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Swap out your interior rearview mirror quick, cheap, and easy
Hey guys -
As some of you may know I'm 6'6". I actually fit quite well in an FD, but there are a few things that just aren't in the right place. The rearview mirror is a biggie.
I really notice it on the Dragon, turning into a banked right hander I have to duck my head to see around the mirror. Not cool.
I discovered that Mazda changed the FD's rear view mirror at some point in Japan, either 96 or 99 most likely. Simple looking mirror but it has two pivot points, which makes it easy to adjust the mirror higher or lower.
After digging around to see if I could get one of those mirrors, I came to discover that damn near every Mazda used the same mirror! Which is great for us as it's CHEAP. And plentiful!
So, here's what you're gonna need -
- New mirror. Part number is B37F-69-220c. You can get it on Amazon for $40, may be less or more from other sources.
- Mirror button. This is what glues to the window. I haven't looked too hard into getting a new one of these, I got one at the pick and pull junkyard for free.
- Rearview mirror adhesive. Got this at Autozone, got the good Permatex kit that comes with everything. About $8-10.
- Heat gun
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Masking tape
First, removing the stocker. There is a Phillips head screw on the underside, unscrew that and tilt the mirror off. With the mirror out of the way, there is a base that attaches with 2 Phillips head screws to the button that's glued to the window. Unscrew those and you're down to just the button.
Next, heat gun the stock button. Go slow, you're trying to get the glue to warm up and release. May want to put a towel down in the interior to catch the button if it comes off so you don't have hot metal hitting valuable plastic interior. Take your time here.
Now, time prepare for the new button. Read the instructions that come with the rearview mirror adhesive kit. You have to get the button perfectly clean and the windshield clean. Make sure all the old glue is off, use the cleaner/prep packets with the kit.
Once you're pretty much ready, FIND OUT WHICH END OF THE BUTTON IS UP. Mark it if you have to. Triple check that. If you glue it upside down, it's gonna suck. With that done, hold the button up and find where you want it. Use the masking tape to block off an area around the button so it's masked off, that way you can easily line it up when the glue is on.
Time to glue. Typically the kits say ONE DROP of glue on the button and that's it. Heed those words. Get the button up there, apply pressure for the recommended time, then let it cure. Might want to let it set up overnight.
Finally the easy part. Remove the tape if you haven't done so and clean the inside of your window if it got greasy. Slide the new mirror onto the button and adjust. Yay!
This is also a good fix for aging mirrors that have black creeping in at the edge, are scratched up, whatever. Also, this mount doesn't get loose and sloppy like the stocker, the stock mount is an odd design.
I've had Broadway mirrors over the years in many cars, it's a good way to go. They're about $20 and very simply and quickly clamp over your stock mirror.
You can get them from Amazon, which is great. Used to be a real pain in the *** to get them. JDM YO!
I have something like this in my RX-7 Frameless rearview mirror Double adjustable like what dale posted, but for some odd reason it's a tad heavier then the stock mirror.
The old button isn't even close to working. I really wish I could track down a part number for that button but I haven't had luck just yet.
Maybe some industrious forum member can find it?
It looks like the NB Miatas use this mirror. Also, late 90s/early 00's 626's use it. That's where I got mine, from a 626 in the junkyard.
Heating the glass with the heat gun seems nuts, but the glass can easily take it. Remember, glass is formed with a LOT of heat. I wouldn't use a flame or anything, heat gun is the way to go. You can get them for like $20 at Harbor Freight.
I picked up an autodimming/Homelink mirror from a Mazda 3. Everything looks easy to install, except I don't know where to hook up the B+ wire. It's the wire that gets 12V only with the ignition turned OFF.
Anyone know a convenient place to hook that up without having to create one via a relay?
Edit- Nevermind, the instructions were written funny. B+ is just contant 12V
I THINK I found the part number for the mirror button. Got it off a 99 Miata parts diagram.
BC1C-69-240
Unfortunately it looks like it's $35 which is highway robbery for a small cast block of metal. There may be another manufacturer that has it cheaper - I think this button is for a bunch of cars.
Googled around on it, it looks CLOSE but not exact. Might work fine, but for the price I'd get the Ford part. Don't want to glue something on then find out it fits loose or some crap.
Hey Dale, I bought this mirror from RHD JAPAN. It doesn't fit the mirror base on my 92, any idea which base I need to get for a proper install? - Rich
btw thanks again for for the greddy intakes you brought to the dragon
That mirror has a quite different mount on the back from the one I documented. You'd have to track that specific mount down. Or just buy the mirror I outlined above .
You may be able to look around on Ebay, find another mirror with a similar design, then research from there.
Adding pics to this thread for reference. My 12/95 build date had this mirror in it but I swapped it out for a mirror that attaches to the roll cage. The first 2 pics are Dale's and the rest are from me.
I had to shove a small screwdriver up the slot to push the tab so I could pull it off the metal window mount. Took me 30 min to figure it out since I thought there was a set screw holding it down in there - I wonder where I got that Idea from ... lol
03-03-17, 03:19 PM
Swap out your interior rearview mirror quick, cheap, and easy
