Blind Spot question

[AltimaJoe]

I know there have been topics in this vein before, and I'm sorry if this is a repeat post, but after nearly taking out an old Lincoln, you know, one of the 40' long boats, I've been doing some research and found this http://www.valeoraytheon.com/solutions.html.

It's basically a radar in your mirrors. My question is would it be worth it, in your opinion, to purchase an aftermarket part like this or would it be better to stick with the fisheyes? I know the fisheyes are cheap but in a fisheye things seem so small I might miss a motorcycle. I think if they price this system at $400-$500 like Valeo Raytheon claims it might make for a decent aftermarket addition. If they put it in mirrors that look nice on the A/C that is. I also almost took out a Honda Civic one day but I didn't care too much about that. The fact that I missed a 60's era Lincoln is what really concerns me!

Joe

[MadBlackCoupe]

I don't think it would hurt.

What I did was purchase a nav system with a rear camera. It helps tremendously with blind spots.

Coming from a sedan, the view is somewhat restricted in the coupe, so I had to do something. Not that this solution is perfect, but hell, I'm not sure what could be better.

I have a mode in my nav where you can see out the camera while driving forward. I use this to help change lanes.

I don't think you should rely totally on any technology. I look to the side, look back, look at the nav, and make an intelligent, informed decision.

-Mad

[AltimaJoe]

I try to do the same thing when I change lanes, I always check over my shoulder, sometimes I guess I just miss things. Like Lincoln Continentals.

[diane82]

Hey Mad-

Stupid question but this nav you have, would it be the stock one or is this an aftermarket nav that allows you to see while driving forward?

[ctrlaltcoupe]

I got the small convex mirrors for my coupe and they work great. I put them on the top outer corner of both mirrors.

The driver's side one has definately saved me many times. When a car passes me on the left... I see them in the regular driver's side mirror, then they enter the convex mirror, and by the time the exit the convex mirror's view, they are literally right beside me.

[Mr. Music]

Not to insult anybody, but make sure your mirrors are set up just right... I have never had a problem with the blind spot on the coupe. Another thing is being aware of what cars are around you, so like that if you knew that there was a car next to you just a second ago, and you don't see it now, you know it must be in your blind spot. I'm always looking around in the mirrors to know what is where... saved my butt a few times.

[Miss_Lanaya]

agree totally, I was a bit uncomfortable at first but as long as the mirrors are set outwards a bit and your checking who's around you its fine. Honestly I pretty much use my rear view mirror and drivers side...NO Problemo. plus most of the time Im passing someone and I can see them getting smaller and smaller as I take off...hehe

[SHIFT_2.5S]

I just put 2" round convex mirrors on the edges of the side-view mirrors and all is well. Never drive without them. They really help with blind spots and quick lane changes.

[AltimaJoe]

I know what you mean and I've got my mirrors set up to look more outward. The Lincoln incident was really kind of unavoidable because I was merging onto a highway where a mail truck decided to use the onramp as a turn lane in front of me. Luckily the A/C had enough power that when I punched it I was able to slip in in front of the Lincoln. It just got me to thinking because I didn't know the other car was there until I saw it in the rearview. Normally I would have done a proper blind spot check but the mail truck was too close in front of me and braking, and I was being tailgated, a recipe for disaster.

I just thought it would be cool to have a radar system in the mirrors. Not just the A/C but in any car.

[Miss_Lanaya]

ya gotta Do what ya gotta do.....

[Mr. Music]

I just thought it would be cool to have a radar system in the mirrors. Not just the A/C but in any car.

yeah, that is definitely cool, lol.

[MagicM]

what's wrong with good old fashioned shoulder checking, hehe.

[Miss_Lanaya]

the pillar posts...hahaI remember when I drove my car home for the first time and I was merging on to the highway.....literally rolled the window down to do ace ventura style shoulder check, its all good now tho, no need to ruin the hair doo

[MagicM]

If it's really that bad go race car style and stick a mirror right near the front of the car.

[Rustym2]

Just go faster than everybody else and you will have no problems.

[AltimaJoe]

Nissan used to do it, back when they were Datsun... I wonder what these would look like on the A/C...

[MadBlackCoupe]

Hey Mad-

Stupid question but this nav you have, would it be the stock one or is this an aftermarket nav that allows you to see while driving forward?

I have a Pioneer Z2.

A look at the camera view in reverse. When you go into reverse, this view automatically kicks in.

Split Rear View while driving forward. Very nice. I use this alot. It was an added bonus to be able to check this view before changing lanes, especially in the rain and at night. When not driving to a routed location, you don't see the arrows to the top left of the screen and things are much more clear.

Truthfully, the convex mirrors work wonders. I had them on my last Altima. Those things are great and get at just about all of the blind spot issues. I mounted mine on the bottom outside edge of the mirrows.

Funny, in the rain, I still roll down the window...lol.

Riding in the coupe, for me, is like driving a submarine. I love the Coupe, but the rear window view is small, and there are blind spots in the front left while making left turns and left rear when switching lanes to the left. Being short does not help, but another thing I do to help is raise the seat as much as possible. You'd be surprised at what an extra inch does for you.

I may try sitting on a phone book too...lol.

[AltimaJoe]

Is it packaged with the camera? Also, where is the camera mounted... is it very noticeable from the outside? And does this replace the head unit? I'm very interested in the Z2 now and if I'm gonna drop that much money for it I want to know exactly what it does, so... uh, what it do?

