El Cheapo Heated Mirrors

luk8272 · 10-23-2008, 12:55 PM

Damn thats some awsome pics. I would assume that is easier to clean off than mud and smells much better. lol.

CraigTRD · 10-23-2008, 12:57 PM

Well, it gets all frozen up underneith and cakes on just like mud....sometimes WAY WORSE. The super cold, fluffy stuff like in my pics just flies right off...but when you get those days where the temp is just below the freezing point, it feels like you're driving in slush, and when you get home you have an extra 100 lbs in ice under your rig.

tsilliker · 10-23-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigTRD

Never been stuck.

Pardon the damaging insinuation!

tsilliker · 10-23-2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luk8272

I would assume that is easier to clean off than mud

When it's cold enough, and your Taco ends up looking like Craig's, you just have to leave it like that, drive it, and hope it some day melts off the body!

bk1 · 11-18-2008, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigTRD

We don't have a defrost switch in our truck, do we? What does it do if we do have one.....our rear windows don't have the heater lines that go through them....

I would like a timer circuit for this though, I would probably burn my truck to the ground by accident after doing this mod wired straight up to constant voltage. I can be a bit of a "hat rack" in the morning time....

JRD, Thanks for the compliment!

if you worried about forgetting the power on, use a relay and hook up one end to the ACC line, so that way ur heated mirrors only have power with the truck is running. a small 12v Bosch relay would work.. $2-3 and just get a lighted switch as a visual reminder.

tsilliker · 11-18-2008, 01:18 PM

Yeah, I plan on triggering the relay I eventually add with the line that turns on the accessory relay I currently have disabled.

tsilliker · 11-18-2008, 01:20 PM

I have been using my heated mirrors lately. The area on the mirror directly above the heating elements clears in seconds, then takes minutes for the heat to spread around. Sometimes I leave them on for 10 minutes to get adequate clearing of the entire mirror.

If one had an element that covered the entire mirror, you would just have to have it on for 10 seconds each time you used it.

myrcrocks · 12-03-2008, 07:54 AM

I've got the heat-pads installed and all the wiring run to the cab of the truck, but I'm curious what size relay you guys would use. Also what size fuse? Anyone have any idea what current these things will draw? Did you guys wire them so that they're on the 'hi' or 'lo' setting? Also, would you tap into the ignition wire for power?

TIA

Mingy · 12-03-2008, 08:33 AM

Just to chip in.

You are really fusing to protect against a short circuit, and you really want to use a fuse that is small enough to protect the wire. I think 14 guage wire is good for 15 amps, 16 guage is good for 10 amps.

Measure the resistance of either heater. Divide 12 by the resistance to find the current for one pad. (i.e if its 6 ohms 12/6 = 2 amps). Double the current because the heaters are in parallel (so 2 amp becomes 4 amps). A 5 amp fuse could blow with a 4 amp load, so 10 amps should be safe and 16 guage wire would work.

If your indicated load is close to 10 amps, you'd go to 14 guage wire and a 15 amp fuse.

Remember, if you use a 10 amp fuse, the source you collect to have to be the same or more (i.e 15 amps).

Unless you are using a timer you don't need a relay. A switch will do and is easier to install. Most switches will handle 10 to 15 amps. If you insist on a relay, make sure it'll handle the load (10 or 15 amps).

RoyB · 12-03-2008, 08:53 PM

i really need to do this now. damn 15 degree weather tonight. luckily i have a heated garage

tsilliker · 12-04-2008, 05:55 AM

You'll want all the heat you can get, so wiring to the high circuit will be the best.

007Tacoma · 12-04-2008, 06:07 AM

I am thinking about doing this before I head up to Kentucky for Christmas. How much do these heaters cost? Where is the best place to buy them?

swanywing · 12-20-2008, 06:45 AM

Hey This is a great post and I plan on upgrading my truck with this as soon as possible; However, that won't be for a little while. So I tried putting a good coat of Rain X on the Mirrors when I put it on my windsheild and other windows. It helps removing the ice in the morning to. So far the mirrors have not been an issue since I did this. I will keep monitoring them and let you know if it stops working before I can upgrade my mirrors.

