Extending mirrors
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Extending mirrors
Perhaps this is not the spot to put this post, but I have gotten used to the good advice from this group.
Is there a way to shorten the extension bars of the extending mirrors on my new 2005 when it gets here. I always thought that when in the in position the mirrors stick out too far for my use. There seems to be about an inch and a half of extra extension when the mirrors are in the IN position.
I would like to cut off this excess, and have them tucked in a little closer to the truck when not towing. When towing, they would still be out far enough.
Also, is there a convex glass available for the right side mirror? I really miss it. I already added 4" button mirrors to the 2004, and they help, but I don't like the small built in mirrors, as they don't show the wheels when they are adjusted for showing cars beside you, as big button mirrors do.
Thanks,
Rick
Is there a way to shorten the extension bars of the extending mirrors on my new 2005 when it gets here. I always thought that when in the in position the mirrors stick out too far for my use. There seems to be about an inch and a half of extra extension when the mirrors are in the IN position.
I would like to cut off this excess, and have them tucked in a little closer to the truck when not towing. When towing, they would still be out far enough.
Also, is there a convex glass available for the right side mirror? I really miss it. I already added 4" button mirrors to the 2004, and they help, but I don't like the small built in mirrors, as they don't show the wheels when they are adjusted for showing cars beside you, as big button mirrors do.
Thanks,
Rick
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Originally Posted by tbirdrick
Also, is there a convex glass available for the right side mirror? I really miss it. I already added 4" button mirrors to the 2004, and they help, but I don't like the small built in mirrors, as they don't show the wheels when they are adjusted for showing cars beside you, as big button mirrors do.
Duncan
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: New Orleans
I have the telescopic tow mirrors on my 05 and they have the convex mirrors on both sides at the bottom. The right side mirror has a bad blind spot, you really need the convex mirror. If you shorten them it may increase the blind spot.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Fort. Lauderdale FL,
we have a 2001 at our house and my 2004 with the little convex lenses at the bottom and its a huge difference. i also live by the bottom mirror. like it was said before i may not see the whole car but i will defanantly see part of it telling me to stay put..i think the mirrors stick out a little far to since i dont pull more then a 21ft bass boat but i would dream of cutting them. i get bad vibes just thinking about cutting the truck to save an inch on each side...but hey to each their own not my truck over there..:-)
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: The Villages, FL
I found mention of a spot mirror in other threads here for c-Betr. I ordered and received them before my 05 got in. These mirrors are great and give you a clear view.
One thing I note a bit different from the pictures on the site is that either the 05 mirror has changed or they moved the spot mirror when extended. On my 05 mirrors, the slide portion of the arms is inside - the arm which is visible when collapsed does not move when extended, so the spot mirror does not move when the head is extended and remains close to the truck door. Their pictures show the spot next to the head when extended, but this would make it impossible to collapse the arms. It's kind of a minor thing...
Also, since the bracket accepts two mounting sizes, it could be possible to add a second spot mirror if you add a little extension bar. Why would you want another? Perhaps a flat mirror to view the front top of a trailer?
Jim
One thing I note a bit different from the pictures on the site is that either the 05 mirror has changed or they moved the spot mirror when extended. On my 05 mirrors, the slide portion of the arms is inside - the arm which is visible when collapsed does not move when extended, so the spot mirror does not move when the head is extended and remains close to the truck door. Their pictures show the spot next to the head when extended, but this would make it impossible to collapse the arms. It's kind of a minor thing...
Also, since the bracket accepts two mounting sizes, it could be possible to add a second spot mirror if you add a little extension bar. Why would you want another? Perhaps a flat mirror to view the front top of a trailer?
Jim
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: AZ West Coast - Mohave Va
One thing I note a bit different from the pictures on the site is that either the 05 mirror has changed or they moved the spot mirror when extended. On my 05 mirrors, the slide portion of the arms is inside - the arm which is visible when collapsed does not move when extended, so the spot mirror does not move when the head is extended and remains close to the truck door. Their pictures show the spot next to the head when extended, but this would make it impossible to collapse the arms. It's kind of a minor thing...