[MadBlackCoupe]

The camera was purchased separately. I didn't want the Pioneer camera, because it's too bulky. Once I found out just about any camera will work, I was on my way.

The Rear Camera. I wanted the black one because I wanted it to be barely noticeable. I think it worked. I am loving it.

You can follow my install ups and downs from here:

zer...age=1

[mgamino]

I have to agree with the blind spot on the upper left when making left turns. I have to move my head to the sides just to make sure I dont scrape or run over a curb or something.

[rjdmmfl1]

I have to agree with the blind spot on the upper left when making left turns. I have to move my head to the sides just to make sure I dont scrape or run over a curb or something.

Damn, I thought I was the only one that had this issue. Yeah, those left hand turns are a beeyyoootch. I find myself guestimating more than I would like. Not cool! I just know I'm gonna hit something someday!

[D-Roll]

I'll take one of those LOL

[AltimaJoe]

Hey Mad, I did a little research and see that it replaces the stock head unit. So, a couple of questions... How does it sound compared to the stock system? How well does it fit into the dash? I think I'm going to head to the car audio place near me tomorrow and pick one up but I don't want it to mess up the look inside the car. I also saw a Pioneer nav system that has a motorized touch screen that kind of pops up, but it seems kind of flat compared to the stock unit so they'd have to put in an ugly faceplate border... I hate those, they always look cheap. Last time I had an aftermarket stereo installed they didn't even bolt the mofo down, it just kinda slid out whenever I accelerated and I'd really like to avoid that.

[AltimaJoe]

If it's really that bad go race car style and stick a mirror right near the front of the car.

Deluxe Hood or Fender Mount Safety Mirror Assembly

By using either straight tube, bent tube or "L" bracket with the yoke, this assembly can be mounted on fender or hood. Makes the blind spot on right side of fender and door visible. Helps eliminate right turn and side swipe accidents. Assembly includes 8" Convex Mirror Head Triplex nickel and chrome plating for lasting beauty. All Fasteners are 18-8 stainless steel.

I am SO gonna put these on my A/C!! How can you say no to "Triplex nickel and chrome plating for lasting beauty."??

[MadBlackCoupe]

Yoh, this is a tough one, because, as they say, there is always a risk with aftermarket installs. The Z2 does not move or shift, but the metra kit is not 100% snug. It looks fine on sight, but when you touch the trim, it rocks a little. I can fix it, but was waiting for rjdmmfl1 to come through and tighten up the install and see what he thinks of my solution.

It is also not 100% flush with the dash, I'd say 98% to 100% in some places. If you run your fingers around the dash, there is a slight gap that runs half way down. The 2% is a pain, but if you didn't know how it was before, you'd think it was supposed to be like that. I'm hoping my man rjdmmfl1 will be able to fix that was well, he installed a D3 and his joint is 100% flush and 100% hype. He's coming through MD to help a brother out in Jan. Everyone seems to have different results though. Some more snug than others.

So, make sure you get some nice azz cats to work on your ish or the same could happen.

As for the sound, I don't hear any difference from what came with the car. It still cranks. You def want a double-din joint, not single-din with the flip out and up screen. The Z2 still flips, but only to put a CD or DVD in.

MadBC

[generic808]

A little 1.5"-2" convex mirror would be the best solution.

[MadBlackCoupe]

Yeah, Grandma would have done it, but not da kid...haha.

Deluxe Hood or Fender Mount Safety Mirror Assembly

By using either straight tube, bent tube or "L" bracket with the yoke, this assembly can be mounted on fender or hood. Makes the blind spot on right side of fender and door visible. Helps eliminate right turn and side swipe accidents. Assembly includes 8" Convex Mirror Head Triplex nickel and chrome plating for lasting beauty. All Fasteners are 18-8 stainless steel.

I am SO gonna put these on my A/C!! How can you say no to "Triplex nickel and chrome plating for lasting beauty."??

[AltimaJoe]

I'll just head to the shop tomorrow then and see what happens. Hopefully I don't do what I normally do and just buy whatever on an impulse... That's how I ended up with an '08 Coupe in the first place... Anyway, thanks for the info!

[MadBlackCoupe]

I started doing a little research. Maybe something else might work:



http://www.jcwhitney.com/autop...10114

Slips on easily over any side mirror without obstructing existing mirrorExtends field of vision for safer towing—you'll see better!Durable black housing, flat glass

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Adjusts to fit all vehiclesAttaches easily onto window frame and bottom of the doorRatcheting tension adjuster secures mirror firmly in place Non-scratch mounting pad prevents damage to vehicle's finish. Black steel mounting arm is approx. 5" x 8". Matte black ABS head with flat glass mirror.

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Extend field of vision for safer towingDurable black housing with the flat glass mirror surfaceRemovable when not needed. 2 options: for rectangular flag-style car/truck mirrors or rectangular or oval truck/van mirrors.

Something to ponder...

[AltimaJoe]

Those things made me laugh. I don't think I'd feel too cool driving around with those mirrors added on. I guess I'll just get some fisheyes. Regarding the Avic aftermarket navs, I was reading the other thread you had started and now I'm a little put off... the only car audio place I know of in my area is a Tweeters and after reading what you wrote about them guys I think I'd probably be better off getting the install done somewhere else. The problem with that is I don't know of any other car audio places in the area. So it looks like I'll be doing a self install of any in-dash nav that I buy. After checking out the how-to on the front page I think I could probably do it but I know that none of the dash pieces that have to be pulled off would fit right when I was done. Somehow every time I take something apart it always looks different when I finish putting it back together...