El Cheapo Heated Mirrors

I got mine from a local windsheild shop for $40 a piece. They ordered them and had them in the next day. I think it was Bangwegner Glass (or something like that in South Carolina).

 

Your profile says nothing. Where do you live ?

 

I'm not trying to sound like an ass or anything. I'm just trying to save others some money. You DO NOT need mastic to glue these on, any exterior grade silicone will work fine, our mirrors are mirrored both sides so mastic is not needed. The factory is glued with a pad adhesive nothing special and easy to scrape off, Second the larger element isn't necessarily any better, it is most likely less wattage because it is a bigger element, if it were high wattage it would melt the plastic around the outside of the mirror. My grip heaters will keep the mirrors dry in the rain. Also you still have to do the same exact process to install the mirror with all the same dis-assembly to get the plastic piece, still have to route the wires though the mirror assembly. I can see having a spare set of mirrors as good though, it sucks when they break!

Heres the same kit I have on my truck! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ATV-..._Accessories?hash=item20ad9a7bc6#ht_691wt_941

 

WOW. I must have missed that link if it was posed B 4. That looks great. Everything included for $18. I paid that much for the switch alone and the Highlander switch was $60 to $120 from what I read. I would have definitely given this a lot of consideration. $ saved and everything included. Can't beat that with a stick. Do you need a relay with that or will the switch handle the amps ?

 

That's the same kit I used for $6 or so less. I didn't use the switch. It toggles between low and high, and I have mine wired for high with a different switch. Your lighted switch would be better since it's easy to know when you have it on, and remember to turn it off.

 

Man Tiger I admit to being blind. I didn't see all that stuff included in the OP. Oh well water under the bridge. I do like the switch it's a beauty and I don't have to wire a relay.

 

I also used the Toyota switch in the OP. It has a light to tell you its on. Same as tiger, I wired mine to be on high. The switch I have handles the current without a relay. On a side note I see a lot of guys putting timed switches in. I thought about a timed switch, a couple of our new International trucks have timers on their mirrors at work, however I've noticed when driving long distances it seems that the damn timer has the mirror heat shut off and is fogged up every time you go to look in them! I've left my heaters on for hours with no ill effects!

 

I just found something here at work. It's like 10+ years old, and we were cleaning off some shelves....

12V timer.





I have the heated grips in at the motorcycle store, and I picked up the Toyota switch last year when I first read about this thread.

I was just talking to a buddy, and he says that his Subaru doesn't have a timer. His heated mirrors are on as long as the vehicle is on. So I may wire this timer up, or I may end up just tying into the accessory position on the key.

 

Got my first dump of snow today/tonight.... mirrors worked GREAT.... and no timer

One of my favorite mods

 

Got my switch today. Now just waiting for my .110" terminals to show up. Couldn't find them at my local Car Quest and Radio Shack.

Apparently, this is what an $80 switch looks like.

 

^ mine is on its way. cost me $56 from trdparts4u.com. cheapest place i found it. the connector and "tacoma" colored bulb are on back order though. the 5 wires are being shipped with the switch. i can't wait to get everything.

 

FFFUUUU could have saved $20 there. I thought it was $79 online too when I checked?

 

^ CORRECTION. $56.01. haha. sorry man

 

Carquest part number TA484L, List $4.381, Net $3.245 Plus Tax, Total $3.48 in NJ. 12 per pack. Hope this helps someone. Call B 4 U go if it's not just down the block.

 

Carquest part number TA484L, List $4.381, Net $3.245 Plus Tax, Total $3.48 in NJ. 12 per pack. Hope this helps someone. Call B 4 U go if it's not just down the block.

I guess I'm a little slow following this thread. What are these prices and part number for? (Maybe I'm having trouble with my vision........is there a floating decimal point?)

 

When you all get done with this mod you should post were you got the parts & the amount you spent & do one thread. I know the Grunts do all the WORK & everyone else gets the rewards. It sucks but its true........

 

This is what was on the bill. Bottom line $3.50 for the female electric connectors to go on the mirror. They are small not like the 1/4" ones I'm used to. I don't have them in front of me but the part number is TA484L.

 

That is probably a good idea. There is 3 or 4 ways to do this from $35 to a few hundred. A lot of options. A little confusing to say the least.

 

Deleted to prevent confusion.

 

deleted to prevent confusion.