3rd Gen Power Folding Mirrors - How To!

I do have an inquiry out about getting the switch as well and including that with the mirrors. I’d like to be able to get everything that you would absolutely need for this mod so you wouldn’t have to get anything else other than this kit from me. I do have a question regarding switches. There are two switches that I have currently. I originally purchased the shorter fatter switch button that matches the OEM push buttons.



That was the route I was originally going to go until I found the switch that is our replacement for our OEM Mirror Adjust Switch. The only problem with the Replacement OEM Switch is that you would need to be willing to make an opening for it because our current panel does not have one.

Just like the Tundras, they have their OEM Switch (on the right) and then the replacement OEM Switch (on the left).



Our OEM Switch looks like this...



Well this is the replacement OEM Switch I have found for the Tacoma...



This is what our OEM Master Switch Panel currently looks like in the Tacoma...



This next picture shows you the modification that is needed in order to get our Replacement OEM Switch...



Finally, this is what the outcome will look like after the modifications are made to our OEM Master Switch Panel (don’t mind the fact that the switch is on the other side in this picture. This Replacement OEM Switch is actually offered for LH and RH Side of the vehicle due to other countries driving on the opposite side of us). However, you can see that it is the exact same as our Tacoma Driver’s Side Master Switch Panel. Also, since our Mirror Adjusting Switch is located on the RH Side, we would have to get the Switch with the Folding Mirror Switch on the LH Side.



I have personally decided to go the OEM route because I think it will look the cleanest and like it came from the factory. But....I do have the other switch as a backup if need be. My question would be, which switch would most people be interested in for this kit if I offer a Switch?

 

Thank you for your Service!!

 

*drooling

Yes, OEM switch!!

 

OEM. Switch. And would love kit with BSM and heated. I'm also going to be installing meso puddle lights when he has them out.

 

I'm interested in a DIY kit.
However a full kit is tempting, if I can get BSM too!

 

The ONLY way I would be able to offer a DIY kit is if you had this Adjustable Actuator in your OEM Mirror



However, if you have this one...



It would not work because the mounting points on the Mirror Glass, the Mirror Housing, the Connection Plate, and the Powerfold Actuator location within the Connection Plate are all different. It would not be worth it. The cost of the DIY kit would be like double the cost of just purchasing the PNP Power Folding Mirrors from me.

Here are some comparison pictures of what I’m talking about...





Mirror Glass Side-by-Side Comparison



Mirror Housing Side-by-Side Comparison



Connection Plate Side-by-Side Comparison



Powerfold Actuator location within the Connection Plate Side-by-Side Comparison





Again, this is only two different mirrors I am showing. There are a lot of different OEM Mirrors in the 3rd Gen Tacoma’s that I never would have imagined. Before doing this project, I would have thought they all were the same. If you look at my pictures carefully that I have posted throughout this thread, you will notice at least three different mirrors. It’s definitely taken some time to try to find out what the easiest, cheapest, and most reasonable way would be to come up with a Kit for this mod that others would be interested in. There’s not a lot of people that want to spend $400 on a new set of mirrors that you are only going to use half the parts and then another $200-$300 possibly on a second new set of mirrors if you find out your OEM mirrors do not match the Powerfolding Mirror. The only other way is if you didn’t care to keep the OEM Mirror and Turn Signal, then you could just spend $400 on a Powerfolding set of Mirrors and just swap the OEM Hinge and be done. But, then again, your OEM Hinge needs to be the one that has the 3 holes in the bottom so it will screw into the Powerfolding Actuator.

So...as you can see, there are a lot of different variables that come into play with this mod. I can offer it however people are interested in purchasing it though. I just wanted to give a little insight into some of the parts that are similar, but different.

 

Ok, so obviously your technical skills and patience surpass mine, lol. One question I have for you is how much, if i were to send you my mirrors? With the switch, the plate and everything in between?

 

This is such an awesome thread/build. I’m EXTREMELY interested in purchasing. I think the OEM looks best IMO. Can’t wait to read the next update!

 

That is a lot of variables to take into account.
No wonder it hasn't been done until now.

 

I’m in for a complete package as well. Switch and all. Make the pricing whatever you need. Seems fair what you quoted .

 

I’m currently in the process of putting this together. I have finally located a company where I can purchase a bulk order for these motors so I’m just waiting for them to get back to me. Which Adjustable Actuator do you have on your Tacoma?

 

Yes it is for sure. This process has been really fun but it’s just about finding the right combination and then offering that one to everyone. I would absolutely love to be able to get one kit that everyone could purchase for their OEM Mirrors that come on our tacos, but I’m afraid that can’t happen with all of these different mirrors out there. If you are someone that can take a look at your Mirror Adjustment Actuator behind the Mirror Glass for me and let me know what your truck currently has, this would help a great deal. I’m very curious how many models have which one. I’m really hoping it is the Black Actuator, but if it is the White Actuator maybe I can put a kit together for that one. I also have an inquiry to the company about doing a kit for both so everyone would be covered at that point. For that option, I would be offering a kit kind of like this...



That is my plan but with our Replacement OEM Switch

 

I would like the DIY kit as well. I can remove the cover and see which one i have. Can you tell just by removing the painted or chrome cover? I have a sport with BSM.

 

Possibly. I know I will be able to see the Connection Plate which will help me. Sometimes you can also see the White or Black Actuator from the back too.

 

Heres some pics i took. Soes this help?

 

Yes for sure. Can you take one of the mirror a little further away so I can see the Connection Plate and one looking down where the power wires go into the Hinge? I’d like to see what yours looks like compared to the ones I have. Looks like your OEM have the White Actuator

 

Hows this?

 

Perfect! Ok. Well I would definitely need to make sure that the Connection Plate is in the kit because your OEM Connection Plate will not work with the Powerfold Actuator. Which is exactly what I thought. So now it comes down to matching the one that does work with the one that is on your mirror. Luckily I have both options in my possession. So...if I am not able to order the Connection Plate from this company that I will hopefully be getting the Powerfold Motor, I will need to look into having a mold or 3D print made up of that piece. I already have a quote for that piece to be made. It’s not cheap but the good news is that it can be done

 

Thanks Katie! I appreciate you doing all the legwork on figuring this all out and getting this done! I am sure if you can get a DIY kit with everything needed, you will sell a bunch of them! I wish i knew how to do the 3d print thing, otherwise i would definitely help you out with it.

 

Hey nice signals