Front Fender Mounted Mirrors

[My S1]

This may be inappropriate of me but I have two Italian made Sebring mirrors that I bought from R.D. a few years ago.  They had a hideous, very large logo embossed on the tops so I stripped the chrome off, sanded down the logos and had them re-chromed.  I never did use them.  I have them listed on Lotus LTD classifieds.   

[GavinT]

Maybe some neat race mirrors?

They always look the business though I'm never quite sure they cover enough terrain. This one from 'DemonTweeks' has a single bolt fixing which is an aspect worthy of consideration for when some over-refreshed bozo stumbles past your car in the pub car park.

DemonTweeks has others as well.

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/au/lifeline-msa-formula-mirror-244324/

[DreamsOfA47]

Exlimey, those definitely look interesting and are also worth a good look (get it?!)

MyS1, those are definitely really cool mirrors and I do like the way they look! It's just a bummer the consensus here is they don't seem to work the best on a Europa. I'll shoot you a PM.

Gavin, those are the types of mires JB likes and though the don't look period at all they may be the way I go given the necessity for them on a ca shaped like ours. My ability too safely see the cars around me may trump the overall aesthetics of the project... the key work there is may 

[Fotog]

I got the "Raydyot" replica mirrors from Hayden.

I would say that they look 'pretty good' but not excellent.
The main problem in my mind is that the bezel doesn't fit so snugly.  So there's a bit of a gap, which looks worse when the bezel fixing screws are tightened.  I think with some tape or something (maybe a washer) to fill the gap and prevent the screws from bowing the bezel, it won't be so noticeable.

The real thing: photo 1.  The others, the replica I got.

The price is hugely different.  Realistically, there's not so much to them, so much of the difference in price is about whether you're willing to pay a lot for the 'real thing'.

The other thing about these mirrors is that the mounting bolt also serves as the fixing for the swivel base, so they must be adjusted when they're mounted, and you're not adjusting them on the fly afterward.  This is no different from the originals, from what I see.  I gave no thought to that potential aspect when I made the decision.  I guess truly a period design.

I think I can't complain for the price, but I'm not over the moon.

Vince

[EuropaTC]

I'm not personally in the market for any more mirror styles but that's good feedback and some interesting observations. I also didn't realise that once you'd bolted that style up then you're all done with adjustments.

As you say, there's a heck of a price difference and I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay that much for an original part. Actually I am sure, and I'm not in the $500/pair mirror market 

I can see the gap you've found, from the position it makes me wonder if the shell/bowl is thinner or of a weaker material than the Raydot ones and the replica is buckling as you tighten up the location screws ? If that's it and the mirror is fixed in the housing, maybe there's enough room behind the mirror to stiffen things up and prevent the distortion ?

Cheers
Brian

[kram350kram]

Fotog, Have used these Raydyot's for years and they are adjustable when installed. I noticed the one you pictured had a star washer and nut. This setup requires a lot of torque and compression to retain position. Originals used a large flat washer and a fiber nut which kept tension on the unit but still allowed for adjustment. You need to find the sweet spot, but it does adjust after install. Currently have two on the race car and I can adjust if needed. The washer and nut are spares I had. 

[Fotog]

Thanks for that information, Kram.  I'm not sure: are yours the 'real thing', Raydyot brand?

Brian-  I'll come back with some more observations, but I appreciate your comments.

Vince

[BDA]

I highly suspect that if you loosen the bolt just a little, you'll be able to adjust the mirror.

[Bryan Boyle]

What I found with those knock-off "california" style is that even though they seem floppy...once they're in place and bolted down...they pretty much stay where they belong.  But, being the OCD type that I am...I took them apart, and put a small o-ring in between the mirror stalk and the base.  They're staying where they belong now, but still will fold up if someone (or something) dings into them.

On 693R, I bought a matched set of the ones that Moss sells...I see the new owner hasn't seen fit to change them.  The passenger (right side for us colonials..) side, I purchased a convex stick-on mirror the same size and it really improved the visibility out along that side.  I liked the style, and it is a period-correct mirror...

(Photo below is from the Indy show last summer...new owner took the car there...)

[kram350kram]

Fotog, yes original Raydyots, but go to Cobra Automotive ( http://www.cobraautomotive.com ). They have reproductions and you can see what nut is supplied. .

[DreamsOfA47]

Those are definitely handy insights of the repro Raydyots. I'm not sure small details like that bother me too much but thats still very important to now they may show up lacking a super refined fit and finish.

Based on all y'all have said I think I'm going to get a convex  for at least the passenger side, if not yeah drivers's as well, whatever style of mirror I end up getting. Considering I have some clutch work to take care of the mirrors have become much less important lately!