Retro-fit wingmirrors

[TheMuffinMan]

I may be going on a trip to France later this summer and I would most likely be taking a 1932 Austin 7 saloon. It currently has no wing mirrors which is bad enough on UK roads, but I think I would really struggle without them when driving on the wrong side of the road.
I don't want to have to drill any holes or permanently change anything and I was wondering what other options there are, such as sucker pads/ clamps etc..
Does anyone have any suggestions or experience of this?

[miniman]

I think whay you want is a clip on overtaking mirror. For example:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-CLIP-OVERTAKING-CAR-...

HTH

[Dogwatch]

miniman said:

I think whay you want is a clip on overtaking mirror. For example:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-CLIP-OVERTAKING-CAR-...

HTH

And just what will the OP be overtaking?

[miniman]

I would imagine that with an adjustment to the position they might be useful for other rearward ogling duties. What's your suggestion?

[TheMuffinMan]

Thanks for the link, something to consider
I was more thinking more of roundabouts and city driving than overtaking on straight sections. With a top speed of 45 or so, it is unlikely that I will be overtaking much, although my warped view of foreigners tells me that the french will all be driving 2cvs or solex mopeds in which case I probably will be faster.
I have actually driven quite a lot abroad (more than UK roads now that I think about it) and I would have crashed many many times without any sort of rear view mirrors.

[DBSV8]

TheMuffinMan said:

Thanks for the link, something to consider
I was more thinking more of roundabouts and city driving than overtaking on straight sections. With a top speed of 45 or so, it is unlikely that I will be overtaking much, although my warped view of foreigners tells me that the french will all be driving 2cvs or solex mopeds in which case I probably will be faster.
I have actually driven quite a lot abroad (more than UK roads now that I think about it) and I would have crashed many many times without any sort of rear view mirrors.

I take it you mean door mirrors as opposed to wing mirrors ?

http://www.bulletmirror.com/

You can get Bullet style mirrors which look quite period , however if you have a rear view mirror is this really necessary , I drive in France with a right hand drive E-Type with only single rear view mirror never had aproblem ,
you will probably find most French drivers will let you out at junctions out of shock seeing a classic.............anyway if you pull out in front of them , they will probably assme your French anyway

[Riley Blue]

TheMuffinMan said:

I may be going on a trip to France later this summer and I would most likely be taking a 1932 Austin 7 saloon. It currently has no wing mirrors which is bad enough on UK roads...

Why not solve this problem too by fitting something from here http://www.vintagecarparts.co.uk/fr/list+accessori...

[TheMuffinMan]

Thanks for the links, I think a clip on one is the way forward.
It does have a rear view mirror, but it is not hugely effective as the rear window is very small so you can only see directly behind you. I'd rather have them and find I don't need them than not have them and find I do need them.

[spoodler]

You could try what the hot rodders call a "peep mirror" they clamp over the top of the door frame and are a useful size. Also, could be removed if you didn't want to leave them on (no bolt holes). You'll see them on practically every hot rodded Ford Pop etc. A quick Google or Ebay search should turn some up.

[lowdrag]

i've used these before on a Jaguar Mk VIII and found them effective and they caused no damage

http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?sg=2&am...

[austin]

I would ask in the Austin 7 forum if I was you.

My 7 has a mirror that is sold as an extra so you can keep an eye a baby in the back of the car.

In fact there is already a thread about mirrors.

Edited by austin on Monday 20th June 13:08