Thanks again for the great Idea.

Swany

tsilliker · 12-20-2008, 01:46 PM

Well I did it last night. I left the heated mirrors off with the truck parked overnight. Battery was pretty dead this morning. A few hours on a charger allowed me to start the truck.

I really must get this wired to an accessory circuit soon!

piercedtiger · 12-20-2008, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsilliker

Well I did it last night. I left the heated mirrors off with the truck parked overnight. Battery was pretty dead this morning. A few hours on a charger allowed me to start the truck.

I really must get this wired to an accessory circuit soon!

You mean ON?

Shit, if they drain the battery when OFF there's a problem.

tsilliker · 12-21-2008, 05:32 AM

Right you are...must have been asleep when I wrote that! That's what happens when you work three weeks without a day off!

I have all the stuff I need to change over to the switched circuit. Just need to find the time!

RoyB · 12-21-2008, 07:49 AM

coulda used this yesterday!

bk1 · 01-08-2009, 11:17 AM

i know its only been a few months since the mod was put up, but for those of you that have used silicone, have there been any problems? with the heat pads or the cold temperature?? or has anyone used any other bonding agent (which can be found locally ie home depot/crappy tire)

looking at doin this mod soon and just waiting on the switch to arrive at the stealership.

Kooltaco · 01-08-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bk1

looking at doin this mod soon and just waiting on the switch to arrive at the stealership.

Are you using the Toyota Highlander Heated Mirror Switch????

myrcrocks · 01-08-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bk1

i know its only been a few months since the mod was put up, but for those of you that have used silicone, have there been any problems? with the heat pads or the cold temperature?? or has anyone used any other bonding agent (which can be found locally ie home depot/crappy tire)

looking at doin this mod soon and just waiting on the switch to arrive at the stealership.

I did the mod and used "Mirror Mastic" as the bonding agent. Bought it at the local hardware store. It comes in a caulking tube, and it was located near the aisle of wall mirrors and mirror-hanging hardware. I'm sure if you ask someone, they'll be able to direct you to it

(the guy looked at me like I had 3 heads when I asked for it). No issues with it so far.

10-23-2008, 12:55 PM	#41
luk8272 My 2 kids Name: Lucas Joined: Feb 2008, #4929 Location: Kaplan, Louisiana Age: 27 Gender: Guy Posts: 3,748 07 Silver4dr. 4x4, V6 Shortbed 2007 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 5% Tint, Bug flector, vent Visors, Removed secondary air filter, Rear Spring TSB w/ Bilstein shocks, Toytec 3" lift, Debadged, Billet Grille, 17x9 Pro comp 6001 rims, BFG 285/70/17, Fog light anytime mod, Tailgate hose clamp mod, Prodry AFE filter. Extended Differential Breather, ABS on/off, 6000k HID heads/fogs, ScanguageII, Devil horns, Devil horns on third brake light, Mounted 60" Highlift, Mounted Tool Box, Wet Okole Front Seat Covers, TW sticker, Midland Handheld CB,Painted engine cover, Revenge Fab Sliders Painted in shed. Bed Cover or Cap? and Exhaust!	Damn thats some awsome pics. I would assume that is easier to clean off than mud and smells much better. lol. __________________ Arkansas Superlift Park 4/10/09 Big Easley Run 5/17/09 Windrock Coal Creek OHV 6/20/09 Louisiana members

10-23-2008, 12:57 PM	#42
CraigTRD INDEPENDANT OFF-ROAD Joined: Sep 2008, #9037 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Age: 30 Gender: Male Posts: 313 Winter Beater 2006 Double Cab Manual 4.0 L 6" FabTech Lift Hood props :D HID Heads and Fogs Hockey Stick Flag Mod	Well, it gets all frozen up underneith and cakes on just like mud....sometimes WAY WORSE. The super cold, fluffy stuff like in my pics just flies right off...but when you get those days where the temp is just below the freezing point, it feels like you're driving in slush, and when you get home you have an extra 100 lbs in ice under your rig. __________________

