As a 'rule of thumb', what are the critical specs for the location of mirrors? How far away from the body and at what height?

Anyone help?

If its for SVA they will have to be positioned so the fields of view in the picture below are achievable, apart from that I dont think it matters where you put them.
Steve,

[Edited on 18/3/07 by stevec]

make sure that the rear wings don't obstruct the view to rear too much from drivers seat
high on the scuttle/bend area seems to work for most people

If they extend beyond the vehicle side line, ie beyond the front or rear arch they must be sprung/knock back type. There are rules for size of reflecting surface also.

i called the sva tester about this and he told me to stand next to the drivers seat take one step away from the car then 10 paces back behind the car then put something on the floor (sand / gravel) then sit in the car and see if you can see it, if you can you should pass the mirror test

as in pole A on the above diagram.