Need Mirror source???

[Wes Allen]

I'm looking for the source of the Carbon fiber mirrors that have the molded in aero tube shape mounting detail? Any idea?
Thanks Wes Allen

[Shep]

Hi Wes,

How 'bout these?

http://www.racemirrors.com/page5.html

If they're the ones you're thinking of, would you consider asking them about a group buy? I'm in the market myself...

- Erik

[Garey Guzman]

Those are kinda expensive but I would only expect that from the guy converting/developing a Tatuus! Must have big bucks!

Add me if there is a group buy cooking! I'll stick to Fiberglass because I don't need to spend that much more money to save less than an ounce!

[TimW]

You can have carbon fiber mirrors on a FF?

[Shep]

Well, it's Big Bucks all right... it's just that they're all in someone else's pocket, lol...

And to think that I imagined I was taking the cheap route to a modern FF...

Fiberglass is more than adequate for me as well - maybe we're on a roll here?

Garey, where are we going to see you at the track next? EWC?

Tim - I was wondering that same thing...

[Joefisherff]

You might want to check with Neil as he had some similar to this that he used in developing the original DB6 Formula Fords that he put through the wind tunnel with good results.

http://www.porterracing.com/

[rickb99]

You can have carbon fiber mirrors on a FF?

Good point. I had this discussion in a thread about using SMALL amounts of Carbon Fiber on the inside of body panels to reinforce some weak areas. I was told .. ' thou shalt not have carbon fiber touch thy FC body work anywhere, period over and out'.

Kevlar is okay. I guess that makes sense to somebody.

Mirrors may be in doubt. Those are lovely mirrors but I think I'd have a definitive answer before blowing $300. On the other hand, they would look good in your street Honda.

[TimW]

So, I was on a weight reduction on the car last year and beyond signing up for a handful of half marathons I looked at CF mirrors after they let them go as 'attachments' and not 'bodywork' in the runoffs prior. Got my 'ol trusty postal scale out and prior to paint the weight difference between the SPA nylon & CF mirrors is only 2-3 ounces for the pair. Which is less than the paint you'll apply to them if you don't like white or black. So perhaps the alloy stems & base would be much better off as CF but a painted mirror assembly is still less than 6 ounces. If you get a 25% reduction by going with $325 CF mirrors, thats $3467/lb weight reduction. Indy cars budget about 1000-1500/lb of weight reduction for when they need to find excess weight to remove from parts (though will spend more for unsprung). Can only imagine there are other parts on a Ford that have a better weight return for the money (ICP calipers versus LD20s are about $850/12lbs and that is unsprung reduction).

[Garey Guzman]

I've long been tempted to try motorcycle mirrors but I'm sure someone has tried it and since I've never seen them on a formula car, I'm guessing it's not the hot ticket.

http://www.1tail.com/sa/c/Replacement_Mirrors.htm

As far as I can tell from the GCR, mirrors are free (of restriction, not price )

[Mike Milner]

http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/category/s

[Mike Milner]

http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=6054

[Mike Milner]

http://www.racemirrors.com/keithwin.htm

[Garey Guzman]

Mike,
Any experience with any of these?

[Mike Milner]

Yes . I have a set of the mirrors from the wholesale place linked above .
They are not as zoomy as the others seen above with the molded stem but they work and look fine and are a bit more affordable . I bought them 2 years ago and as I recall were much cheaper then .
I fabricated a clear fairing from scrap plastic to copy the more expensive version and use them with thoughts of drag reduction .
My only hesitation recommending these to anyone considering this eliptical design is the reduction in viewing area of the mirror . They are considerably smaller than the Spa type design . Proceed with caution .
Tommorow in the light I will take a photo of my application and post it here .
BTW....I hope you are doing well there in your new home Gary .
We miss racing with you out here on the left coast .
Regards,

[Wes Allen]

OK... my main interest in the carbon fiber units is because I have been cracking the plastic SPA mirror cases. The plastic cracks adjacent to the swivel clamping screw on top. I thought the Carbon Fiber would hold up better. I am concerned about the reduction in size for viewing purposes. Although it is a little better aero wise,I Don't think it is that significant though.
Wes

[kea]

Wes,
Maybe it would be a good question to ask if anyone else has had that type of failure. If not, than you can look into the source of your particular problem. And/or, you could change to another brand of (plastic) mirror like ones from Racetech?
Keith
Averill Racing Stuff, Inc.

[Garey Guzman]

If anyone is still interested in aero mirrors, I've got something organized in the new "Group Buy" section under General Classified.