11-18-2008, 01:18 PM	#46
tsilliker Senior Member Joined: Dec 2006, #523 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 187 SR5: V6 4x4 6spd 2005 Access Cab Manual 4.0 V6 Tundra wheels, Access roll-up tonneau, D-rings in front of bed floor, tinted glass in doors to match privacy glass, synthetic oil, Husky floor liners, fog lights, constant power mod for 12v plugs, heated mirrors, brake controller.	Yeah, I plan on triggering the relay I eventually add with the line that turns on the accessory relay I currently have disabled. __________________ Regards, Thane Silliker London, Ontario 2005 Access Cab V6 SR5 4x4 6-speed manual Tundra wheels, Access Roll-Up Tonneau, D-Rings in front of bed floor, tinted door glass to match privacy tint in rear windows, synthetic oil, Husky floor liners, fog lights, constant power mod for 12v receptacles, brake controller, heated mirrors, billet grill. 2001 Toyota Echo 1998 Honda ST1100 2002 Kawasaki KLR650 1975 Bricklin

11-18-2008, 01:20 PM	#47
tsilliker Senior Member Joined: Dec 2006, #523 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 187 SR5: V6 4x4 6spd 2005 Access Cab Manual 4.0 V6 Tundra wheels, Access roll-up tonneau, D-rings in front of bed floor, tinted glass in doors to match privacy glass, synthetic oil, Husky floor liners, fog lights, constant power mod for 12v plugs, heated mirrors, brake controller.	I have been using my heated mirrors lately. The area on the mirror directly above the heating elements clears in seconds, then takes minutes for the heat to spread around. Sometimes I leave them on for 10 minutes to get adequate clearing of the entire mirror. If one had an element that covered the entire mirror, you would just have to have it on for 10 seconds each time you used it. __________________ Regards, Thane Silliker London, Ontario 2005 Access Cab V6 SR5 4x4 6-speed manual Tundra wheels, Access Roll-Up Tonneau, D-Rings in front of bed floor, tinted door glass to match privacy tint in rear windows, synthetic oil, Husky floor liners, fog lights, constant power mod for 12v receptacles, brake controller, heated mirrors, billet grill. 2001 Toyota Echo 1998 Honda ST1100 2002 Kawasaki KLR650 1975 Bricklin

12-03-2008, 08:53 PM	#50
RoyB Senior Member Joined: Oct 2008, #9708 Location: Chicago burbs Age: 27 Gender: Dude Posts: 1,395 '09 TRD DC Sport 2009 Double Cab Automatic 4.0	i really need to do this now. damn 15 degree weather tonight. luckily i have a heated garage __________________ '99 Corvette FRC Nassau Blue '07 Honda Shadow Sabre '09 Tacoma DC TRD sport

12-03-2008, 07:54 AM	#48
myrcrocks The Reasonable One Joined: Sep 2008, #9584 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Age: 35 Gender: Male Posts: 48 2009 Tacoma SR5 2009 Access Cab Automatic	I've got the heat-pads installed and all the wiring run to the cab of the truck, but I'm curious what size relay you guys would use. Also what size fuse? Anyone have any idea what current these things will draw? Did you guys wire them so that they're on the 'hi' or 'lo' setting? Also, would you tap into the ignition wire for power? TIA

12-03-2008, 08:33 AM	#49
Mingy Member Joined: Apr 2008, #6164 Location: Milton, Ontario Posts: 90 V6 uble Cab TRX/Towing 2008 Double Cab Manual V6 Lear cap.	Just to chip in. You are really fusing to protect against a short circuit, and you really want to use a fuse that is small enough to protect the wire. I think 14 guage wire is good for 15 amps, 16 guage is good for 10 amps. Measure the resistance of either heater. Divide 12 by the resistance to find the current for one pad. (i.e if its 6 ohms 12/6 = 2 amps). Double the current because the heaters are in parallel (so 2 amp becomes 4 amps). A 5 amp fuse could blow with a 4 amp load, so 10 amps should be safe and 16 guage wire would work. If your indicated load is close to 10 amps, you'd go to 14 guage wire and a 15 amp fuse. Remember, if you use a 10 amp fuse, the source you collect to have to be the same or more (i.e 15 amps). Unless you are using a timer you don't need a relay. A switch will do and is easier to install. Most switches will handle 10 to 15 amps. If you insist on a relay, make sure it'll handle the load (10 or 15 amps).

