Exterior Rear View Mirror

[Jetaway]

I have no idea what the stock mirror was, but my 1972 came with a bullet-style passenger side mirror. I've never been very happy with it because of its small size and laser-like reflection path. Part of my dissatisfaction is, of course, the fact that it has to be manually adjusted (remote mirror control and retractable seat belts about the only really, really, worthwhile advancements in the last 40 years -- in my book) but manual adjustment wouldn't be so bad if it had a field of view wider than a pinhole. I could get it adjusted to cover the blind spot, but if it were bumped or simply vibrated out of position a bit I couldn't tell it was no longer aimed at the blind spot until a "Oh (**&" moment on the freeway. I tried a "GT" style mirror as well, but it wasn't much better. Thus, I've been keeping my eye out for something better. I think I found it.

It's from a Jaguar. I didn't pay attention to which model, but a mid 1980s XJ-S wouldn't be far from the mark and it's not like they changed much year to year anyway. The mirror area is a bit bigger, but even better, is convex (objects in mirror are closer ...) and either tinted or polarized. My Z had four mounting holes previously drilled into the door and it matched up perfectly with two of them, your results may differ. The only modification, as it were, that I've made was to wedge a hard piece of plastic under the outside (opposite the window) of the mounting bracket to compensate for the Z's shoulder dropping off at a greater angle than the Jaguar's. It's not necessary, but it looks a little neater as it keeps the mirror parallel to the ground.

How does it work?

I don't even know it's there. Which is exactly how a mirror should work. Not only is the blind spot covered but the entire lane going back _and_ good coverage of two lanes over.

How does it look?

I'm not really into chrome and I was worried that it would be to big for the Z, but I actually like how it looks. Like an executive Z or something. I've attached three photos for your perusal.

Chris

[Jetaway]

A month later and I wish I had nabbed the driver's side Jag mirror. It's freakin' great.

Chris