Dashboard mirror bar

[MarkS]

Has anyone tried to fit one of these to a series 1 fixed head? I believe they only came with the roadsters.
My mirror is attached to the ceiling, but the line of sight is too high for the rear window. So I'm trying to get the mirror near (or on the dashboard). Anybody know if there is an after-market kit of the chrome bar and attachment bracket?

[PeterCrespin]

Ah Grasshopper, you have much to learn!

The mirror and FHC shell are correct - it’s your body which requires adjustment. Losing two vertebrae ought to do it.

[Robbiee]

1. Be 5’8” or less helps
2. Well squashed seat cushions help
3. I’ve finally adjusted my front torsion bars correctly(1 spline this time) and that’s dropped the front of the car to the correct height ..suddenly I can see out of the rear view mirror in my FHC
4. The mirror CAN be moved lower by adjustment
Robbie

[BRM]

I was pondering this problem myself while driving down to Le Mans. Having the back loaded with camping gear makes it even worse.

Shortening the driver will only improve the view when looking directly through the back window. It will have no effect on the view in the mirror, just the angle of the mirror. A high price to pay for no gain !

The crucial thing is the line of sight from the mirror through the back window which will always point at the same patch of road just behind the rear bumper. The only way to improve it is to change the angle of the car by lowering the front, as Robbie did, or jacking up the back. Or lowering the mirror, which is the option I tend to favour. It only appears to be stuck on so it should be possible ?

[Gfhug]

Brian, the mirror is stuck to the screen on the S2, not on the S1 where it is attached at the roof

Geoff

[BRM]

Ok, thanks Geoff. I was talking mainly in general terms about the mirror position but reread Mark's post afterwards and realised the S1 must be different so not so easy to move for him.

[MarkS]

Funnily enough I did have my spine shortened by 1/8" e few years ago when I received a compression fracture to T8, but it hasn't done the trick ... My seats are also at their maximum sagginess. (at least it allowed me to completely ignore the long line of traffic building up behind me on MY journey back from Le Mans...
BTW you guys missed that I could also drive along with the rear hatch open...
One of the boys at SNG reckon there is a bar kit you can get. But they didn't get back to me. I just wondered if anyone else knew of a mirror fixing that would allow me to attach it directly to the dash....? (I really don't want the mirror mid-screen either)

[Heuer]

You could use something like this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/281887111544?chn=ps

Lots more to choose from:
http://classicpartsltd.com/classic-car- ... rrors.html
https://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct ... or+Mirrors

It would be sensible to make up a steel support plate and bond it under the dash top as it is made of aluminium.

[MarkS]

YES! Thanks Heuer. I was beginning to think myself, that that is my only option.. I was about to get on to the Healeys and MGA websites, but there seem to be enough generic options. (And I take your point about a support bracket..) -Sad really, as I'd got my heart set on the 'split-screen' bar

[Heuer]

The support bar is a pain on the OTS as it constantly catches your eye especially when the sun is out. Jaguar used it to stiffen the windscreen more than anything else, being convenient for the mirror was a bonus.

[MarkS]

I see , thanks

[JJC]

If its a show car...can't help you. But if you drive the car often, and I hope you do,forget the useless mirror that came with ALL E-Types. In the interest of safety, and comfort, go down to any auto supply store, or go on line, and get a day/night modern mirror which gets glued to the windshield....... wherever its most comfortable for you ! East...cheap...fast .

JC

[Gfhug]

My experience with mirrors glued to the windscreen is they fall off too easily, so choose carefully.

Geoff

[Heuer]

My experience is if you rely on the rear view mirror you are driving too slow!

[Dave K]

You could use something like this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/281887111544?chn=ps

That's the same as used in the Classic Mini's

Dave

[JJC]

Geoff is correct.......the glued units can fall off........but usually because the installer held the glued anchor to the windshield for 10 seconds instead of a minute plus . Key also is not to mount mirror for several hours. You should be good to go forever at that point. Its all in how you bake the cake.

JC

[MarkS]

..and it will save having to drill through the dash. Thanks JC , I might try that first

[Series1 Stu]

Most modern cars have their rear view mirror attached by adhesive for safety reasons.

The key to a satisfactory outcome is to ensure that the glass is as free from dirt and grease as it possibly can be. I use isopropyl alcohol when I do mine and do as big an area as makes sense. Acetone is also suitable but I find that methylated spirits doesn't work as well.

Line up your mirror to find the optimum position and have someone mark the outside of the windscreen in the desired position using a dry wipe marker before you clean the inside.

Bob's your uncle!

[Mark Gordon]

Maybe one that's held on by a suction cup?

[chrisfell]

Others in the know will nod sagely.......
Dump the overvalued OTS or FHC, get yourself a 2+2 (with a Webasto roof). All the E-type experience. Same view over the bonnet; same XK bark when the loud pedal is pressed (OK, slightly different with the siamesed exhaust); more headroom for those of us built slightly taller than average; more room in the back for touring, picnicing, etc.; and if you have a good condition OTS now, at least £100k of spending money in the bank rather than tied up in the car.