12-04-2008, 05:55 AM	#51
tsilliker Senior Member Joined: Dec 2006, #523 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 187 SR5: V6 4x4 6spd 2005 Access Cab Manual 4.0 V6 Tundra wheels, Access roll-up tonneau, D-rings in front of bed floor, tinted glass in doors to match privacy glass, synthetic oil, Husky floor liners, fog lights, constant power mod for 12v plugs, heated mirrors, brake controller.	You'll want all the heat you can get, so wiring to the high circuit will be the best. __________________ Regards, Thane Silliker London, Ontario 2005 Access Cab V6 SR5 4x4 6-speed manual Tundra wheels, Access Roll-Up Tonneau, D-Rings in front of bed floor, tinted door glass to match privacy tint in rear windows, synthetic oil, Husky floor liners, fog lights, constant power mod for 12v receptacles, brake controller, heated mirrors, billet grill. 2001 Toyota Echo 1998 Honda ST1100 2002 Kawasaki KLR650 1975 Bricklin

12-04-2008, 06:07 AM	#52
007Tacoma I dub thee malicious! Name: Mark the poo flinger Joined: Jan 2007, #643 Location: San Antonio, TX Age: 28 Gender: Guy Posts: 7,155 08 PreRunner SR5 DoubleCab LongBed BSP 2008 Double Cab Automatic 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 TacomaWorld.com Sticker, URD True Cold Air Intake, Debadged, Blackened Headlight Mod, 30% Window Tint, Access LE Tonneau, Bed Mat, +6 D-Rings, LED Bed lighting w/ dual switches, OEM Daytime Running Lights + On/Off Switch, Fogs-On-Anytime Mod, Alternating Turn-Signal Mod, Canvas Seat Covers, Pioneer Stereo AVIC-F700BT (hacked OS3.0), Phoenix Gold 500W Amp, Phoenix Gold 6.5" Components, Pioneer 10" Subwoofer, MRMARV built Sub Enclosure, RAAMAudio RAAMmat Sound Deadening, iPod Connection, PAC steering wheel remote, BOYO VTL400 Rear Camera, Homemade Bike Rack (3 bikes), Firestone Destination ATs 265/75R16, TRD Suspension Upgrade, and a Sportz Truck Tent III for camping.	I am thinking about doing this before I head up to Kentucky for Christmas. How much do these heaters cost? Where is the best place to buy them? __________________ San Antonio October 2009 Wrench Meet... Upcoming TacomaWorld.com TEXAS Region: Texas Offroading Meet, November 20-22, ~~Barnwell Mountain~~ er... Hidden Falls

12-20-2008, 06:45 AM	#53
swanywing Junior Member Joined: Dec 2008, #11678 Location: Sams Valley Oregon Gender: Male Posts: 7 07 PreRunner SR5/4cyl 2007 Access Cab Manual 4 cyl 2.7 ltr delta bed tool box, tires, K&N air filter	Cheap quick mirror fix Hey This is a great post and I plan on upgrading my truck with this as soon as possible; However, that won't be for a little while. So I tried putting a good coat of Rain X on the Mirrors when I put it on my windsheild and other windows. It helps removing the ice in the morning to. So far the mirrors have not been an issue since I did this. I will keep monitoring them and let you know if it stops working before I can upgrade my mirrors. Thanks again for the great Idea. Swany

