Date:         Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:20:24 -0400
Reply-To:     Werner Schink <werner.calnr@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Werner Schink <werner.calnr@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: westy rear view mirror - one solution

Hi Alistair,

I've done both - when I put a poptop on my 7 passenger but didn't put in the
upper bed.

I trimmed the cabinet a bit so it didn't hang so low.  To fasten it I used
to two bolts on the driver side but up a bit as the cabinet had been
shortened for visability.  On the passenger side I created a bracket that
was a 90 degree angle that fit under the cabinet and up along the side - a
third part of the angle butted up against the wall and was held in place by
4 good size screws.  The way it was designed when weight was added to the
cabinet it pushed against the wall and acted like a wedge.  It help up for
about 5 years.  Recently i redid my van and put in an upper bunk.  I'll send
you the bracket if you like - pmail me.

For the mirror I tried to take 2 mirrors and join them using longer stem
pieces from each.  That didn't work.  Then I took a stock mirror and cut a
series of slots partway in the side that's closest to the front window.
This allowed me to bend the stem without breaking it (on the second try).  I
filled the slots with black epoxy.  It's held up for a year or so.  Not a
lot of gain but some.

Sorry to take so long in adding 2 centavos - been campin'.

Werner


On Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:45:09 -0700, Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA> wrote:

>So the subject came up when I posted about putting in rear overhead
>cabinet in my camperisation of syncro project. Yeah, I know that
>cabinet restricts rear view, but I like the storage space and it *is*
>being installed. Scott (and Karl) suggested I stick on a mirror on
>the windscreen to get back some rear view, but no one replied with
>actual tried and tested solutions and results ...
>
>cheers
>
>alistair