List,
My TR3A came with an aftermarket outside mirror, mounted on the windscreen
gutter, much like this one:
http://www.holden.co.uk/product_display.asp?product_code=090.124
However, after I fitted wind wings there was no place left for the outside
mirror. I simply left it off (the dash mirror gives ample view to the
rear), until I realised that I was breaking the law. In this country, all
roadgoing cars must have at least one outside mirror, fitted on the
driver's side.
So, what to do? I like the 'clean' front without mirrors and I love the
paint job on my car, so I was *not* going to take a drill to the front
wing. I briefly considered fitting the mirror to the wind wing, either by
clamping it to the edge, or bolting it through a hole in the perspex, but
then I had an idea. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll first
show what I've done.
Work in progess:
http://www.intuh.net/trmirror/trmirror_01.jpg
Fitted:
http://www.intuh.net/trmirror/trmirror_02.jpg
I initially made the bracket in 1.5mm aluminium sheet, to prove the
concept. Then I transferred the shape to 2mm brass sheet. The shape
follows the curvature of the top of the windscreen. The 'arm' has a slight
twist/bend to it, to compensate for the rake of the windscreen and prevent
the top of the mirror from touching the bracket. The fasteners are
standard Tenax.
After a thorough test drive today, I find the mirror is perfectly usable
and the assembly doesn't vibrate half as much as I expected. The only
disadvantage is that it needs to come off when the top is fitted - but I'm
not planning to ever drive with the top on, so that doesn't bother me.
All it needs now is a final polish and chrome plating. Maybe I'll drill
some extra holes in it first to lighten it and give it that 'racy' look!
:-)
I remember some people on this list being anxious about drilling their
freshly painted front wings for mirrors - maybe this can be an alternative
for them.
Cheers,
Eric
--
'57 TR3A TS23315L - now with outside mirror again
'76 Spit FH88257L - engine back in, needs radiator recore
http://triumphspitfire.nl/
|
