Interior Exterior
Q:
I also purchased the multivex mirrors, and thanks to them, I can turn my center rear view mirror out of the way for city driving. I turn it back for freeway driving because, I want to be able to see clearly a long distance behind me. But, I have both mirros adjusted just a little in so that I can use them to see behind me on the streets.
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I remember about a week ago, I knew an SUV was there in my blind spot. I looked over my right shoulder and could not see it. I could not see it out of either side or rear mirror. Tried as I might, I could not spot it. It was a sobering experience.
Finally tested the multivex mirrors. After duct taping them on and driving for about five or ten minutes I was sold. No more blind spots. Yay!
And Tim, you were right about not noticing the edges on the mirror once installed. Very very minor.
Yes, it takes a little bit of getting used to. I normally use the rear view mirror to gauge distance (and determine if I have enough room to change lanes) and the side mirrors to determine if there's a car there (not to gauge how far away that car is). For me they work perfectly.
-Frank.
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Bang for the buck, there's nothing better you can do for your Elise and your safety.Mike
I second that...just installed mine yesterday. What a difference!
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Can the edges be smoothed and blackened? Is a new shape pattern available?
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I just installed mine yesterday, got it last week. The gaps are still there, so i don't think there is any change in the pattern. I painted the edge black, but will fill all the gaps with black silicone, as Tim did.
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Too bad they cannot come up with a decent solution that *replaces* the mirror. looks too ugly IMHO.
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Too bad they cannot come up with a decent solution that *replaces* the mirror. looks too ugly IMHO.
I intend come hell or high water to replace the original glass with these... when my set come in next week...
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I drove my car today for the first time with the mirrors. No more blind spots for me. I really like these mirrors.
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You're funny Trace! Nice touch with it being Paul Martin, Canadian PM - since I'm an expatriate Canuck!
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I intend come hell or high water to replace the original glass with these... when my set come in next week...
You could, except for one thing - the Multivex mirrors are slightly smaller (to fit over the stock mirrors on the "outside". I suspect that they could make a replacement for the original glass, but they don't...
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Can the edges be smoothed and blackened? Is a new shape pattern available?
Stan,
I used 220 grit sandpaper and wet sanded the edges to a fairly smooth surface before masking and painting the edge black. Do NOT use a coarse grit paper as you will start chipping the edges instead of smoothing them. I only have one photo on my computer showing the results, if you want the "installed" photos I can take them tonight.
John
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OK, hell or high water has arrived...
They look wonderful!
Materials:
- Multivex Mirror set
- Soft plastic desk tray
- 60 minute epoxy
- Black silicone waterproof caulking
- Blue painting tape
- Paper plates
- Plastic knife
- Toothpicks
- Two large glasses of water
Tools:
- General trimming snippers
- Permanent marker
- Scissors
- Thin blade flat screwdriver
Instructions (x2 for left/right):
Remove mirror from car
1a. Bend mirror to farthest outward position
1b. Pull back ribbed elastic cover
1c. Carefully pry inside tab to separate mirror from housing
1d. Slowly release rest of mirror from housing using fingers
You'll end up with the mirror in one hand and this left on the car:
Remove mirror from holder
Note: I could not determine a non-destructive method of removing the stock mirror from it's holder without destroying it.
2a. Take a screwdriver and stab the center of the stock mirror until it cracks.
2b. Repeat until pieces are removable.
2c. You should have just a plastic holder remaining at this point.
Make holder plastic template
3a. Place holder face down on the plastic desk tray.
3b. Make an outline with a permanent marker around the holder.
3c. Cut around the outline with the snippers, leaving about 2mm border.
3d. Test fit/trim/repeat as necessary so the plastic piece will fit ON TOP on the stock retaining clips.
Secure template to holder
4a. Mix epoxy with plastic knife
4b. Set plastic template inside housing
4c. Spread epoxy around the perimeter edge of the template and housing.
4d. In order to make sure the template is level, place a large glass of water on the template.
4e. Insert 8 toothpicks inside the holder side mounting holes in order to ensure the holes are level and clear of epoxy.
4f. Let sit until epoxy sets. I waited overnight.
Here comes the mirror...
5a. Apply a generous bead of black silicone around the same perimeter where the mirror will set.
5b. Mix some more epoxy and stir with the knife.
5c. Apply blue painter tape to the front of the mirror and trim with scissors so it's flush.
5d. Apply a big glob of epoxy on the plastic template where the double-sided tape will NOT be contacting.
5e. Remove (arm!) double-sided tape from the back of the mirror.
5f. Carefully plunk the mirror down inside the squishy bed of epoxy, silicone and sticky tape.
5g. Press and hold every square inch of the mirror to ensure even adhesion.
5h. Let set overnight. Can you tell I did this over two nights when the babies were asleep?
5i. Peel blue painter tape off. Clean mirror with Windex or other favourite cleaner.
Reinstall!
6a. Snap mirror back into housing. The stock protruding mounting clips should be flush with the new mirror.
6b. Pull back the ribbed elastic cover back into place.
6c. Adjust mirror as required
6d. Enjoy!
Elapsed time (not including drying time): 90 minutes per side.
Modified mirror weighs 1oz more than stock mirror per side. Regular Multivex mirror setup weighs 5oz more per side.
I only had a brief opportunity to drive around with them yesterday but they really seem to help a lot more. The only thing I didn't like was when I was reversing back into my garage (use side mirrors for reference). I felt I was being sucked into a black hole or something with the side distortion going in reverse.
Enjoy!
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One of the bravest mods I've seen to date! Sticking a screwdriver through the stock mirror? That's a bit past the point of no return. I'll try to drum up the courage and stab those puppies off. Bravo!
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One of the bravest mods I've seen to date! Sticking a screwdriver through the stock mirror? That's a bit past the point of no return. I'll try to drum up the courage and stab those puppies off. Bravo!
Yeah... we need a new smiley... perhaps a banana with big "cojones!"
Mike
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Wow Dark Sol, I just saw this thread. Impressive and daring.
I installed the Multivex today the traditional way, but I might consider your method later.
I did feel that once I had removed the supplied adhesive foam and used black RTV, the protrusion of the mirror's edge was very minimal. I used some rtv to fill the edges and it looks fine to me.
I found the mirrors hard to use at first. My depth perception was messed up and they seemed odd and disconcerting. But after an hour or so, I found I was using them more to check for blind spots. I like them.
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My Multivex mirrors probably saved me from an accident today. While on the 405 and in the right hand lane. I decided to change lanes and enter the second lane just ahead of an eighteen wheeler. I accelerated to give the eighteen wheeler ample space and not force him to brake or decelerate. While making the lane change and glancing at my driver-side mirror I spotted a speeding delivery van in the third lane. By it's car language I just knew it was going to try and change lanes, but didn't see me. So I pulled back into my original lane. Sure enough just as I started my move back he swerved in front of 18 wheeler and would have nailed me. If not for the extra visability the Multivex mirror gave me. I would have never had seen the Van.
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That is one odd thing that takes some getting used to, but has a value. Seeing the cars in the next lane over past the adjacent lane.
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Looking at the site posted earlier http://www.multivexmirror.com/, I don't see the model for Elise. Which one should one gets? And is this the best place to buy it?
Thanks.
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It's on there. Click on European passenger cars and scroll ~ 3/4 of the way down the page.