My '91 Townace has convex door mirrors. Maybe they all do. They make cars look further behind than they actually are. Particularly before changing lanes this is quite difficult to allow for.
So, how to fit flat mirrors?
Has anyone come across the right shape replacement mirrors (flat ones)?
Assuming I can get bigger ones, could they be cut down to size? or are they likely to be of some un-cuttable glass?
Finally, is there likely to be a snag sticking (with double-sided sticky pads?) such a large flat mirror on to such a large, very convex mirror?
Any other ideas? - (#2102) Dave Mason, 5 Feb 02

Dave,
I see that Halfords have a very big range of replacement mirror glasses and up to Transit size. Suspiciously, the reference sheet does not show, say, anything for a Liteace (obviously Townace is out) but, you might be able to find one which is near to what you want. I think they come with a peel off backing to reveal an adhesive back. If you were sticking onto a curved surface, I think that some kind of filler (Isopon)etc might give the build up for the flat surface you want - (#2115) John Davis, 5 Feb 02

Dave,
There is a product which may help you, it is a universal door mirror repair kit, made by a company callet 'Summit' it is a large rectangular piece of mirrored perspex, which you cut with a hacksaw to the shape you want, then you stick it on, however, to make it stick to a convex mirror would probably involve packing the edge of the mirror with adhesive pads, so as to make a reasonably flat surface to stick the mirror onto. I certainly wouldn't recommend trying to use products such as Isopon or Plastic Padding on the mirror glass as they generate massive amounts of heat as they cure & could crack the glass. The 'Summit' mirror glass range is stocked by Halfords, Les Smith (& other reputable car accessory shops). Sorry if I sound like an advert, really I don't work for 'Summit'. HTH. Regards Rob. - (#2119) Rob Drinkwater, 5 Feb 02

Don't you find the convex mirrors an asset? very few blind spots... - (#2129) david miller, 6 Feb 02

you can see another car even when it's level, which is handy because you can see nothing if you glance around to check the blind spot, as the door pillar is in the way - (#2132) skippy, 6 Feb 02

I found them very confusing at first and only relied on my internal mirror.
Now I got used to them and don't mind anymore.
Holger - (#2145) Holger Laux, 7 Feb 02

Yes, I take the points that the convex mirrors have advantages but the fact remains that I have twice pulled across to a faster lane and realised that the car coming up to overtake me was scarily closer than I thought - though not to the point of danger.
Maybe part of the problem is swapping between two cars, the other of which has flat mirrors.
Progress so far is that my Halfords stock Summit products but not the cuttable mirror material. My local Les Smith stock it but are waiting for a supply.
Possibly better, and of interest to anyone with a broken mirror, is that I found Halfords offer a mirror-glass-cut-to-size service which I might use. Take in a template and they (say they) will fax it through and quote to supply quickly and at a reasonable price. I was discussing flat mirrors with them, I forgot to ask if they will do custom-size convex. - (#2146) Dave Mason, 7 Feb 02

This is one aspect of the "Townie" I don't like ! We rely on "Door" mirrors to give us an objective view of what is behind us and also a gauge of distance based on a reference we are used to ( If you get what I mean ) - like an internal rear view mirror - which we have come to rely on ( thats probably why there roughly in the same plane as the internal mirror ). I believe the concept of fitting two different mirrors that give images of two different sizes/perspectives is dangerous. I usually end up like a video showing a fast replay except I'm checking one mirror, then checking the other - their different ! Then I resort to looking over my shoulder, for a confirmation ! Whats the use of the mirrors ! One should complement the other !
If flatter mirrors are available I'm interested/detseretni. - (#2156) stephen Judge, 7 Feb 02

Dave, Which LES SMITH do you live near, they all get a delivery at least every other day, if not every day, they should be able to order the mirror direct from their head office in ALTON, and have it in no time for you. Just badger them if they are not being as helpful as they should be. HTH Regards Rob. PS I used to be a manager for them many moons ago. - (#2167) Rob Drinkwater, 8 Feb 02

I'm following the Halfords route hoping for a more professional solution with less effort. I made a template very carefully, handed it to Halfords and am waiting for a quote for a pair of flat mirrors.
Halfords may supply them in future on demand without having to re-submit a template but I will publish the template on Ace Answers next week so anyone can print it, check if it agrees with your mirrors and use it as you wish. - (#2179) Dave Mason, 9 Feb 02