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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 06:09 PM
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Default Auto Folding Mirrors

Hi all...I know this has been previously discussed in the thread before, but nobody has really found a legit thoroughly written out DIY for auto folding side mirrors. I've seen the auto tilt while in reverse, but i think i've driven the car long enough to not need that.

Its kind of sad how nissan will not add this as an option as it would be quite a nice feature (they do it on the maxima...so....WHAT'S THE PROBLEM NISSAN???). but besides that point, bring up the subject again: anybody have any real thorough solution?

I've seen the following three options that have been considered:

1) JDM mirrors and doing a self DIY job installing the motor into USDM etc, etc.
2) Looking into Maxima mirrors and getting the motors and wiring from that and doing a whole switcheroo
3) Admit defeat and keep praying a really cool tech genius will come up with the solution which will make them SUPER RICH, as the masses of 350z owners will swarm to get it

as i am currently still on option #3, anybody else have any take on this subject?
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 06:17 PM
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Moved to proper forum

It's a sports car. Most people want it lighter and better performing. They don't want bells and whistles that add weight and cost and are of minimal value. If you want a Z with folding mirrors, look at a G37.
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Old Aug 3, 2011 | 04:47 AM
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^^ Reason I got a base
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Old Aug 3, 2011 | 06:58 AM
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eh...i don't mind folding it in and out...i'm just lazy =P...but it'd also be a cool project as I plan to keep this car AS LONG AS I POSSIBLY CAN haha
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Old Aug 3, 2011 | 07:30 AM
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Originally Posted by DavesZ#3
Moved to proper forum

It's a sports car. Most people want it lighter and better performing. They don't want bells and whistles that add weight and cost and are of minimal value. If you want a Z with folding mirrors, look at a G37.
Folding mirrors are an OEM option in certain markets, such as Japan. I don't know why you're painting it like some kind of useless addon.

OP, I researched this a bit several years ago and found a vendor that was able to get the mirrors for about 800+shipping each. Once you buy those, you would then need to run the wires (if necessary) and install the toggle switch that would go in the center console. I'm sure you could wire up a 12 volt relay to make them fold/unfold on ignition, but really- you're looking at basically $2k for fancy mirrors.

I would suggest looking for more cost-effective mods. This really is a dead end.
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Old Aug 3, 2011 | 09:26 AM
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I didn't say it was useless. It's pointless on a sports car, especially considering the cost which as you point out is $2K.

As far as I can tell, the only real "use" for it would be if you parked your Z on the street and didn't want people accidently running into your mirrors. Face it, on the Z, they're pretty small and don't stick out that car anyway.

Last edited by DavesZ#3; Aug 3, 2011 at 09:27 AM.
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Old Aug 3, 2011 | 01:48 PM
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It's a feature on e9x m3's, so why would it be strange to see them on a Z? It doesn't add a ton of weight.. infact you'll probably add more weight to the car by eating mcdonalds for lunch than swapping mirrors.
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Old Aug 3, 2011 | 02:31 PM
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You could ask the same question of "why didn't Nissan put the auto door lock feature on the Z"? It doesn't add weight, only code to the ECU. There's probably a hundred other features that could have been added. Obviously, market research drove a large portion of what you see and what you don't see on the car.

If the interest was really there, somebody would have come up with a kit for it already. As a dying platform, I doubt you'll see much innovative mods coming out for the 350.
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Old Aug 3, 2011 | 04:11 PM
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Unnecessary, I can fold my mirrors just fine with my own two hands for free
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Old Aug 4, 2011 | 06:06 AM
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Originally Posted by DavesZ#3
You could ask the same question of "why didn't Nissan put the auto door lock feature on the Z"? It doesn't add weight, only code to the ECU. There's probably a hundred other features that could have been added. Obviously, market research drove a large portion of what you see and what you don't see on the car.

If the interest was really there, somebody would have come up with a kit for it already. As a dying platform, I doubt you'll see much innovative mods coming out for the 350.
all i'm saying is that it would be nice quirk. not saying it's necessary. cars could have literally no added special features and it'd still be fine as long as it drove. yes of course we all have different reasons buying the z, and i'm sure across the board people will agree that overall, the z's good points just trumps the bad points.

but COME ON! you can't say that it wouldn't be neat to have it!
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Old Aug 4, 2011 | 08:54 AM
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Certainly it would be nice to have, especially if you have a need or the desire for it. As with a lot of custom modifications, if you want it bad enough, YOU have to make it happen. Some things are never going to be commercially available.
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Old Aug 4, 2011 | 09:10 AM
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I have an elegantly simple solution - JDM S15r mirrors.

They're from Nissan, so likely have similar wiring setups.
They're auto-fold oem.
They're readily available.

SO GET TO WORK.

I expect you to follow through as my ideas cost $$$$$.
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Old Aug 4, 2011 | 09:20 AM
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didn't that guy with the orange z in korea do this!
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Old Aug 4, 2011 | 09:43 AM
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OP, if you bought the mirrors, you would also have to replace out the actual mirror surface to USDM as the surfaces would be reversed due to the RHD of JDM cars.
Its an extremely simple wiring job btw.. again, just buy some craft square mirrors that are purposeful before you truly consider buying these.
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Old Aug 4, 2011 | 11:04 AM
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Waste of money.
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Old Aug 4, 2011 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by bmccann101
OP, if you bought the mirrors, you would also have to replace out the actual mirror surface to USDM as the surfaces would be reversed due to the RHD of JDM cars.
Its an extremely simple wiring job btw.. again, just buy some craft square mirrors that are purposeful before you truly consider buying these.
i was actually gonna just take a crack at how great my engineering skills could be...of course getting a set for testing (something cheap that i wouldn't mind having it break). nothing serious of course just like a side project to fiddle around with.
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Old Aug 4, 2011 | 12:52 PM
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jdm-N...Q5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jdm-n...#ht_1272wt_958

just do this or i will.

don't punk out. would you like to run a prop bet on
who can make it work first? I can put up a stack.

Last edited by lgear080; Aug 4, 2011 at 12:53 PM.
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 08:29 AM
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crickets? i've put this into work.

if we think we can do it we will give it a shot.
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 11:57 AM
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i haven't seen what you posted up but i'm assuming it's ebay links for the jdm mirrors. i'll probably look at them later as i'm at work
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