Question about west coast mirrors

[DBossMan]

I have always been a bit frustrated with the blind spot that my west coast mirrors create, especially on the driver side. It makes a big blind spot at about 10 o'clock which is right where I'm looking when I make left turns, etc.

I have determined that there are probably two ways to mount the actual mirror. One way puts the rectangular mirror closer to the cab, the other places it further out, away from the cab.

Mine are currently setup to be close to the cab/door. I'm wondering if moving it so that it is further out will help my blind spot.

Does anyopne know which way is correct or have preference on which way works better?

Thanks,

Tim

[fordman]

when i first got my truck the mirrors were adjusted way out. i still had a blind spot but maybe it wasn't as bad as it would have been if it were in close. i couldn't bring them back in because they were rusted in place. i don't like them really.

[scott]

First a comment, I have these on my truck and am confused as to why they call them "West Coast". I think a more appropriate name would be "Commercial or Trailer" mirrors.

Second being a 33 year vet of the transportation industry I can tell you with some confidence that the proper setting on this style of mirrors is as far outboard as you can get them while still being able to view them from behind the vent window. You should also be able to see them unobstructed from a normal seating position by only turning your head.

As for the Blind spot, go to your nearest truck stop and pick up the smallest fish eyes that you can find and dangle them like this.





Then when using your mirror, turn your head, scan the upper mirror, check your blind spot in the fish eye and return your line of sight to the upper mirror before executing a lane change.

[68F250]

Yes, the mirrors should be on the outboard side. Personally I think they're useless without fisheyes, I have the stick-on type on both mirrors.

[dcbullet]

As for the Blind spot, go to your nearest truck stop and pick up the smallest fish eyes that you can find and dangle them like this.

I think the blind spot he is referring to is the fact that you have to bob your head forward and back to make sure you don't miss a car coming from the left at a 4 way because the mirror is so huge it's in the way.

I have them too and that is my biggest complaint.

[fordman]

yea he is talking about the front view. having to look around the mirrors themselves.

[scott]

Ahhh.I still love the fish eyes for rearward blind spots.

Having driven for a living for 30+ years I am used to these mirrors more so than reg auto style mirrors.

[69rangerman]

I like my westerns but twice now I was making a left turn and as I looked left and saw no traffic my feeble brain interpreted the vehicle approaching from the rear reflected in my mirror as a vehicle coming from the left - bought jumped out of my skin thinking I was going to be t-boned. Now I just do the head bob/triple left-right check.

[Clarko]

I have the Western Mirrors, too. I just deal with the leaning forward to see what's coming my way

[rjewkes]

I like the low mounts big enough to see behind you. I go wit the stick on fish eyes. an viola no blind spot.

[foghorn]

Yeah but the low mounts just look wrong on the bump sides IMO I still like my camper special mirrors.

foggy

[DBossMan]

Thanks for the feedback.

Yes, I was referring to the blind spot looking forward. Its especially bad at 4 way stop intersections.

I think I will try moving them to the outboard side.