Passenger Side Mirror

[jaudette3]

I drive my '67 at a number of low-key high performance driving events, such as DE's and lapping days. There is usually limited passing and no real wheel to wheel racing, but I do like to see what's going on around me. I'm thinking about mounting a Durant on the passenger side to help with visibility. Any reasons not to, other than the fact that it might look a bit goofy? Is it possible to mount it so that it gives a full view?

Another alternative would be to mount oen of the wide interior mirrors. Most of these appear to be made for mounting on a roll cage bar which I don't have as I just have a roll bar. Has anyone come up with any ideas on how to mount one of these?

Thanks,
JohnA

[John Z Goriup]

John,

I made the mistake on Ruprecht ( my current early 911) of trying to combine what I thought was a cool look with function, and installed two Talbot Senior model mirrors, mounted correctly mind you.....and couldn't see a bloody thing out of the passenger side unit.

So I purchased some NOS Durant mirrors. The driver's side is definityely an improvement, but I am disappointed to have to report that the passenger side is only marginally better than the Talbots. Talbot Seniors are 4" in Diameter vs. 4-3/4" for the Durants, but just as with the Talbots, the problem is that one can't get enough rotation out of the Durant to obtain the correct field or view of the critical right-rear three quarter blind spot. You still have to crane your head & neck and lean over to see, but an improvement over the Talbots.

The one thing you must be aware of is that you cannot mount any passenger side mirror symmetrically on a 911. If you mount it mirror image ( pun intended) to the driver's side, it won't work at all. Do this instead:

1. sit in the car with the seat adjusted comfortably for track driving.

2. Have the area where you think the mirror will wind up on the pass. door covered with masking tape to protect the paint.

3. have an assistant gently hold the Durant mirror in position against the taped area & move it backwards and forwards until you can see the entire mirror area through the triangular vent window.

4. mark where to drill the two holes on the tape

You will find that the unit will sit several inches higher and further to the rear than the driver's side, hence, what many call "looking silly".

Please see a perfect Durant installation on the white S/T below, since I haven't had the time to shoot any photos of my car with the Durants yet, but you can see how it's in a differnt location than the driver's side mirror.
See the photo og the lime green car on the wrong installation. All that guy can see is the windshield post.

John, think long and hard about this because there will be two holes if you don't like a pass. side mirror.

For your consideration, I am attaching a photo of the famed Bruce Jennings Cadillac Autumn Rust colored car which had Talbots mounted in the only location that permits them to be useful.......forward, and on the fenders. If you change your mind on that arrangement, Hell, you'll only have FOUR holes to fill.

Another option is a set of "flag-mirrors" as shown on the silver car. I had an early 911 with a set of these and by God, you can see what's behind you but there is the matter of what you like.

Good Luck

JZG

[A_Alfa]

A Durant came installed on the passenger side of my car when I bought it, I do not see a thing through it, I think it is also due to being installed simetrically to the driver's one as JZG says.

I plan to delete it sooner than later. Although in my opinion it does not look silly, it is just useless.

Best. Arturo

[scooter]

The passenger side mirrors mounted on the doors can only be used by your Passengers.

I made the mistake of mounting one once and it was a total wasted effort as far as using it for the driver.

You need to mount the mirrors on top of the fenders for both sides to be usefull. Or mounting one of those mirror panel/bars like the highway patrols use is very effective.

cheers
Scooter

[parced@telia.co]

I have Japan spec 1973 E, hence factory Durant. I can't say that the passanger mirror is that great but some "information" does it provide.

Here is a pictur of another factory mounted Durant, it´s 73 RS 471 #1201.

[jameshtaylor]

I talked with someone who had inherited a famous car with fender mirrors, asked him if they worked. "Utterly useless" was his response. If I had this problem I think I'd install an authentic mirror and modify it so it could be changed on track days into something which works. Here's what I did to my 74's aftermarket pass side mirror. The 2" round section in the middle is an addition to move the face of the mirror rearward. I know, it's pretty ugly, but I can see well behind me. It's reversible, or you can simply have two mirrors, one for track days and one for the rest of the time. With a little ingenuity I would think you could do something similar with a Durant.

[sweetE]

John,

I believe one of the catalogs has a mirror which attaches to your rearview mirror on the inside of the car which gives you a wider view and is supposed to eliminate the blind spots

[jloucks388]

I use my passenger mirror as a "curb feeler" for entry into my garage.. silver 911T pictured above no rear view visibility..

[WCB4]

In the past I have used a Wink style mirror. Though very unsightly works great in heavy traffic both on and of track. And can be mounted and removed very easely with no modifications, uses the stock mounts for the sunvisors. And takes care of most blind spots.

[Unobtanium-inc]

Nice mod James! I love it.

I'm putting a second vote in for the Wink. I have had them and once you get used to scanning this new mirrored horizon it provides, you can see everything. You can see cars move from one side all the way to the other without a break, like if you're about to lose your line in a turn. If you get it properly mounted, it's easy to swap in and out using the visor mounting holes.