. '02 Crysler Sebring Convertable has a nice one. Two lights right and left or both with the door open and it has the auto dark feature for night. Nice mirror.
Posted by: mack9146 Jun 22 2011, 07:11 PM
I just installed a converted http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-914-interior-rear-view-mirror-BMW-conversion- _W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4aac153d53QQitemZ320714653011QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTru
ckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_500wt_1182. Looks like mack914-6 is a member here. I'm really happy with it, mounted perfectly and has a nice textured finish on the stem and visor pins. Has a slightly larger mirror area and I think gives overall better visibility. I loved not having to glue the old mirror to my new windshield.
IMO, that just worsens the main problem with the stock mirror location. It's even more "mounted too high for effective rear vision".
The Cap'n
The BMW conversion corrects the problem with the factory (window) mounted. If you are a taller driver it actually give you better visibility. You will be pleased with the visor mount location, even looks better.
Mack9146
Interesting. In the past people have had me place the mirror LOWER on the windshield to improve the field of view. Does your conversion raise or lower the installed height?
The Cap'n
Conversion places the mirror where the original visor mount is located, so it is raised compared to the original window mount. For me it improved the visibility from the window mount. I believe it has to do with the height of the driver and for me being taller it improved the visibility.
Mack
Posted by: Bruce Hinds Jun 22 2011, 11:58 PM
This has been interesting to follow since a taller driver says the mount higher helps... I lowered my to help and I'm 6'3"... It may have some to do with suspension set up too and the stance of the car.
Another factor is not only the height, but if the visor mount is closer to the driver, that could make a difference too.
I like the idea of the visor mount mirror, but I made my own visor mount that actually holds my little Escort Radar Detector. Great place for it!
Posted by: 7TPorsh Jun 23 2011, 09:43 AM
Don't forget the visor mount puts the mirror closer to your face so visibility is better. I'm 6'3" and macks mirros are great.
Posted by: mack9146 Jun 23 2011, 03:48 PM
Don't forget the visor mount puts the mirror closer to your face so visibility is better. I'm 6'3" and macks mirros are great.
Thanks for the plug. We all try to improve on our cars. I have made many improvements on my car in the ten years that I have own her, including a 6 conversion. Most of the improvements have been pricey, but the mirror conversion, for the money has been one of the best. So, keep enjoying our cars and keep making improvements.
Thanks again,
Mack
Posted by: mack9146 Jun 24 2011, 07:37 AM
Didnt someone find a mirror that had lights in it also....like a dome light?
Rich
Ya, I have one with two aimable dome lights on the bottom
It is sweet! I am glad that someone else has taken up making and selling these for an appropriate price. They look great and I love the function. Hi Mike,
Got the idea from you. They do look and function better than the original. Mike I have the covered dash board panels from your days in SoCal. One of the many improvements that I made on my 6 conversion. Thanks for the inspiration.
Mack
Posted by: mack9146 Jun 24 2011, 09:11 AM
Hi All,
Couple of pix showing the conversion mirror mounted, with visor up and down.
This will give you an idea of how the installation looks.
Thanks,
Mack
Posted by: r_towle Jun 24 2011, 11:39 AM
Didnt someone find a mirror that had lights in it also....like a dome light?
Rich
I have considered doing a conversion on a BMW lighted mirror, but the cores go for $50-$60 and above range, so I stick with the cheaper non-lit mirrors.
I would consider doing a lighted mirror, but would have to charge $100-$125 range for the conversion. If you have the core I would convert for you, but drop me a line.
Mack
which car/core would I go look for?
Rich
Posted by: 914 shifter Jun 24 2011, 12:03 PM
I know those things aren't everyone's cup of tea because of how they look, but they sure are functional. The visibility is amazing, full panorama with no blind spots. After using one, I don't want to be without it.
Wink is a great product, but that's part of the problem. You get so used to that great rear view that when you drive a car without one, it leaves you feeling a bit hesitant. Wink on a race car is a must-have.
Andys
what size wink do you use ? 29 in.
Posted by: mack9146 Jun 24 2011, 02:40 PM
Didnt someone find a mirror that had lights in it also....like a dome light?
Rich
I have considered doing a conversion on a BMW lighted mirror, but the cores go for $50-$60 and above range, so I stick with the cheaper non-lit mirrors.
I would consider doing a lighted mirror, but would have to charge $100-$125 range for the conversion. If you have the core I would convert for you, but drop me a line.
Mack
which car/core would I go look for?
Rich
1982-89 BMW, any model
Posted by: jsconst Jun 25 2011, 09:00 AM
Wink on a race car is a must-have.
Andys
[/quote]
You shouldn't be looking behind you during a race the finish line should always be in front of you, no mirror needed 
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