custom mirror
 

I like having a mirror on the drivers side, so I am making a custom mirror on the drivers side. I already made a block off plate on the passenger side using sheet metal.
http://a732.ac-images.myspacecdn.com...5e6d50949b.jpg

The drivers side will be the same basic block off plate but with a mirror and a cone design on top. I just have a piece of paper as a template for now. It sticks out about as far as the stock mirror folded in. The final version will have sheet metal instead. I just need to figure out a way to hold the mirror on and keep it semi adjustable.
http://a619.ac-images.myspacecdn.com...fa9747ee7a.jpg
http://a747.ac-images.myspacecdn.com...a4c506ec22.jpg

what do you guys think?

fredd7924 -

I really like where you're going. The conical shape reminds me of the ones I see on Euro-Sport Golfs. I can't find a picture of it, but I think you know what I mean.

CarloSW2

The shape looks like it would create a larger wake than one with curves to give flow parallel to the main flow at the back edge.

^ Agreed. My rudimentary understanding of aerodynamics would say that you should make it into a teardrop as much as possible.

A hemispherical shape at the forward part of the mirror would be better than a cone shape. But I bet that even with the cone, the decrease in frontal area & Cd compared to the stock mirror will be worth it even if it's not the perfect shape.

SVOboy -

Like this?
CarloSW2

I think it might work better on the car, not much reason to have it on the house. But it looks like a really good idea, smaller is better for aero. I want to do something like this on my car but I want to retain the electric adjustability of it.

Keep going I want to see the finished product.

i know that my design is not perfect, but i also would like it to be somewhat aesthetically appealing because i am young and looks still matter. I like the idea of the egg mirror, but think it looks a little silly. I am still trying to figure out a way to mount the mirror inside the housing without it vibrating around. I might just make it none adjustable.

fredd7924 -

Yup, it does look silly, but I am old and my car is already beyond silly, :D . Also, the transparent part is still cloudy and there are reflections on the transparent part, so it's not ideal. I mostly use it for parking.

I wish I could find a picture of those smallish (Euro?-)racing mirrors that are very flush and conical in appearance, very similar to yours.

CarloSW2

i worked on it a little bit today but i don't think i like it, here are some pictures. everything is just resting together, pretty much just a mach up. if i keep it, ill smooth it up and paint it. tell me what you think.

http://a381.ac-images.myspacecdn.com...3c3d5c6a7c.jpg
http://a552.ac-images.myspacecdn.com...0ab1feb087.jpg

looks sweet, its a little rough but i like it

Some WRC Rally cars use a similar mirror.

http://svar0g.no.sapo.pt/Temas/wallp...ru%20txiru.jpg

Looks good, less frontal and still a outside mirror sounds like a Win, Win to me. Get it finished and painted.

Your State Inspection is due. PA requires 7 sq. inches of mirror glass. Looks like you should be OK.

I like the concept.

What about this mirror it looks almost exactly like what you are designing.
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1...omirrorzu6.jpg
You can find them at Erebuni DTM Mirrors - M3 Mirrors

jthistle -

Thanks, that's what I was talking about. I think they are pretty expensive, maybe $100+ per pair.

CarloSW2

I like the way it looks. I also like the mirrors on texanidiot25s Firebird. They are smaller than most mirrors and fit more tightly against the car.

Heck of a lot better than spending $100 on mirrors.

Fredd7924, I like the orange wiper blade difuser loops too. They look like scissors, but I could be wrong. Have you noticed any aero improvement ? :D

fredd7924 -

Here's one pair of them on ebay for $149!!! :

eBay Motors: Evolution EVO 8 9 Ralliart Carbon Side Mirror MR IX VII (item 280253862504 end time Aug-13-08 20:52:14 PDT)
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...20cover/12.jpg

Me likey homemade!

CarloSW2

I'm sure they are right about the teardrop shape being better, but this home job look SWEET!!

looks nice!

however why not try a different material than sheet metal.

perhaps you could make a sturdy mold out of carboard and give it some compound curves, cover it wil filler and sand really smooth and than heatform a piece of plastic over it or perhaps carefull happer the metal into shape over it

ideally you could vacuum form a large sheet, but perhaps carefull heating a suitable piece of plastic in the right areas with a lighter and than pressing in on the mold will eventually produce a perfect shape.

than again the extra effort might not make much impact over you'r design, wich looks very nice, and matches the car well...when painted it'll really rub shoulders with expensive aftermarket mirrors in the looks department.

You could also try sculpting polyurethane foam and then fiberglass over it.

lunarhighway -

You could also go on a quest for "the perfect plastic funnel". If you find one that fits, cut it in half and mount it to the car. If you could find one in black (or red to match the car), you wouldn't even have to paint it.

But, from what I see, I think the metal one could turn out fine.

CarloSW2

For small tight curves like that, I would go with the Stryrofoam core covered in fiberglass. It let's you sculpt so the corners aren't unstylishly sharp.

The blunt front end may not be the right shape here because the airflow at the lower corner of the windshield, at least on my car, is almost horizontal. That means a conical filler at the front of the drivers door may be helping smooth the airflow off the windshield by softening the turn around the A post. A teardrop may be ideal for a stand alone shape in freestream air, but a side mirror is not in freestream air, being attached to a much larger shape. My suggestion would be to keep the top edge from meeting the door at too acute an angle. Even extend the top edge above the edge of the door and wrap it partially around the A post to smooth the transition from the windshield to the mirror.

I've also contemplated the clear boat tail behind the mirror. Doesn't have to be complete like the egg. I've been driving around of late with my hand out the window trying to feel where the air flow around the mirror and A post goes. And watching rain on the windows (and yet, I haven't plowed into anybody!) It's complicated.