Rear-view mirror placement.

[Mimi]

Hi, all.

Please forgive a newbie in Melbourne. I wonder if anyone can suggest a fix for my problem (or if a previous answer applies). Our 'new' acquisition is a 2000 NB8A (Mimi Miata). Due to my height, my vision to the left was compromised by the rear-view mirror, which I've now removed. Now I can see where I'm turning, which is nice. Does anyone know if it's legal to re-stick the mirror low down on the windscreen, almost at dashboard level? Or: can I get a suction mirror instead. Is that legal in Victoria? Or: is there a mirror that sticks onto the dashboard? I'd appreciate any advice. Next port of call is Dick Richey...

[RileyR]

You could consider lowering your sitting position?

Pretty sure you have to have a rear view mirror. Never seen one on the dash or down low...

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[Red Dragon]

In the 90's a lot of cars had the mirror stuck on the windows, Commodore was one
Early MG's had them on top of the dash
MG-B's had a metal rod from the top of dash to the top of window frame and the mirror could be slid up & down to the

1973_MG_MGB_-_Flickr_-_The_Car_Spy_(4).jpg

MG_TF_1954_Sports_Car.jpg

required position

[Mr Morlock]

You can absolutely bet that you must have a rear view mirror- its not safe without one because amongst other things you can see the middle section behind the car and side mirrors have blind spots- i.e. 3 fields of vision are required . The car will be unroadworthy without it. I don't get your description i.e. short say 1.5m or tall 2.00 m- whatever way it does not matter- an absolute essential in a car is the best vision that it can offer and with top down an MX-5 is very good.Red dragon is right about the older sports cars- it was common to use the dash panel for fixing the rear view mirror. Also consider that the centre mirror is so useful for checking out the hair do or putting on the mascara ....

[Mimi]

Thank you for your responses.

Yes, Red Dragon, I was considering as a last resort trying to procure an MGB rod and mirror and trying to fix that in place somehow.

Not sure you could take the seat any lower, unless we put in a race seat, which might be another option.

Anyway, I really appreciate your help.

Cheers!

[greenMachine]

Do a search on here - 'foamectomy'.

You are not the first, and won't be the last, to have issues from being 'tall'. It is not being tall per se that is the problem, it is the distance between your bum and your head, some short people have the same problem. So there is lots of info here on modifying the seat, or on replacement seats.

You are lucky you bought an NB8A, the NB8B seats will sit you even higher!

[93_Clubman]

This one is made for the MX5:

http://www.speedhunters.com/2009/01/car ... n_the_atl/

[Mimi]

Thank you, greenMachine.

You're absolutely right: I'm not tall but any height I do have is from the bum up. ;-) I'll go search that reference.

And thank you, 93_Clubman.

Wow! That looks the sort thing we're after.

I'll be sure to report back when we've searched and concluded in case it's a help to anyone else.

Looks like I've found a fount of wisdom on here.

Cheers,

Mimi.

[manga_blue]

The definitive foamectomy link for you. https://www.miata.net/garage/foamectomy/

It's surprisingly effective, in terms of both view and seat comfort if it's done right.

[Mimi]

Thanks, manga_blue.

Someone's gone to a lot of trouble to explain that very clearly.

(Even I think I could follow those steps...)

Lots to consider now.

Cheers,

The driver of Mimi Miata.

[Mimi]

Hi, all.

An update for those who responded and for anyone who follows this path in the future.

I ordered the MGB/ AC Cobra-style mirror on a rod from IL Motorsport in Germany. It was quite expensive at just over $300 landed and there was no alternative except for express shipping. The upside is it landed within days. The downside is the hole in my bank balance.

It fitted easily, despite the instructions not coming with the part (really, guys?). The PDF of instructions, however, was on the web site, albeit in German. Thanks to Google translation, I've now created an English version; if anyone needs it, drop me a line. One thing: I had to take out the only interior light in the car to fit it.

This has done the trick and it looks pretty cool. The compromise position for the mirror is about half-way down the rod, which allows me to see out of the rear with and without hood up, as well as not obscuring the left of the windscreen.

Thank you 93_clubman for the solution and all respondents.

If anyone out there wants to see the result, I'm hoping to give Mimi Miata her first shot in anger at Rob Roy hillclimb in Victoria on 18 March.

Cheers.

[lucmor444]

Good news mimi - I'm keen for the pdf if you can send it. Any hints on removing the existing mirror mount?

[Mimi]

Hi, lucmor444.

Ah! The existing mirror mount. Confession: I chipped my windscreen getting the original off, so beware (it seemed loose so I pulled... d'oh!). It's a !@#$% to get off without using a heat gun or flame to loosen the adhesive, so I'd leave it on as it gives you the option of easily replacing the mirror on it at some point if needed. If you do decide to remove the metal button, there are videos on the net of varying methods. I've attached my English version of the instructions for fitting the new bar in Word. Best of luck!

[lucmor444]

Thx - I'll gently try to remove the mount using a heat gun but may also end up leaving the mount and re-using it for my eTag.

[93_Clubman]

Thank you 93_clubman for the solution

No probs - great to hear it worked, albeit at significant cost, especially when adding the windscreen chip!