370Z Blind Spots

sbkim

bump - I noticed that this is pretty big issue with the 370z. So most of us are using convex mirrors? LaneFX sounds promising.

k.alexander

I've had one of these on all of my cars for about 12 years now.
Lanechanger: LaneChanger I

(the pic is terrible, they don't look that crooked).

I swear by this product, like $7 at PepBoys/AutoZone (a long time ago). Basically this gives you full rear 180 degree view. I dont use any of my other mirrors any more. One glance in this mirror and you can see everything that is going on behind you up and to your peripheral field of vision.

PS: This image shows off what I mean quite well:
http://www.lanechanger.com/images/mirror_028_web.jpg

I havent gotten my hands on the 370Z yet (three more days) and I plan on putting one of these on, immediately. Hope it works, considering how big the C-pillar is in the car, and how small the quarter windows are, not to mention how little visibility there is out of the rear window.

k.alexander

After driving for a few days now, with the lanechanger mirror, I posted a link to above, I have the following observations:

The mirror does work on the Z. The C-pillar is huge on this car, and since we simply can't see through metal, the mirror cant either. Having said that, you can JUST ABOUT rely only on this mirror and nothing else. I've tested it now, when standing in traffic, and you can see some part (either front or back) of the car in your blind spot.

That should just about be enough. However, in addition, I did what many here recommended, and adjusted my outside mirrors so that I can just about barely see the side of my car, with the rest of the mirror showing me what is to the side of the car. As a result, with the outside mirrors, I can see the other part of the car (the one I cant see with the lanechanger).

Bottom line, between the lanechanger mirror and the outside mirrors adjusted, as described above, I feel like I'm fine (o need to turn the head, as in fact I see less when I do that), and essentially my entire blind spot is covered.

__________________
-Are you coming to bed?
-I can't. This is important. -What?
-Someone is WRONG on the internet.

sbkim

Thanks for the update. After test driving the Z again, I see your point with Lanechanger - without more windows in the car, it won't do much good...

I guess for even more added safey, I guess you can install convex mirror on the side. Do you need one on the driver side as well?

k.alexander

I might still install those little mirrors. For a buck or so a piece it's a no brainer, but since they'll be on the outside edge of the external mirror's they'll also take away from the external mirrors themselves. Dont know, will have to test this out.

__________________
-Are you coming to bed?
-I can't. This is important. -What?
-Someone is WRONG on the internet.