Fitting mirrors on the stanchion

[chaucercaterham]

Hi all 

Pretty keen on fitting side mirrors to the windscreen stanchion as I really enjoy driving with and without doors. Think they would need to fit in the second hole down on the windscreen stanchion (going to remove the bottom mirror bracket shortly).

I've seen the following options for side mirrors, they look pretty good, not too expensive and don't stick out too much.
1. Racetech F1 Side Mirror 
2. Lifeline MSA Formula Mirror
3. Spa Mirror + pillar mount 

Would really like to get your thoughts on any of these options and how easy they would be to fit based on experiences? 

Thanks all!

[Alan.gilford]

Hi, I had the Racetech single seater convex mirrors fitted to my old car with the pillar mount in your 3rd link.

Very easy to fit to the screw hole you indicated and gave a much better rear view than the standard ones.

Only problem is not being able to open doors fully, you do get used to it but passengers tend to keep moving the mirror when they get in or out.

I you would like to sell the Eccles mounts that you currently have I would be interested.

Cheers

Alan

[Tony P]

Before you purchase, check the size (i.e. the size of the glass area).

The models intended primarily for (or at least named as such) single seaters are small; I mean tiny. They may suit you fine (as they appear to have done for Alan) but on the other hand, even if convex, they might not be what you were expecting.

[SM25T]

I drilled 5.0mm and tapped M6x1 ... either side of that centre screw. Loosened three screws that hold screen to stanchion and used a bit of wood where I was drilling. Used cap head screws that didn't protrude past the inside face of the stanchion. SPA mirrors awful. Ref clamp screws at mirror head and base of arm

[ScottR400D]

I have the Racetech 'single seater' mirrors fastened into one of the original door mirror holes.

They work fine there, for me, good vision, no vibration, can open door fully. 

As Sid hove, these mirrors might be a bit small on the stanchion, depending on your seating position, especially the near side.

[rayjackson1950]

Hi Scott

I am thinking of putting mirrors on my 1997 S3 and wondered if you had a photo or 2 you could post?

[brianjhall31]

I fitted these (RH link only below):

https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p/racetech-mirror-right-side-black-convex-lens-rtm-rhbcs

Mounts onto the windscreen stanchion hole as per you pic.  Remove existing screw, check depth of hole and cut length of mounting screw on mirror mount to ensure it does not bottom out onto windscreen glass before flange tightens onto stanchion, drill out existing thread using 5.5mm drill, tap hole 1/4 x 28 UNF.  Tighten mounts onto stanchions and fit and adjust mirrors.

Based on my experience you should tighten the mirrors onto the mounts again later as they "settle" into the adjustment area.

Down side - you cannot fully open the doors

Plus side - much better rearward visibility, both on road and track.

Extra tip - I have sprayed mine dayglow orange to add more "here I am" warning to other road users.

[Lambretta]

Hi all

Sorry to reopen this thread. I want to ditch my door mirrors, which I find quite useless.

I see several recommendations for Racetech mirrors. I notice that as well as the "Single Seater" mirror there is also this "F1" mirror https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/racetech-f1-side-mirror-247051/

Can anyone advise why one would be preferable over the other?

Many thanks

Rog

 

[ScottR400D]

Can’t say why one might be better than the other though the SS mirror looks a little more rigidly mounted. 

What I can say is that I have the SS mirrors mounted in the doors and they work really well with little vibration. 

[David Belding]

I find these mirrors from Car Builder very good. One original hole with a longer screw and one tapped m6. Careful to use the right screw length, don't hit the glass. 

[Lambretta]

"What I can say is that I have the SS mirrors mounted in the doors and they work really well with little vibration."

Thanks. So yours are actually mounted to the doors?

[Lambretta]

"I find these mirrors from Car Builder very good. One original hole with a longer screw and one tapped m6. Careful to use the right screw length, don't hit the glass."

Thanks. I suppose if I think of the stanchions as easily replaceable then drilling extra holes opens up many options.

[SM25T]

#10 .... these convex mirrors are the business. M6-10 cap head socket set screws are the size to use. Separate the stanchion from the screen before drilling 5.0mm and tapping M6x1 thread.

