Jump to content
SAU Community

Auto-wing Mirror Retract Unit For R33's

Tommy_J
 Share

Recommended Posts

Tommy_J Contributor

Tommy_J

Posted
Posted

Hi guys,

Some time ago I designed an automatic control circuit for the wing mirrors on my '33. I went ahead and built a prototype unit (see attached). I cut a few wires off the loom behind the mirror switch assembly, soldered everything together and it was done.

Basically it just automatically retracts the wing mirrors on my car when I turn the ignition off, and vice-versa when I start the car up.

It's been in the car for a while now and still works without a hitch. :D

Just seeing if it's the sort of thing other Skyline owners might want. If I built a batch, I reckon I could probably make them at about $35 a pop.

Thoughts?

Cheers -Tom

post-59038-1257414575_thumb.jpg

post-59038-1257414605_thumb.jpg

  • Replies 71
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Posted Images

Tommy_J Contributor

Tommy_J

Posted
  • Author
Posted
r34?

Couldn't say, I've never been in an R34. Do they have the same mirror retract feature as the R33's?

The '33 basically has a 3-position switch (retract/neutral/extend) as part of the mirror-adjust cluster. If the wiring circuit's the same or similar, then it shouldn't be a problem.

Actually I think there's probably a few jap cars with this feature, not just nissans. possibly a by-product of narrow car spaces in japan??

-Tom

Tommy_J Contributor

Tommy_J

Posted
  • Author
Posted

If there's any R34 owners in the sandringham area that want to drop by, I'd be happy to check the wiring on the 34's to see if it'll work on them too. It'd probably only take 5 mins.

Cheers for everyone's responses.

-Tom

Tommy_J Contributor

Tommy_J

Posted
  • Author
Posted
34 has a retract/extend switch.. don't think it goes into neutral.. if you can get it to work on 34 then i'd be interested..

ah ok. That should be fine.

It was designed to integrate specifically with a standard 3-position switch (including the neutral position). Basically, it overrides the existing switch assembly and moves the mirrors in or out depending on whether you've just turned the car on or off (this is deturmined by the +12V Accessories wire). after it's done this, the unit switches itself off and reverts back to normal mode, so that your standard mirror extend/retract feature still functions as normal. so, for the unit to work, you need to put your switch into neutral position so that your car won't retract or extend back the mirrors after the unit has does its work.

In the case of R34s, if there's no neutral position, you can just leave the standard retract/extend switch disconnected from the unit. it just means you won't have manual control over your mirrors while the unit's connected up.

A bonus of having the unit is the power source. The standard extend/retract mirror feature on a skyline needs accessories power to work. That means you have to wait until the mirrors are all the way in before you turn the car completely off. However, with the unit I ran a full 12V supply from the loom (actually it turns out there's a spare 12V slot in the fuse panel). That way the mirrors can retract while the car is off. I also stuck a ~10 second delay in the control circuit before the unit pulls the mirrors in. This usually gives me enough time to get out, shut the door, lock the car etc. The mirrors just close as I'm walking away from the car. I might make the delay a little longer though.

-Tom

UWISSH! Grand Master

UWISSH!

Posted
Posted

i duno bout you guys but my car does this already and i havnt modified anything, i noticed everytime i didnt put the switch back into the middle (neutral) position they would fold in n out wen i turn the car off/ start it up

my 2 cents

Tommy_J Contributor

Tommy_J

Posted
  • Author
Posted
i duno bout you guys but my car does this already and i havnt modified anything, i noticed everytime i didnt put the switch back into the middle (neutral) position they would fold in n out wen i turn the car off/ start it up

my 2 cents

Could be a v-spec feature maybe? Anyone else's do it?

  • 2 months later...
Tommy_J Contributor

Tommy_J

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Yeah would be good to see an update on whether these will go ahead..

Good timing. They're not far off being finished. I'm building a batch of about 20. Had a few design revisions and materials costs blew out a little (compared to my original estimate of $35 - probably more like $49 once complete). That's pretty good though when you consider you'd need two timing relays, one standard relay and a lot of wiring if you tried to build it from scratch, which would probably set you back ~$100.

Not sure about advertising. I'm not a registered business on SAU so I don't think I'm able to advertise here.

RE: R34 owners - still can't confirm compatibility. I'm 90% sure it'll work. I'd rather check first before promising anything.

Tommy_J Contributor

Tommy_J

Posted
  • Author
Posted
How exactly is it installed in the car?

I'd be willing to buy one of my R32.