12-20-2008, 01:46 PM	#54
tsilliker Senior Member Joined: Dec 2006, #523 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 187 SR5: V6 4x4 6spd 2005 Access Cab Manual 4.0 V6 Tundra wheels, Access roll-up tonneau, D-rings in front of bed floor, tinted glass in doors to match privacy glass, synthetic oil, Husky floor liners, fog lights, constant power mod for 12v plugs, heated mirrors, brake controller.	Well I did it last night. I left the heated mirrors off with the truck parked overnight. Battery was pretty dead this morning. A few hours on a charger allowed me to start the truck. I really must get this wired to an accessory circuit soon! __________________ Regards, Thane Silliker London, Ontario 2005 Access Cab V6 SR5 4x4 6-speed manual Tundra wheels, Access Roll-Up Tonneau, D-Rings in front of bed floor, tinted door glass to match privacy tint in rear windows, synthetic oil, Husky floor liners, fog lights, constant power mod for 12v receptacles, brake controller, heated mirrors, billet grill. 2001 Toyota Echo 1998 Honda ST1100 2002 Kawasaki KLR650 1975 Bricklin

12-21-2008, 05:32 AM	#56
tsilliker Senior Member Joined: Dec 2006, #523 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 187 SR5: V6 4x4 6spd 2005 Access Cab Manual 4.0 V6 Tundra wheels, Access roll-up tonneau, D-rings in front of bed floor, tinted glass in doors to match privacy glass, synthetic oil, Husky floor liners, fog lights, constant power mod for 12v plugs, heated mirrors, brake controller.	Right you are...must have been asleep when I wrote that! That's what happens when you work three weeks without a day off! I have all the stuff I need to change over to the switched circuit. Just need to find the time! __________________ Regards, Thane Silliker London, Ontario 2005 Access Cab V6 SR5 4x4 6-speed manual Tundra wheels, Access Roll-Up Tonneau, D-Rings in front of bed floor, tinted door glass to match privacy tint in rear windows, synthetic oil, Husky floor liners, fog lights, constant power mod for 12v receptacles, brake controller, heated mirrors, billet grill. 2001 Toyota Echo 1998 Honda ST1100 2002 Kawasaki KLR650 1975 Bricklin

12-21-2008, 07:49 AM	#57
RoyB Senior Member Joined: Oct 2008, #9708 Location: Chicago burbs Age: 27 Gender: Dude Posts: 1,395 '09 TRD DC Sport 2009 Double Cab Automatic 4.0	coulda used this yesterday! __________________ '99 Corvette FRC Nassau Blue '07 Honda Shadow Sabre '09 Tacoma DC TRD sport

01-08-2009, 11:17 AM	#58
bk1 Member Joined: Nov 2008, #10614 Location: Lower Mainland, BC Gender: Male Posts: 76 08 Tacoma TRD Sport 2008 Double Cab Automatic V6 ProComp Stage 2 6" lift, AAL, Heated Mirrors, DVD/NAV, Amp & Subs, Fog Light Mod, Rear Diff breather. WeatherTech Mats, Soft Tonneau Cover, 33" TrXus M/T, M8000 Winch & Bumper Soon to come rear Locker and more....	i know its only been a few months since the mod was put up, but for those of you that have used silicone, have there been any problems? with the heat pads or the cold temperature?? or has anyone used any other bonding agent (which can be found locally ie home depot/crappy tire) looking at doin this mod soon and just waiting on the switch to arrive at the stealership.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Heated TRD Sport seats?	catskillbill	2nd Gen. Tacomas	7	11-14-2008 09:29 AM
New Taco! What - no heated mirrors? In Canada?	Mingy	2nd Gen. Tacomas	18	06-13-2008 04:59 AM
Mmmm Toasty! Heated seat write-up	Janster	2nd Gen. Tacomas	11	01-25-2008 08:47 AM
Colored Mirrors	coreyredken	2nd Gen. Tacomas	6	01-09-2008 05:04 AM
Replacement Power Heated Mirrors	littleschipper	2nd Gen. Tacomas	3	10-21-2007 03:30 PM