[Doug Painter]

My Bolt's right side mirror has the cool feature that lights up when the blind spot has a vehicle in it. However, it is a typical convex mirror, distorting perspective to catch as much area as possible (hence the "objects in mirror may be closer than they are").

I hate convex mirrors and prefer a plain mirror that allows me to better gauge perspective. Does anyone know if or how the Bolt's side-view mirror can be replaced with a non-convex mirror? The dealer had no suggestions.

 

[wainair]

Have you ever seen the aspheric mirrors the Germans get? I like them more than our mirrors. I have them on my Volt but they are pricey. With the aspheric mirrors the main area of the mirror is a normal mirror and then the outside third of the mirror has a convex curve that shows your blind spots. Unlike the convex mirrors we get here in North America, it doesn't clutter up the viewing area of the mirror and you don't get that "objects in mirror may be closer than they are" effect.

The Bolt is being sold as an Opel in Germany so I'm sure that GM will have an aspheric mirror for those cars but I haven't been able to find a part number yet.

 

[Bazinga]

You may need to wait a bit before the part numbers are online, or you could try asking your dealership. I tried searching for opel ampera-e part numbers and came up with nothing.

 

[DaV8or]

Other than possibly the suggestion above of using German style mirrors, I suspect you'll have to make them yourself.

Make a paper template of what the mirror needs to be shaped like and then take it to a good glass shop. Ask them to cut and shape the mirror to your template in something like 3/32", or 1/8" mirror. Then attach it over the existing mirror with adhesive tape after cleaning it well. It will likely be a bit pricey for the labor, but should get the job done.

 

[EldRick]

You might also want to figure out how to keep the yellow blind-spot warning working. Waiting for the Ampera partno is probably a better bet.

 

[Bazinga]

The blind spot warning may be a deterrent to getting a set custom made unless it's just a simple LED bulb behind the mirror that glass shops can work around.

 

[DaV8or]

You might also want to figure out how to keep the yellow blind-spot warning working. Waiting for the Ampera partno is probably a better bet.

Basically, with the DIY mirror project, you would have to either make you replacement mirror a little short, leaving the warning light exposed, or locate where that light is positioned on the replacement mirror and carefully remove paint and silver backing in that area. A mirror is just an ordinary piece of glass with a silver electroplate and a protective coat of paint. Remove that and it's just clear again.

I agree with others, that if you can get the Opel part, that might be slicker. Be aware though that to install it, you will have to take the passenger side door apart and then the outside mirror apart. Not a huge job, but an afternoon's worth of wrenching. Of course you could pay somebody to do it too. The DIY stick on mirror is quicker and easier to do.

 

[EldRick]

I think you would have to remove only the paint over the LED, leaving the silvering, unless you wanted a black spot there. The LED shines through the thin metalized layer.

 

[Bazinga]

With how much the mirror could end up costing you on top of labor, it's probably better to just use the factory convex mirrors and get used to seeing objects closer than they are.

 

[DaV8or]

With how much the mirror could end up costing you on top of labor, it's probably better to just use the factory convex mirrors and get used to seeing objects closer than they are.

For years I drove semi trucks and trucks of all sizes, so I am very comfortable with mirrors. I never look over my shoulder when backing up, I don't care if I can see out the rear window or not, paint them black for all I care. I also much prefer to back up a trailer with the mirrors. Having said that, good mirrors are a must and some car mirrors leave a lot to be desired.

On any big truck, you will find they use both flat and convex mirrors. Both are very useful. The flat mirror is for your precision backing up and parking operations and the convex is for changing lanes in traffic and seeing the world behind you. Flat mirrors are terrible for changing lanes because they are nothing but blind spots. They really don't show you the whole picture. Many cars I've driven, the right mirror isn't big enough, or convex enough to show the whole picture, so I've supplemented them with smaller round stick on mirrors that are even more convex.

Car companies give you right side convex mirrors because they are most concerned with you safely changing lanes. They figure you will look over your shoulder to back up and now we have back up cameras, bumper beepers and even better, the bird's eye view. However, backing up accurately with convex mirrors is possible too, you just need to get used to them.

I am intrigued with the European/German aspheric mirrors. I imagine them to be flat mostly up close to the car and convex out on far right end. Probably about 70% flat and 30% convex. I might really like them, but I doubt I would go to the expense and trouble to covert to them. Just not worth it too me. I would like to see them if anybody gets their hands on an Ampera e anytime soon.

 

[devbolt]

Backup cameras should be never used as a replacement for using your mirrors (side or rearview) or looking over your shoulder when backing up. They are an adjunct. The backup camera is primarily designed to give you a view of what is directly behind you that your mirrors can't see. It's there to make sure you don't run over an animal, some sort of obstruction or debris, and most importantly, a child, that isn't visible directly behind you.

 

[Sean Nelson]

...The backup camera is primarily designed to give you a view of what is directly behind you that your mirrors can't see. It's there to make sure you don't run over an animal, some sort of obstruction or debris, and most importantly, a child, that isn't visible directly behind you.

It also shows you just how close to an object you are so you can, for example, get a little more usable room to maneuver while parallel parking without hitting anything.

 

[devbolt]

It also shows you just how close to an object you are so you can, for example, get a little more usable room to maneuver while parallel parking without hitting anything.

Yeah, it's been really helpful. I tend to use the mirrors first to get lined up and in position and then use the camera to fine tune the parking job. Trying to still rely on my spatial sense, but use the electronic tools to verify things.