Discussion
Is there actually a way of removing the S1 mirrors without breaking the bush???
I know everyone will say swap them as they are rubbish, but trying to keep the car original as possible. But if they are to be changed then now is the time to do it.
I know everyone will say swap them as they are rubbish, but trying to keep the car original as possible. But if they are to be changed then now is the time to do it.
Edited by 88S1 on Sunday 26th June 13:21
As a long term S1 owner I would say change them. Originality is OK up to a point but not at the expense of usability. The originals simply do not give good enough rear vision, they are downright unsafe especially on multi lane roads. That bush is glassed in anyway. Sensible upgrades enhance an S and add value, customising does not! I fitted Mazda MX5 mk1 mirrors, they look period are easy to fit and easy to colour to match to the car. Moreover the MX5 club is a source of readily available spares, including stainless internal spring. The key point is that they work well!! The novelty of good rear view hasnt worn off!!
I'd agree with Richard there, the original mirrors make it really difficult to drive on dual carriage ways etc - I swapped mine out and what a difference it makes to the drivability of the car - I can confidently see what is behind me now! It isn't a difficult mod and I think in this instance retaining the originality of a part that really does not work well is not worth it.
I went for the Citroen CX ones, as used on later S series and the V8S so in essence whilst not original, retains a level of authenticity to the mark in my view. You'll also need a mod for a mounting plinth from Lotus and of course the paint. The downside of the CX option being the availability of these mirrors, price and availability parts if needed vs. say the MX5 option.
I went for the Citroen CX ones, as used on later S series and the V8S so in essence whilst not original, retains a level of authenticity to the mark in my view. You'll also need a mod for a mounting plinth from Lotus and of course the paint. The downside of the CX option being the availability of these mirrors, price and availability parts if needed vs. say the MX5 option.
That's the right CX mirror: mostly unobtainable and horribly expensive. They're shared with a wide range of Ferraris, Maseratis and McLarens. You can sometimes get damaged ones from scrappers. The sacrificial Mazak 'tripod' inside is now being manufactured again, so damage may not be terminal.
The other snag is that the mirror is screwed on to a big threaded insert that is glassed-in to a 'frenched' recess in the door (on S2.5, S3, S4's and V8S's. Hell of a job!
The other snag is that the mirror is screwed on to a big threaded insert that is glassed-in to a 'frenched' recess in the door (on S2.5, S3, S4's and V8S's. Hell of a job!
Indeed, I did the CX option and it isn't cheap since the mirrors are quite rare. in total i spent about £300 to do this, but the look achieved was fantastic. You can glass the mounts in (as mentioned above) but there is an easier (but more expensive option) which is what i went for. Basically, you can buy a mirror Plinth and fixing bolt for a Lotus Esprit Mk2 from a lotus parts supplier - cost at about £100 for a pair. with this, you can literally bolt it to the door over the hole left behind when removing the old mirrors. This is included in the total cost mentioned before £100 per mirror and £100 for the plinth kit. if i knew how to add photos here i would, but it looks really good.
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