I've decided to paint part of my sideview mirror black, specifically the part that already black. I want it to be a gloss black actually. I know how to take off the side view mirror but the problem I'm having is getting a nice and even coat. I can't do this because of the mirror unit itself. I need it to be separted from the actual black piece. Does anyone know how I can do this?

 

Anyone?

 

+1^^^ i would like to know as well, i've even brought it to a local shop who couldn't figure it out because they were afraid of removing the lenses and breaking the heating element

 

what part are you talking about?

 

The fixed part at the door....


Others have done this, did you check the service manual for details (free download)

 

if you're talking about the base that lays on the door, you do not want to dissasemble the mirror assembly, there is a non-reusable push-on ring with tabs that holds the spring, the less complicated way to get this done is to remove the mirrors from the car, mount them on some sort of bracket,so after the base is prepped and the rst of the mirror housing is taped & masked off, you can still fold the mirror while applying the paint/clear, hope you understand what I'm trying to say

Stefan

 

Yep, that part...the part that is already black, just want it gloss black (I did that with the grill in the bumper and it looks much better).

I checked the service manual and it didn't show anything.

 

Yep, I understand clearly. I was actually giving it some thought and came to the conclusion that the only way without disassembling it to hang it somehow so I can get one coat on the entire portion. Thanks for the info about the push-on ring as well.

 

1) Remove door panel
2) Remove sail panel
3) Remove 3 nuts securing side mirror mount to door frame
4) Remove 3 screws securing mirror mount to mirror housing
5) De-pin harness to allow separation of mount from housing

 

I've done the first 4, but the harness is attached inside the mirror housing. The pin itself is too large to fit through the black plastic piece from what I remember. I'll take a picture of it tomorrow, though I'll probably stick to leaving it on the mirror housing and have the mirror hanging, use brackets, or something to get an even coat in one shot.

 

That's exactly why you need to de-pin the harness. It will allow you to pull the wires through the black rubber seal and through the base. It takes about one minute.

 

How would I de-pin? Pull the wires out from the pin?

 

Use a small straight pick. First, remove the plastic insert in the center of the plug. Then, insert the tip of the straight pick into the plug while gently pulling each wire from the rear of the plug. It's fairly self-explanatory when you see it.

 

post pics when its done

 

You're speaking of this pin correct?



Also the wire seems like it's pretty snug. Would removing the heat shrink or whatever it is around the wire allow it to move freely? Here's a better look.



Will most definitely do