April 1, 2023
Description
I drive a 2013 Subaru with an automatic dimming mirror. Most of the time it's great, but there have been a number of instances where I want it to dim but it just won't. There's no manual over-ride. This usually happens at dawn or dusk.
That's what drove the creation of this little add-on device. When you close the slider it blocks the ambient light from the sky, and the mirror thinks it's night. Using 3M trim tape (available at auto supply and hardware stores) you attach this device to the back of your rear-view mirror.
Works great, easy to make and apply.
Printer:
Home-made X-Drive (like ultimaker but much bigger)
Rafts:
No
Supports:
Doesn't Matter
Resolution:
.15-.2 mm
Infill:
50-70%
Notes:
This MUST be made from black PETG or ABS to withstand the heat in the car. PLA will warp and fail.
How to make and apply this...
The "frame" part should be printed standing up on its larger end, this will yield the best detail for the little slide channels. The slider is printed flat on its back. There's a little "nub" on the slider that will help prevent it from coming out.
Apply 3m double sticky automotive tape to the flat side of the frame and then trim the tape to match the shape of the frame, including the opening in the middle. Then force the slider into the opening on the end of the frame, with the finger-grips on the ends of the slider and frame pointing in the same direction. The slider must move freely in the groove and totally block the opening when closed. Clean the back of the mirror with alcohol to get the best adhesion. Finally apply the assembled device to the back of your mirror, aligned so that the opening allows light to get to the sensor when the slider is pulled back.Comments are welcome. Let me know if you need Solidworks models. Enjoy!
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution
9
NeilR
