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MGA Mirrors

bammons

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I intend to mount my mirrors on the cockpit end of the front fenders. So, I have a simple question. I have heard and I think it even used to be said in catalogs that a passenger side mirror would not work well. Do you find that to be true? And what about a convex mirror on the passenger side? Bruce
 
Passenger side mirrors mounted where you want them, if you are speaking about the rear side of the fender, will be more than likely too low to be useful. PJ
 
Not sure how they would be too low, it would seem the placement would dictate that. But I would like to hear from others who actually have passenger side mirrors. Do they work? And do I need convex mirrors? Surprised no more responses. Bruce
 
Bruce -

Assume this is for an MGA, based on your profile. My question is whether your windshield post would block your vision on the passenger side. And regarding convex mirrors, they typically offer better coverage.

By the way, I'm down the road from you in Monteagle! Recently moved here from Townsend, near Maryville.

Mickey
 
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But these cars look so much better without putting them on the fenders.
 
Bruce
I mounted both mirrors in the positions you mention and they both are 100% effective. I made a chrome mounting plate to enhance the mounting durability. The only obstruction is when my wife occasionally grabs the windshield support. The are both easily adjustable from the driver’s seat. I would recommend this placement of the mirrors all day long. As for convex mirrors, they probably add a little more visibility but mine aren’t and they are completely functional.

Dennis
 

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Dennis - that is exactly the info I was looking for! Don't want them further out the fenders and don't want them in the aluminum door so my wife wants both sides and I am trying to locate them where they are truly functional. And as a oldster I can't pivot my head like I used to LOL. Thanks for the responses, everybody. Mickey - Townsend is very nice but Monteagle is too. I am up on the Cumberland Plateau as you are in Monteagle. My last drive before parking the TR4A for project work was thru Tracy City and Monteagle on the way to Nashville. And yes this post was about my MGA currently in restoration. Bruce
 
Yes, whenever we make the trip between Monteagle and Townsend, we always take the back roads rather than go through Chattanooga. Great drive, and I can't wait to get my TF Victor out of storage and explore some of the scenery in Sequatchie Valley.
 
I took a different approach to outboard rearview mirrors. I didn't want to drill holes anywhere on my 1957 MGA roadster's body-kind of like getting a tattoo, no matter if the placement is right or wrong, it's permanent unless you throw out a s---ton of money for erasure work.
I went the way of mirrors attached to the windshield's right and left post. No drilling as they both clamp on via two each hex head set screws.
Benefit: No holes to drill.
Drawback: My aluminum side curtains will no longer fit as the mirror's base plate will interfere, five minutes to remove the mirrors, side curtains fit. Doesn't bother me as I never intend to use my side curtains-car is garaged and never out in inclement weather, top-down California.
No need to go convex, these mirrors are 4" in diameter so between the two and the dash mirror, rear viewing is perfect. They're also offered in 3" diameter but don't go there, too pip squeaky looking as the 4" models look quite natural for the car's size.
 

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JP that is not a option for me in SE Tenn. We have already found that out in our restored TR4A. You may wish to say you don't want to or drive in the rain but here that is not practical. If your drives consist of 20 mile jaunts that could work but going to car shows/drives often consist of hours of driving and sometimes overnight. And our car is restored but it is for driving and we need a top, wipers and side screens. And of course, working mirrors. Some have mounted to the windshield posts using a fabricated bracket which allows use of the side screens but to my knowledge vendors do not offer mirrors with the bracket or the brackets separately. Bruce
 
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