I've made up a step-by-step installation guide with pretty pictures and diagrams. Anyone that can use a soldering iron shouldn't have any dramas installing it. There's four wires behind the mirror fold switch that you'll need to modify - 2 that will need to be cut and soldered to the unit, another 2 that are used for signal and ground. Then you need to find a 12+ Batt source to power the unit. And you're pretty much done. just mount the thing under the plastic cover below your steering wheel (or wherever it'll fit).

FOR R32 and R34 owners: You can check to see if you've got the following wires behind your Mirror control switch:

DARK GREEN with black stripe

CYAN with black stripe

CYAN with yellow stripe

BLACK

If so, Nissan would have used the same or similar wire combinations as a carry over from model to model. It'll make things much easier when installing. Might be similar with many other Nissans of that era too.

A little info on the switch and loom... You basically have your three-position switch which is used to control the fold feature for your mirrors (apparently it's a two-position switch on R34's). There's two wires coming out of the switch which are directly connected to the mirror motors. So really it's just a case of bypassing the switch and controlling the motors directly with these two wires.

Tommy_J Contributor

Tommy_J

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Im intersted but would like to know they'll work in the 34

I tried doing a search for R34 Service manuals. Found one - it had an electrical section but I couldn't find any wiring diagrams specifically for the mirrors.

I'd be happy to take a look at someone's R34 if they wanna drop in. I'm in Bayside area, Melbourne. First one to arrange a visit I can offer free installation if you end up buying a unit. PM me if interested.

-tom

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • Waders360
      M35 Brake caliper replacement

      By Waders360 · Posted

      Hi from Canada, Both of my calipers are starting to fail. My car is a 2005 M35 Stagea ARX and I can't seem to find any parts or any cross reference caliper that would fit my car. Is there a company or a similar caliper that would fit and I could replace the OEM one. Or if anyone knows where I can find a new OEM. Any help is very appreciated. Let me know!
    • 25zenki
      S1 rb25/s14 starting problem

      By 25zenki · Posted

      Maf is a question mark but TPS  I have set at 0.47, the fact that I’m getting proper voltage range out of it with the key on leads me to believe it’s functioning properly. I’m getting proper voltages on basically everything. I still need to look up voltage ranges for z32 maf and test that 
    • 25zenki
      S1 rb25/s14 starting problem

      By 25zenki · Posted

      Honestly no not at all, but it’s a very basic tune, it’s stock injectors q45 tps and z32 maf. Other than that it’s a completely stock base map. The file is from nistune and from my understanding if it was tune related I would be able to unplug maf and tps and it would still start even if it was a really shitty start. I have tried starting it with coolant temp, maf, and tps unplugged none of those 3 togethor or individually changes anything 
    • Matt Z
      SAU NSW - Bathurst Run 2025

      By Matt Z · Posted

      🏆 Skyline Supremacy Meets Mount Panorama Magic 🏆 Join SAU NSW as we take the long way to Bathurst, the home of GTR greatness. Saturday 30th August 2025 7:00AM Meeting Hanna Park North Richmond 7:30AM Departure Cruise Via Bells of Line Road 9:00AM Arrival to Stop 1: Golden Poplars Meadow Flat 9:45AM Arrival to Final Destination: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit Meet Location: Hanna Park North Richmond Stop 1: Golden Poplars Meadow Flat Final Destination: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit   *Disclaimer* There will be a lead and follow car so no one should get lost. If you would like to attend or bring others along please put your name down and a +1 as numbers will be needed prior! This is NOT a race and we will all be adhering to all road rules. If this is what you want please come to one of our many track days. This is an official SAU:NSW event and will be run under a CAMS permit. One of the things that really sets our club apart is our commitment to being true enthusiasts. When on normal roads we strive to maintain good relations with the authorities as well as the public in general. When attending one of Skylines Australia NSW events please try to: • Be aware of surrounding environment and act accordingly. • Drive courteously on the state’s roads as a true enthusiast should. • Understand how important it is to maintain the good name of SAU NSW and thus, treat others accordingly. • Any misbehavior will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave.
    • soviet_merlin
      My BMW E39 528i touring

      By soviet_merlin · Posted

      What does it look like with highway driving? And yes, I had a similar thought as Duncan. It looks quite similar in my Stagea and I have made myself accept it as normal. Might have to look into it some day   Highway gets as low as 10l/100km on my end so I'm not as worried about it being a mechanical issue. More likely just the tune on the haltech.
×
×
  • Create New...