[John Vine]

Agree entirely with Ian (#13).  Fitted a pair of these some years ago (on Ian's advice, IIRC!) and have found them excellent.

JV

[ScottR400D]

#11, yes.

Only image I have, unfortunately.

[7 wonders of the world]

I use these

https://www.motorsport-tools.com/motamec-racing-02-formula-side-wing-mirror-x2-convex-glass-matt-black-f1-car.html?SID=36mboetlpr6ddidejb0qagbel4

available in fake and real carbon too...

neat little cap screw nips the ball tight so they don't move, much better than the others I've tried including the big two brands.

I use these to mount onto a cage

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorbike-LED-Light-Bar-Clamps-Motorcycle-Fog-Light-Mount-Brackets-Clip-22mm/224071196373?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item342baf1ed5:g:eUoAAOSwAjZfBFly&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACcBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%252Fn%252BzU5L90Z278x5ickkgCVySCgrNFPU8Iu85TabMNc4OZ0oOFs5KlxOG2wfOdgwr9pl0AB9Kle4bnnapiUY17DLlDhQ8WvQwluO%252BzkWp2NkZNlgAYqbGmqHu9FsBUWvHd%252BKjvHJ%252Ft44gciJgAi3feXAdDdQyI5M0Z7HJTU%252BbKVRim1TRaW%252FxNvOyLM2%252Bi0eiXIFfOWWOZL9vMvnPkh4b1U7Fv9mvpPw40BEcK%252Fx6P3PGQaqIsMsjdD8ymlCoWK4YuUc1TGQnGNvox0dRW8CNk1dkytHFKXL%252B2K%252Bnufzy7qNfGUCez0dPKTsaF8uNyZZ0PxrnSlDOrpkHewchE94fvIF5xmDYLQuGrgVaKo4wDhg6kQ8bSAn4JXl53x12kGIuhAgp4%252B7gnFI9ShKH%252FXugyUBli4IY%252Bb3VeZ76QQaQoBA4x7b59D7KXTC%252F5m6gJm5pqTlT6cq9EBkYWirT86MXmWSKgufLImj2LU7Cu6pVWx918TJV%252F5hQmMptNE7iuDgwV%252BDkXSSJQX0HGjVrAPh0DQI9X6tPaywqPyOs%252F7cg7beCIV2StjY5kGetBCW2%252B19rnrRFSZWmc7Y2ebxySCvCDQ6axB3nrhGEO5hdHcRnx8slWcLhCFK8GD3LzcsRMgAVZSFbJ3NmNmrYshFhB96iyc9Yo2q7FeR1ZdAGsTrInU3%252FAbo3O92N%252FAdcEXztGnSIu3itdiaVDV5N69H6g2coSIwY7Nyp1OqUD4gQvMc%252FkACxdR4T07h8QebtEmb5JgJ8FaW6jJ8ZZRlu9eSkHzPZ95%252B%252FDl0%252Fv6oTQh%252FDHIeNw%253D%253D%7Ccksum%3A224071196373a237f28f3fac4e179918c8fd65c317c8%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524

need a little fettling to fit snuggly, there are a raft of ally clamps on ebay suitable though.

[ChrisC]

I am using the DPR single screw mounts for the SPA mirrors.  Very neat solution and no drilling.

[Lambretta]

Apologies for delay in follow up. Just had first grandchild. I will digest above and return. I can advise that the factory mirrors are mounted to the doors and flap around quite a lot at speed. 

[timb2117]

 

Hiya I have had a win with this arrangement, essentially a pair of motorcycle mirrors bolted on to a flat alloy plate, about 3mm thick then the single screw removed from windscreen stanchion to hold them on ....PLUS some uber agressive velcro from a DIY store. the stanchion bolt acts as positioning point and takes seconds to remove. The hook and loop does the hard work, again seconds.

Have had them up to 155kmh nil movement and nicely damped via the velcro.

Just an idea :)

[JulianR]

I fitted the Racetech single seat mirror to the windscreen stanchion, but made an additional bracket from 1/4in ally and cut away the back to fit over the door/wind deflector brackets and then utilised some longer screws to attach / sandwich the door/wind deflector bracket . No vibration, also takes away the risk of screen damage.