Rear view mirror deserves replacing

[Xhilr8n]

This week I added a pair of the Spa side mirrors.   Nice little units for the money.  Turns out once adjusted they provide good clear rearward vision.  In a 7!

 

One of my rules of modding cars is that each improvement reveals a new weakness.  
 

I did not realize what a horrid excuse for an actual mirror the OEM piece is until I had anything to compare it to.  I thought maybe I’d left on some frosted protective film, but no it really is that bad.  Caterham are not too proud to provide some items for bare legality knowing we’ll find functional replacements somehow.

 

Lots of rearview center mirrors out there.  We have really little yet useful ones on our Lotus Eliges but I do think something larger than that nice unit is best for a Caterham.

 

So what has anyone used they like? Anything particularly cool and racy but not huge?

Edited August 6, 2025 by Xhilr8n

[Slonie]

You could always get the matching Spa center mirror... 

[CBuff]

Cannot really argue with you on the factory center mirror. I still use it with windshield but it shakes around. Likely upgrade at some point. 
 

I do have the spa style on the aero and both side and center are solid.  I think folks have mounted the spa on the scuttle even with the windshield. Some discussions on long post or cut down post to change the heights 

 

but love the spa in action. They can be a little delicate so be careful with any strong cleaning agents etc. 

 

[Xhilr8n]

1 hour ago, Slonie said:

You could always get the matching Spa center mirror... 

it’s a desirable mirror I’m sure but it’s only advertised as mountable to a roll cage.  I’ll be mounting per adhesive I assume just replacing the optics with something not out of a box of crackerjacks.  I knew it was hard to see much but side by side with the Spas made replacing the windscreen mirror a requirement.

 

 

[Xhilr8n]

Yes the Spa mirrors are a good fit for this car, small, light, and useful. And who needs electric motors and switches and wires to adjust your view while rocketing along?  This is all that you need to carry with you to adjust these mirrors as with DPRs windscreen mount (I’ll source lighter wrenches).

 

 

.

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Consider this $16 windshield mount mirror from Amazon:

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KFW5V42/?coliid=I286I2QCRJRW0K&colid=36Y9FLFR58BU3&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

[wdb]

You collect antique tools too?!? I think I have the twin of the one on the right. Maybe not the same size but the same brand. My grandfather gave me a bunch of his tools when I was working fulltime as a mechanic; he was retired and didn't need the really big stuff any more, so he kept a small set and gave me the rest.

[Xhilr8n]

I fished through my collection of older wrenches to find two that could adjust there mirrors.

[panamericano]

Lighter tools?  Visit a bicycle shop.  Light, combination tools that pack easily.  Other good stuff to be had.  For those that have a wheel cover/hub cap thing, they have mini tire tools made of plastic so they won't scratch.

[IamScotticus]

There was Mirrors For Sevens, a 1" thick louvered type.  No longer made.  CNCd from plastic and clip to top of screen.  A car on BAT recently had one.  I think the Dreamer has one.

I have one.

Edited August 6, 2025 by IamScotticus

[Xhilr8n]

Another aspect, I want the center rear view to be flat not convex.  That’s the set up in my track Elise.  I like that flat center mirror so it’s easier to judge distance and decide whether to point someone by.  We can get by in these Lotus with the tiny mirror as the side ones are so large.