Custom convex side view mirror

[bpracer]

I know, not too exciting, but I think it looks good and adds function.

I wish our cars had built in convex mirrors as on many of the new Fords. There are several on-ramps in my area that side view mirror can't help in picking up merging cars. A quick glance with your eyeballs is much safer than turning your head around.

From the back of my car, the new convex mirror looks to be part of the factory mirror assembly. It doesn't look like some cheap Pep Boys stick on mirror (though that is exactly what it started out as...)

You need a donor rectangular, convex mirror (about $3, so buy two, just in case) They even have blue tinted mirrors if you want to be extra cool.

Tools:
band saw (is very helpful)
right angle grinder or power sanding disk (also very helpful)
metal file or sanding block
Dremel tool
1/2" thick black plastic, food cutting board
double sided foam or 3M tape, thinner is a bit better
black, permanent Sharpie pen


(This describes a LHD mirror, the Aussies and Kiwis will have to stand on their heads to follow the description.)

My first try I was going to put the mirror in the upper, outside corner, but that ended up reflecting part of the inside of the mirror housing and decreasing the viewable area.

I settled on the lower inside corner.

First you need to pop the purchased mirror out of its black plastic housing, pick a corner that you are not going to use to pry on.

Warning - the reflective coating is on the back side of the mirror, it is easily scratched or can come off if you use chemicals (we will get to that later)

Using a band saw I cut the mirror to the rough shape is desired. I would leave about 1/8" to play with. You can get an idea from the finished picture. The leftover pieces are pictured at the bottom.

You can use a Dremel tool with a sand paper roll or a metal file to shape the plastic mirror. I would use a metal file to get a nice, flat edge. Once you have the general shape of the mirror you want you need something between the side view mirror and the mirror you just made to properly aim the mirror.

I used a piece of black plastic cutting board from a previous project. Cut out the plastic in the same general shape as you mirror. I would make it 1/8" smaller than what you think your finished mirror shape.

I used a right angle grinder with a sand paper flap wheel to shape the plastic backing. Just hit the plastic briefly with the grinder or it will get all gooey and burn the crap out of you if you touch it!

The basic shape you want is a wedge that is thickest at the top right corner and is cut down to a fine edge in the lower left corner.

If you get fancy you can use a Dremel tool to recess the black plastic backing where you double sided tape will be placed. The thinner you can make the backing, the better things will look.

I would test fit the backing pad and the mirror a few times to make sure you have cut away enough material to angle the mirror.

Once you are satisfied with the shape of the mirror. Take a black Sharpie pen and run it along the edge of the mirror. Don't get it on the face of the mirror. You don't have to do this but it looks nice.

You will use double side tape to attach the mirror to the backing plate you made. Thin, gray or black 3M tape is better. Once it is stuck on, you can't remove it, or the mirror plating will come off on the tape. Also, I tried some motorcycle grip glue and that looked fine until I saw it bubbled up some of the mirror finish. I would avoid any glues for this.

Put more double side tape to attach the backing plate to your stock rear view mirror. If you use 3M stuff, it will be tough to remove so get it right the first time.

[Kimsey47]

Looks good bro! Nice work!

[RallySport Direct]

Wow I would have never expected it to come out that clean! Nice work and great idea!

Thanks,
Rick

[Lee358]

Wow that looks great!


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[whaap]

A much easier way to solve the problem is to properly adjust your side view mirrors. If you can see the car behind you in all three of your mirrors you need to adjust your side view mirrors further out so you have a broad, panoramic view. If you adjust them far enough out you will be able to follow the car behind you as he starts to pass you (on either side). He will come into view of your side view mirror before he leaves the rear view mirror and the car will come into your peripheral view before he leaves your side view mirror. It miaght take a small turn of your head but not much. It might seem odd at first but before long you will wonder what took you so long to get it.

[bpracer]

My mirrors are properly aimed, but as I said in my post, there are some highway merges that even properly aimed mirrors, lead to blind spots. cars come at you at about a 20-30 degree angle.

I'm also very used to using these types of mirrors as I have an F250 crew cab. Without the factory blind spot mirrors, you would run over small cars slightly behind you.

I also use a single blind spot mirror as my left hand mirror in my race car. Simply no other way to keep an eye on cars trying to out brake you in to corners, while wearing a HANS device, in a halo racing seat.

Edit, they also help you back in to parking spaces...

[Captain Insano]

Man that looks great. Nice job!

[Burrcold]

Yup looks great man!

[Ocala FR-S]

Originally Posted by whaap

A much easier way to solve the problem is to properly adjust your side view mirrors. If you can see the car behind you in all three of your mirrors you need to adjust your side view mirrors further out so you have a broad, panoramic view. If you adjust them far enough out you will be able to follow the car behind you as he starts to pass you (on either side). He will come into view of your side view mirror before he leaves the rear view mirror and the car will come into your peripheral view before he leaves your side view mirror. It miaght take a small turn of your head but not much. It might seem odd at first but before long you will wonder what took you so long to get it.

Each time I drove my car in traffic, I kept adjusting the left mirror further out as I kept failing to see overtaking cars in the massive blind spot that doesn't end until the other car is practically right next to you. Turning my head alot to look didn't help. When the mirror adjustment finally seemed correct, I realized it was a smidgen from being maxed out. I guess it has to do with having long arms and legs, whereby my seat is slid back and reclined. I have been considering this exact mod to increase visibility. The OP did a great job improving the rear/side view for this car.

[hlk07]

ever think off make some for non-diy people like me? would be interested to buy..

[bpracer]

I'm afraid my ability to reproduce this would not be cost effective. It made for a nice afternoon project while on vacation.