Mirror Placement and Features

[Kenny]

Carrying on from the recent thread on mirror adjustment. How about opinions on mirror placement and features. In the process of renovating my MCI9, I'm going to replace the OEM mirrors. Many possibilities when it comes to placement or location and features. Need some opinions.

Location
- View both through the side windows
- View both through the windshield
- LH through the side window and RH through the windshield

Features
- Size
- Convex on top or bottom
- How much radius on convex
- Heated
- Remote control
- Rear viewing cameras integrated into mirror
- Turn signals integrated into mirror
 
Would really like to hear some opinions on this
Kenny

[buddydawg]

I am interested in this topic as well.  I am going to replace my mirrors.  I'd like to know where to find some at a reasonable price that do not look ridiculous hanging off the front of the bus.

[Tim Strommen]

...that do not look ridiculous hanging off the front of the bus...

To each their own, do it your way, yada yada yada... There isn't likely going to be a answer from the board you agree with that you won't already have yourself.


I personaly like mirrors praying mantis style (hanging/top-mounted), out in the front windsheild (both).  I also like turn signals in the mirror or at least very near the mirror - since drivers more often than not look for a driver in the mirror as a hint to the driver's area of attention (and thus their eyes will be focused where the light is).  Big mirrors are good, but if you have a habit of walking abround the bus and they are mounted low, you may walk into them when carrying something - or forget they are there and turn around right into a mirror.  Also, remember that such big mirrors outside the side windows will add to the width of the vehicle - and may make squeezing into a hole with a 102" bus just that much harder.

I personally like Velvac, specifically the "model 2030" with the V-Max head, LED turn-signal, heated and motorized mirrors (both the flat glass, and convex glass).  It's hard to adjust the mirrors for the seated position when they are in front of the windsheild - heated is for the same reason, it's very difficult to wipe a mirror down on the freeway when belted in... Unless you have a habit of getting up to get some coffee... 


-T

[Gary '79 5C]

Kenny,

My choice is the Ramco type with large rear view mirror on top & the convex at the bottom. I am looking for the far rear traffic etc. with the top, but the convex is pointed down & wide to pickup the little low car who wants to get close.. Drivers side is viewed thru side window, curb side thru windshield. Mounted just below windshield level.

Just got back from a 2,600 mile sucessful trip and would not trade or change these mirrors. No electric adjusters, No heaters, just the aluminum cast housings. They are practical & fit the purpose. Electric adjusters would be nice, but I am the only driver on this bus.

Best of Luck with you endeavors,