12 replies to this topic

[ChrisA]

With my HR seat I'm not able to see the pass. side view mirror at all. I've got an All-View rear view mirror in the car and I've tried a round fisheye mirror, but have not been able to get a very confidence inspiring view of where folks are around me. Kind-of feeling my way around some corners. Sooo, I'm thinking of installing a rear view camera in the Pass. side mirror housing. Would there be any issues with me doing this? I don't want order & install this stuff, to later have someone say I can't use it. Or to find out it's worthless to use in this manner.

[Johnny D]

http://1.bp.blogspot...s400/mod-oa.jpg

 

J~

[Alberto]

I also have a halo seat (Sparco Pro ADV) and had similar issues seeing blind spots.  I took the following steps to address that:

1. Moved both side view mirrors forward 6" as allowed in the rules

 

 

2. Positioned the All View mirror slightly to the pax side inside the car

3. Added a Joe's Racing blind spot mirror to the driver side down tube.

 

That was enough to give me good enough visibility into blind spots.  Surprisingly the positioning of the All View mirror gave me decent visibility to the pax side blind spot.  I had also tried to put a blind spot mirror on the pax side but the one I ordered didn't work well on my downtubes due to the angle of the bracket.  I gave it to CARacer since it worked on his downtubes.  Check his videos here for the mirror:

 

I felt that my visibility was compromised at first with the halo seat but seat time got me more comfort into where my blind spots actually were and positioning my mirrors to help add visibility. 

[ChrisA]

I've got my AllView positioned to view see out the side window, but I don't like it. Plus, I've almost hit 2 car trying to backup the car. Don't want to move the mirror because moving the '99 forward 6" puts it in a difficult to mount position and my car cover would no longer fit. The car lives outdoors, so it's necessary.

[Brandon]

It's my understanding the concern is removing the mirrors themselves as being disallowed (you can and will be protested for not having outside mirrors).

Wind resistance and all that.

 

However, the rule, as written, is not clear about whether said "mirror" must, in fact, be capable of reflecting what it is aimed at - in other words, I interpret the rule as supporting removal of the reflective glass piece and replacing it with a camera.

 

Now, YMMV, IANAL, HTH and all that...

[Killian]

For NASA SM rules:

"19.1.4. Any mirrors may be used or removed"

[Bench Racer]

Member Title:

Different Stroks For Different Folks

 

If one does same ol same ol, the results will be same same ol. I have a 17" Longacre (convex) mirror mounted to the windshield. Considerably lower than the OEM mounting. I can see out the drivers side window, the rear window and the passenger side window. Can't see zip out the OEM door windows in OEM position. Borrow, get however a Longacre 17" mirror or similar and mock it up for trial and error to see if it meets your needs.     

 

EDIT:

The mirror is not mounted centered in the car, it's moved some what to the right.

[Keith Novak]

Chris,

You sort of want to have your cake and eat it too. 

 

Lots of people run without a functioning pax side mirror and use a rear view for both rear and side.  Some people fold them in.  Some still have a dental mirror taped to the side of the car.  I can't see mine well due to the center net.  It does take some time to get used to using the rear view for the side as well but it works pretty well.

 

I do use my side mirror for backing.  The parabolic rear view confuses the bejesus out of me for that.  When backing, most of the time I am not racing.  I can release my HNR, center net, and belts so I can put my head in a position to see the mirror.  Should that not work for you when backing, there is that option of moving your mirror to a better location.  I realize you use a car cover and they have little ears for the mirrors.  The car cover is actually 99.9% as functional without the mirror actually stuck into the little ears.  I don't have a little sock for my antenna and it seems to do just fine.

 

I think you may either need to find a combination of mirrors that does the job, one super bad ass mirror that fits all your needs at once, or you may need to either have your cake, or eat your cake, but not do both with the same cake. 

[Johnny D]

He wants a camera.

So get a camera.

You have my blessing.

Spectacle, testical, wallet and watch.

J~

[ChrisA]

^^  Don't "want" a camera. Heck, I'd be better off hanging on to those dollars. Just not too comfortable/confident using the parabolic for both rear & side view. Someone suggested using a camera to me and it sounds like a viable option in solving the problem. Not sure were I'd mount the monitor. It could end up blocked by the right side net, but with the HR that is not mediatory. I'll get in the car and look at things some more this weekend.

[Johnny D]

You ask if ok, it ok, well I don't want it now.

 

Sorry for your issues.

J~

[Bench Racer]

When you mock up a  parabolic mirror, place some items at the max extent you can see and let the space/distance sink in.

[Brandon]

100% this.

 

The last two driver's school I instructed at had multiple students with entirely incorrect mirror alignment (of even the stock mirrors).

This contributed to them being hesitant to make passes along with when they did make a pass it was about 3 car widths off the other.

 

My best suggestion is to get your mirrors lined up to where you can get ~80% of the view you need from a single glance and use the secondary ones to confirm or complete the view of that area.

The idea of the 17" Longacre convex mounted on 3' extensions away from the windshield top tube is what I've done and I'm completely happy with my rearward view.

 

Having good vision all around you gives you confidence to maneuver where you feel is best & most comfortable.

Without that vision you will drive tentatively...