Jesseclee,
The mounting is that far forward because if I mounted them on the stock location, I'd have to turn my head just to check the mirrors. If I mounted them just a bit forward, same thing, I also needed to turn my head and at the same time the post for the quarter window got in the way of the view. Mounting them that far forward greatly reduced the head turning to check out the mirrors to almost like a glance or an eye movement. At this position they're far more comfortable to use. Now I feel that the original mounting position for MX-5 mirrors is awkward, and I'm wondering why Mazda chose such a position. When I look at other cars, the mirrors are almost always mounted very far forward at the corner of the window.
The Californian's adjustability is relatively limited but enough to get a decent and effective view rearward to what you need to see. I really like the appearance of these mirrors and hence I'll tolerate the limited range of adjustability and the diminished rearward view from the stock mirrors' wide range and large rearward view for the added style they give the car.
Those new 1028 mirrors that you've got, they look real good, they're made by Vitaloni as well right? What's the model name for those? I see them advertised by some vendors in Road&Ster, are they available from a vendor in the US?
Thanks!
Joey