My state (NY) requires that I have two adjustable mirrors that provide a clear view of the road behind, and that one of them be exterior and on the driver's side. An exterior, passenger-side mirror is not required.
I think the ideal configuration is a camera on the passenger side, a large, convex mirror just inside the driver's door, and a bicycle mirror outside the door to satisfy my state inspection. I bought one of these at Target for my bike, and I think I may try it on the Insight.
Nice little mirror that. Need to stop at Target for a few items this afternoon anyhow. I'll look for it. BTW, do you have a procedure for removing the passenger side door panel? Apparently, I need to remove it to get at the connector for the stock sideview mirror.
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2003 Silver 5 speed - MIMA & Grid Charger on the way
You need to remove the door panel to unbolt the stock side view mirror. It's easy, and I broke zero fasteners in the process. You'll need a trim prying tool that you can get at the auto parts store, plus a very thin prying tool for the tiny trim piece that covers the door handle screw. Don't tell anyone, but I used a razor blade and safety goggles, even though prying with a razor blade is stupid.
Remove the speaker cover, speaker, and three screws under there. Remove the trim caps at the top and bottom of the door pull and one screw under each. Remove a screw, then pull out the interior door handle and unhook its pushrods. After that, I believe it's as simple as prying out the ~6 nylon rivets around the perimeter of the door panel.
Those panels sure are heavy, and you may be tempted to chuck them, but they do a great job of keeping road noise out.
You need to remove the door panel to unbolt the stock side view mirror. It's easy, and I broke zero fasteners in the process. You'll need a trim prying tool that you can get at the auto parts store, plus a very thin prying tool for the tiny trim piece that covers the door handle screw. Don't tell anyone, but I used a razor blade and safety goggles, even though prying with a razor blade is stupid.
Remove the speaker cover, speaker, and three screws under there. Remove the trim caps at the top and bottom of the door pull and one screw under each. Remove a screw, then pull out the interior door handle and unhook its pushrods. After that, I believe it's as simple as prying out the ~6 nylon rivets around the perimeter of the door panel.
Those panels sure are heavy, and you may be tempted to chuck them, but they do a great job of keeping road noise out.
Thanks, Robert. That clears it up. Don't tempt me to leave those panels off! I chucked by glove compartment because it's 3 lbs.
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2003 Silver 5 speed - MIMA & Grid Charger on the way
Earlier in this thread, I posted images of a lumpy grille block. I thought I'd share this update, which shows the kind of grille block and wheel covers a beginner can make at home.
The amount of grille I have exposed here is good to 74mph on a hot day. However, at that speed, a sustained incline presents trouble on a hot day. Trouble remedied by slowing down or using assist. Therefore, I've got exactly as much grille block as I want.
Actually, I'm thinking about a variable lower grille block, which might be more attractive to look at, and would provide better aero when cooling isn't needed.
Fair enough, Jim. I've tested the grille block to the hottest temperatures it will see, as the car doesn't have A/C. About 90°F.
Although 90°F is much cooler than 100°F if you're trying to cool human skin to 96°F, the Insight will hardly notice the difference as it's trying to cool a radiator to 194°F. But again, I have no A/C condenser. You'd probably want to leave the lower grille 100% open, and move the license plate somewhere else so you can block the upper grille.
To brag: It was 49°F today in the wee hours of the morning, and a very usable 70°F yesterday afternoon. It's bad for the fuel economy, but it's great if you want to do any physical labor outside. I'd probably have to stay in an air conditioned environment all day in south texas.
Well, we had a rain cooled low of 79F last night. If it were not for the Hurricane it would have been warmer.
The AC increases the need for cooling and this time of year its on 24/7.
In fact, the cool temps like you are reporting result in better mileage for us because we can turn the AC off!!! Winter time I have no trouble getting 70+ mpg but summer I struggle to get 60+
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Jim Isbell
2000, 5 speed, 250,000 miles
"If you are not living on the edge, well then,
you are just taking up too much space."
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