Page 6 - Butchering Your Aerodyne

Page 6_Layout 1 13/04/2020 09:15 Page 1

MIRRORS

Even today I find it impossible to understand why the only
rear-view mirror is the internal one. I understand the need
streamlining but I thinks that a couple of wing or door mir-
rors would have affected streamlining to any degree what-
soever. Where is Leonard Setright, now I need him? He
would no doubt have offered a very eloquent explanation
of the choices made for the 401.
Moving on “Cammie’s” mirrors, I had also inherited
two Raydot door mirrors with holes already drilled in each
door of my 401. The Raydot mirrors looked fine and looked
as though they were original, so someone made a good choice at least on the mirrors. Sadly, metal fatigue
took its toll and one very gentle bump snapped the aging metal on the offside mirror.
So, my nightmare with drilled holes once again re-appeared. An endless search for something to
cover up holes that were 4”/ 100 mm apart began in earnest. First came some “nice” looking American
mirrors they covered the holes but were too much at right angles so I couldn’t see the nearside mirror and
they were not adjustable.
They were of such a design that they had to go on as
they were, or not at all and the holes they needed were
practically spot-on, shame! In the end I gave up my
search and settled for Marina type Tex universal mirrors
as fitted to many 70’s cars but the holes required were
only 38mm apart so I decided to use one of the existing
holes drill another and stick a rubber grommet in the
other.
At least these mirrors came with angled rubbers
and there were adjustment kits also available to lift the
mirrors even higher and adjust the angle so they can eas-
ily be seen.
However, nothing could cover up the very slight
indents left by the shape of the original Raydot base rubber. I thought T cut and time would help them
fade in time. My toolmaker son then made a modified base to fit the holes and the mirror would then fit
on the new base. It all looked very neat but EBAY came to the rescue again and I found an exact Raydot
match, although with some pitted metal to sort out. Since then I gained an exact match finished in black
epoxy, not as good as chrome but brand new.
However, black didn’t really suit the car so I thought I might strip the epoxy off and chrome them.
EBAY once again came to the rescue several months later and I ended up with two brand new identical
chrome units with a black surround. I now have a box left over, full of various mirrors.
For those who had the patience and fortitude to read through this article and my
metaphorical hand wringing, I must add that I am NOT advocating any of the items listed,
I merely give them as alternatives and I recognise that beauty is of course in the eye of the
beholder but I am after safety in this Rush, Rush World of ours!

This article was put together in a shamefully long time and after re-reading and spell
checking, I have arrived at the conclusion that Procrastination must be my middle name!
I have been a Bristol owner for almost 52 years. Where did the years after 1968 disappear?
I remember that a new replacement cylinder head complete with running gear was £89.50.
The day I eventually cease to be a Bristol owner will be a sad one but the day will inevitably
arise. This of course is an unfinished story and if I ever finish the work, I will add more
photos. I would be very interested in other people’s “solutions”, with photos if possible
Bobbyweaf