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Side mirror removal

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Old Jun 21, 2015 | 05:48 PM
  #1  
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Side mirror removal

I am going to get side mirrors painted. I am going to remove them and drop off. Anyone remove them?

I imagine it's straight forward but would appreciate some words of wisdom.

1)Take door panel off
2) unbolt from inside door

Does that sound like all it is?
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Old Jun 21, 2015 | 05:58 PM
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It's pretty easy.

You'll need a Phillips screw driver (mini vice if necessary)

Step 1) Remove the door panel,
Step 2) flip mirror in,
Step 3) remove Phillips screws (may be hard to remove so I used a mini vice grip on one),
Step 4) flip mirror back out (to get at the other screw)
Step 5) remove mirror
Step 6) remove door speaker
Step 7) unclip the plug from inside the door
Step 8 ) completely remove the mirror/harness


Reverse steps to put back.

I removed both of my mirrors in like 15-25mins

Good luck.

-Nick
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Old Jun 21, 2015 | 08:57 PM
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^Yep not that hard, currently my mirrors are out for a paint job too.
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Old Jun 22, 2015 | 04:01 PM
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My driver's side mirror has a mean shimmy in it. It seems loose where it mounts to the base. Any idea what's going on there?
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Old Jun 22, 2015 | 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Narfle
My driver's side mirror has a mean shimmy in it. It seems loose where it mounts to the base. Any idea what's going on there?
Likely not tight enough.
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Old Jun 22, 2015 | 04:40 PM
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I need an impact gun. Those screws are really on there.
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Old Jun 22, 2015 | 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Narfle
I need an impact gun. Those screws are really on there.
Use a mini vice grip and snap it on there
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 06:32 PM
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Actually, you need an impact screwdriver. Hit the end with a hammer, it digs in and twists.

Also works great on brake rotor retention screws.

Dale
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by DaleClark
Actually, you need an impact screwdriver. Hit the end with a hammer, it digs in and twists. Also works great on brake rotor retention screws. Dale
Are we talking about the side mirrors yet?

I used a mini vice grip and a Phillips screw driver.
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 07:16 PM
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Are you guys talking mini vice grips to hold the screw driver bc the angle is tough?
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 09:31 PM
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Originally Posted by matty
Are you guys talking mini vice grips to hold the screw driver bc the angle is tough?
No I just snap the vice on the screw.
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 09:59 PM
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I'm with Dale

Big phillips screw driver and tap the top with a hammer as you twist. Works great!
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Old Jun 24, 2015 | 07:47 AM
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......just be careful not to hit so hard that you damage the door panel underneath
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Old Jun 24, 2015 | 07:57 AM
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Originally Posted by GoodfellaFD3S
......just be careful not to hit so hard that you damage the door panel underneath
YEP

Tap don't hammer
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Old May 22, 2018 | 05:35 PM
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My driver's side mirror needs a repaint and I was hoping there was a way to remove it without removing the door panel, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Anyone know if the mirror housing are available pre-painted in OEM colors good to go?
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Old May 22, 2018 | 05:39 PM
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I've been looking for a red one for the drivers side. I believe that atkins had a few colors available, unfortunately red wasn't one of them.
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Old May 22, 2018 | 07:29 PM
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Most people don't realize how many different sizes of Philips screwdrivers there are. If there is any play at all or if it doesn't seat all the way, it's the wrong size and you're just as likely to strip the head out of the screw leaving you in a real pickle. As Dale said, a screwdriver and a firm (not hard) tappy-tap-tap will do the job. It hasn't been mentioned yet but I'd avoid penetrating oils since they may attack the plastic.
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Old May 22, 2018 | 07:30 PM
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From: Allen, Tx
Originally Posted by kenpo1441
I've been looking for a red one for the drivers side. I believe that atkins had a few colors available, unfortunately red wasn't one of them.
I was actually thinking of replacing mine with GT mirrors since the clear is peeling on mine. Still debating it but I haven't had problems using wee-bitty mirrors on track cars. If anything they provided me with a wider field of view even if that view was smaller scale.
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Old May 23, 2018 | 12:27 AM
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Originally Posted by dfwrx7
I was actually thinking of replacing mine with GT mirrors since the clear is peeling on mine. Still debating it but I haven't had problems using wee-bitty mirrors on track cars. If anything they provided me with a wider field of view even if that view was smaller scale.
Considering it as well, but only a setup which mounts to the factory location. Plugging, filling, or painting the door to get rid of the hole left behind is a no-go. Craft Square is the only setup which meets that criteria unless there are others I'm not aware of.
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Old May 23, 2018 | 08:02 AM
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Since this was written we've discovered JIS screwdrivers which will probably get those screws out no problem. Vessel makes an impact JIS screwdriver as well.

That said, you have to remove the door panel to get to the electrical connector. No way around that.

Dale
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Old May 23, 2018 | 10:14 AM
  #21  
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From: Allen, Tx
Originally Posted by 94 R2
Considering it as well, but only a setup which mounts to the factory location. Plugging, filling, or painting the door to get rid of the hole left behind is a no-go. Craft Square is the only setup which meets that criteria unless there are others I'm not aware of.
I was looking at the APR mirrors. Looks to me like they fit the OEM mount point. If I'm wrong please feel free to correct me. It won't hurt my feelings.
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Old May 23, 2018 | 11:19 AM
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I believe they do. I don't know how well they work as far as how well you can see and adjusting them and staying in adjustment may be a pain.

Dale
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Old May 23, 2018 | 01:57 PM
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I guess that means I'll be the guinea pig.
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Old May 23, 2018 | 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by dfwrx7
I was looking at the APR mirrors. Looks to me like they fit the OEM mount point. If I'm wrong please feel free to correct me. It won't hurt my feelings.
​​​​​​
Yes & No. If you buy the universal type no. If you buy the FD specific kit than yes.

Originally Posted by DaleClark
I believe they do. I don't know how well they work as far as how well you can see and adjusting them and staying in adjustment may be a pain.

Dale
They adjust fairly easily and hold in place. I have not had any issues yet with knocking out of adjustment while spirit driving. My buddy also has them on his track FD with no issues.

Originally Posted by dfwrx7
I guess that means I'll be the guinea pig.
You sure about that (Please excuse the dirty car, this pollen has been ridiculous)


Last edited by Boriboost; May 23, 2018 at 02:52 PM. Reason: That damn pollen
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Old May 23, 2018 | 04:22 PM
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Fantastic! How does field of view compare to OEM? I don't mind a small amount of convex mirror if it means I can pick up more headlights behind me before I change lane. I check the driver's side wing mirror at least as often as the rear view. Any wider field of view is always welcome as far as I'm concerned.
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