Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I am sure there are many different types out there - simply want to share something I found and versus all I saw previously, I think looks good and is reasonably well-proportioned on the Elan. They attach to the window frame more securely than others I've tried, and (in my opinion) look more 'OE' than many such types.

Of course, they are simple to instal/remove.

From a specialist who supplies them for E-types.

If you're looking for a solution you might like to evaluate these

http://www.fossewayperformance.co.uk/e- ... or-mirror/

Cheers.

I've attached a couple of pictures showing them on the car (albeit clearly not taken for that purpose!)

I am very interested in these for my series one Elan. Do you think they would attach to the different style window channel? Could you post some pictures of the attachment and or maybe a description of the the attachment. Fosseways website doesn't describe the attachment either. I just have not been able to drill holes in my body after years of work to get it right. Thanks. Gary 26/0045

Gary

I saw a tear drop one recently on the triumph experience site in the USA

Bill

I too am interested. From the website it looks like they are drilled through the frame but from the description it sounds like they are clamped. I would like more information/clarity. I too am loth to drill my body (cars).

I think those are set screws not through fasteners - I will use them on my 72 Sprint that is hard to install the body bolt on ones on. On my 63 1600 (26/0538) I door mounted mine 57 years ago - easy to do, not like the electric window version one, and I think it looks better - not so much like an add on gizmo.

Bill

Hi there

Yes, these ones clamp to the window frame. It is a sturdy mounting (unlike others I've tried) with a contoured nylon pad to avoid damaging the frame. Good adjustability too.

I can't I'm afraid comment on the suitability for an earlier car, not being familiar with them. I found the guys at the firm very helpful, I'm sure you could send a photo and get some advice.

Btw, I chose the 'flat' glass and it is fine for good visibility on the road and also when parking the nearside of the car tight to a wall.

I've found the fitting instructions which I'll photo and post later ...the text is quite small unfortunately...lets see if it works

Not sure how well this will work...here goes with the fitting instructions:

first photo is the whole page, the next two are the same page but 'in two halves' to hopefully make it easier to read!

aha, the pictures obviously come up in reverse order...

Totally legible on my phone if I stretch to enlarge. Good resolution.

great. hope it helps....

If I read this correctly it looks like the metal clamp is bare metal to the inside of the outside channel of the window frame & the outside of it has a gasket between it & the door frame, am I correct? A photo of the separate pieces would be useful if you can show us. I have one that I bought from a different supplier that I know some members use but I have never been confident of how well it clamps to the frame.

Hi Keith. I'm not in a position to dismantle mine, but here's what I recall since fitting them around a year ago, so is right in principle, but perhaps not absolute detail! (I would think a request to the manufacturer would provide detail):

There is a self adhesive pad which once you've chosen your desired position you stick to the outer of the window frame. It is contoured with raised pieces so the mounting locates well and, once-tightened will not slip nor rotate.

As you say, the metal surface of the mount sits on this.

the other side of the mount fits into the window 'channel', tightening against the material in the channel. Before fitting I was of course concerned about there being enough clearance to the glass. I may have trimmed the material, but I don't think it was necessary - sorry, I cant recall.

What I can say is once tightened, the mirrors are extremely secure. there is plenty of adjustment to get a combination of good vision and good aesthetic on the car.

I have tried several other types on classic cars before, and they were all flawed. I saw these on a friend's E-type when he was taking me to collect the Elan after service, otherwise I would have known. He is an engineer by trade and spoke highly of them...that's why I tried them.

Ironic, perhaps is that I had an E-type for 16 years and suffered with the period-looking but dreadful vision afforded by the 'bullet'-style wing-mounted mirror all that time...never having found one which worked on the frame and looked presentable on the car!

hope that helps...

This is my take on the clamp on solution. The mirror is a bullet style item, which can be positioned very nicely, thanks to pivots on both the mirror and the base. IMHO a door mounted mirror can be better looking, but I couldn‘t bring myself to drill into the fresh paint..
The window frame bracket that comes with the mirror is to narrow for the Elan. I sourced a C section Al extrusion to build the bracket. ( I still have 60 inches in stock, let me know if you need some ).
The Aluminum can be polished to a good degree, not like chrome, but similar.

Phil, what make & model mirror is that & where did you buy it?

I am interested too Phil

Bill