Jim,
I found the same thing when I installed the C-Betrs on my new '05. I think they want you to loosen the screws, slide the spots out and retighten when the Ford mirrors are extended. Quite cumbersum to do for short towing jobs. I leave my spots attached at the close-in position as it seems clearer with the 'fish eye' closer to me. They will not allow for a complete mirror fold when going thru car washes, but will fold enough.
On the road I think they are great. They seem to be the first (of the three) mirrors that catch my eye.
Jim,
I found the same thing when I installed the C-Betrs on my new '05. I think they want you to loosen the screws, slide the spots out and retighten when the Ford mirrors are extended. Quite cumbersum to do for short towing jobs. I leave my spots attached at the close-in position as it seems clearer with the 'fish eye' closer to me. They will not allow for a complete mirror fold when going thru car washes, but will fold enough.
On the road I think they are great. They seem to be the first (of the three) mirrors that catch my eye.
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Senior User
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Here is a recent discussion on the C-betr mirrors.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ghlight=cbetr+
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ghlight=cbetr+
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I bought the c-better mirrors and like them. I have a lot going on in the mirror department--it is hard to know which of the three mirrors to look at.
I am going to use them for hauling a trailer this weekend for the first time. I look forward to having the c-betters for that.
I am going to use them for hauling a trailer this weekend for the first time. I look forward to having the c-betters for that.
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From: Lynden, WA.
Mirrors
I don't know why you would want the mirrors to be closer to the vehicle. If you've ever towed, then I'd think you'd like the factory distance even if retracted. I extend mine when towing. Push'm in when not. I hate the little convex mirror. I'm short in the seat anyway. They're not big enough. But then I'm used to a set of truckers mirrors on my old 88'. Now with the 04', having towed my camp trailer, I really want the c-better mirrors. I had a 4" convex round spot mirror that would see the whole blind spot down to my rear wheels, (which ends the curb shot when turning or parking). Here's a set on Ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...sPageName=WDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...sPageName=WDVW
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Maybe I wasn't clear....
As far as the c-better mirrors, I mentioned I already have 4" button mirrors, in addition to the factory setup. What I want is convex glass that replaces the main glass in the right mirror, just like all cars have on the right mirror.
As far as the extension goes, I would still pull them out when towing (albeit not quite so far), if they could be shortened. I just don't like them to stick out so far when they are retracted. A passing pickup almost clipped one off the other day when the truck was parked, and I have to be very carefull to not take off the right one when parking at a curb at work, because trees are too close to the curb.
Towing? Yes, I have towed. A lot. For over 25 years.
Sorry if I didn't make it clear.
Thanks,
Rick
As far as the extension goes, I would still pull them out when towing (albeit not quite so far), if they could be shortened. I just don't like them to stick out so far when they are retracted. A passing pickup almost clipped one off the other day when the truck was parked, and I have to be very carefull to not take off the right one when parking at a curb at work, because trees are too close to the curb.
Towing? Yes, I have towed. A lot. For over 25 years.
Sorry if I didn't make it clear.
Thanks,
Rick
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If you're worried about passing cars bashing them when you're parked, then there is already a solution for shortening the extension: fold them in! I do this anyway in tight parking lots, so people don't whack into them when walking between the cars.
Duncan
Duncan
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From: Lynden, WA.
Ah, 'A convex mirror glass for the passenger side mirror'. Now that is a good idea! I'll have to keep my eye out for that. (I don't know that all cars have that though..)
I guess, for shortening them, you might pick up a set off of Ebay and dissemble. Your local wrecking yard might be of assistance. Take a set apart to see if 'trimming' the slides is worthwhile. I haven't taken a set apart to know, and I'd hate to take a fully functional set apart and dammage something.
I guess, for shortening them, you might pick up a set off of Ebay and dissemble. Your local wrecking yard might be of assistance. Take a set apart to see if 'trimming' the slides is worthwhile. I haven't taken a set apart to know, and I'd hate to take a fully functional set apart and dammage something.
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