Yes, I found a way 'around' this (pun is coming). I have an 85 Westy with
the same set up. I bought a $6 wrap-around mirror that attaches directly to
my existing mirror. I pointed my existing mirror downward, then attached the
wrap-around mirror at an 'upward' angle. It gave me a better view out the
back of the van. As an extra feature (what they were really intended for) is
to have a better view of your blind spots and of the kids in the back seat.
Even when my wife is sitting in the front passenger seat, she can see
herself in the panoramic mirror without adjusting it to put her makeup on
(of course, I don't think she needs it) AND she can see our son from there
as well. I think they REALLY work well.

I've bought one for each of my cars. I have no interested in JC Whipme since
I've had bad experiences with them as well, but this product seems to be
great (I have the 13" mirror, they also sell a 17" version). I have also
seen them for about 2-3 times the prices at FLAPS in my area as well. Link
to the mirror at JCwhipme is listed below. I don't know if Ken Wilford or
Ron Salmon have them, but worth asking (guys?) Good luck.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/product.jhtml?CATID=14859

Gregg
85 Westy (I seeeee you!)

-----Original Message-----
From: Karl Wolz [mailto:wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET]
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2001 11:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Rear view mirror....84 Westy

I have the same problem, but have learned to live with it since I mostly use
the side-view mirrors.  You might want to look at one of the glue on mirrors
from PepBoys, and mount it a bit lower.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Cotsford" <Cotsford@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2001 7:51 PM
Subject: Rear view mirror....84 Westy

> My '84 Westy has the a/c unit in the rear as do many.    My problem is I
can
> only see someone in the rear view mirror if I am being tailgated.
> Has anybody got a good fix for this?
> Thanks,    Steve Cotsford
>