It’s been some time since I’ve been able to get much done in the garage due an inner ear issue which has left me almost permanently dizzy since February. But, I have managed to do a couple of small jobs on LGL and with feeling a lot better, I can tolerate looking at a computer screen again.

So lets get on with things….

I’ve never been fond of the the traditional wing mounting mirrors, they’re relatively small, hard to get used to and don’t offer much in the way of position marking… especially when reversing into a parking space. They also vibrate terribly rendering a clear view behind useless.

Fortunately… there are a number of solutions. The Series 2 had the option to mount the mirrors on the upper door hinges via a small pressed steel bracket (PN: (LH) 347704 & (RH) 347705) but this still leaves the issues of a tiny round mirror. I’d looked at this option and larger mirror heads but oringals are super rare and the aftermarket items look to be of dubious quality.

A solution is at hand though. Design & Development Engineering Ltd in the UK manufacture a very smart solution to the problem… a hinge mount that allows a regular Defender mirror to be installed and as I happen to have a pair of genuine Defender mirrors and arms, this seemed a great solution and one that looks like it should be there.

This is what’s in the box. A nicely machined and anodised puzzle. Supplied with quality stainless hardware and special screws to mount the mirrors.
All the parts disassembled. The hinge bolts on the right will need to be longer (not supplied) the inner section of the kit bolts to the door hinge, whilst the outer section (with the logo) joins the mirror to the hinge.
To fit the hinge component, longer door hinges were required and it was necessary to remove the door trim.
Next the mirror arm is fitted to the outer block. This is the passenger side mirror but you get the general idea.
Once fitter, the mirror can offered up and bolted to the door. It’s a perfect machined interference fit. Very satisfying
Top bolt installed
There’s sufficient room to get the 5mm Allen key onto the lower bolt without catching the body role. Well thought out piece of design.
Hey presto. I didn’t take photos of fitting the mirror heads, it’s really not an interesting topic.

The view behind is much clearer now and reversing this rather sharp and pointy vehicle into a tiny Swiss parking space is a lot easier as I no longer have to swivel my head through 180 degrees.

Repeat on passenger side 🙂 The holes left in the wing tops were simply filled with a nut and bolt. There’s not many cars you can fill a hole in the bodywork with a nut and bolt.