3rd Gen Tacoma Power Folding Mirrors

UPDATES:

Ok..I have a list of updates. One of the biggest things I pride myself on is keeping you all up to speed with updates as much as I can. I also would like to make you aware of any hiccups that may be going on at the time, so that we are all on the same page. So here we go....let’s start with the bad news first shall we

1. After sending the DIY Kit out to @Oscar I for what we thought was going to be a for sure thing, no issues, easy install, bam, bam, bam, we are done! Well, it didn’t turn out that way. Unfortunately, Toyota has yet again not surprised me and I ran into another hinge in the 2019 model that does not work with the DIY Kit. After offering to ship a set of Tacoma Hinges that do work, @Oscar decided he would step back and still offer his amazing services to assist me in the production and editing of the installation instructions. He’s a great guy and although he wasn’t sure if he really wanted this mod in the first place, I appreciate him even attempting for me just so he could be the one to take the pictures first-hand. Therefore, we do have a minor setback in the release of the install videos and pics as I wait for the motors to be returned, but I will assure you they will be coming soon.
2. As for the hiccup on the hinge, if you have purchased a Tacoma 3rd Gen DIY Package and can do me a favor that would be greatly appreciated. Again, the reason you have purchased a DIY package is because you are NOT a “beginner” in the modding world. I would like it if you could take some time and look at your mirrors. The ONLY part I need you to look at is the bottom inner hinge location. I do not need you to remove the back cover or anything else. On the bottom of your mirror, it should have one of these little guys here.. How do you remove it you ask? All you simply need to do is find something to push the spring down so you are able to turn the clamshell lock to release it. One could use a set of these Ring Pliers... Once it is removed, what I am looking for underneath is what looks similar to this Tacoma Hinge... Please do not post the pictures on the thread at that will really just clutter this thread up with a lot of the same pictures. If you could send them to me in a personal message that would be greatly approached. That will let me know where I need to go from here. Thank You!
3. Likewise, if you are a 4Runner owner and you have purchased a DIY package, you can verify by going through the same process. However, I am less concerned about your OEM Hinge as it seems you have less variety in the hinge location than the Tacomas. Yay! @Braves95 will be verifying for me today for the 5th Gens. I would say, since there are so many years in the 5th Gens, you have have one of the later years, I would make sure you mirrors do match up for sure. Here are the 4Runner pictures.

Now for the Good News....

1. Even tho we have a little hiccup with the hinge for the Tacoma, depending on the responses I receive, I CAN source the correct hinge and add it to the DIY Kit. Therefore, this will go on.
2. I have received notice that my order has SHIPPED!!!
3. ME-SO Customs and I have decided to take a different turn regarding the OEM Replacement Switch Panel. I will be refunding the orders that were placed for the ME-SO Panel. I have decided to send a switch directly to him, that he received today, and he will be drawing something up specifically for the OEM Switch Panel we currently have on our Door Panel. I would like to think of it being something similar to ME-SO Customs Lower Switch Panel. The Lower panel he makes is a great solution for those that have the OEM Lower 3 Switch Panel and want more Switches. He makes this great OEM looking alternative. However, THIS REQUIRES FABRICATION of your original panel and it is sold as a DIY part. This is exactly where I am going with this NEW Adjust & Fold Switch Panel. He will once again be making a great OEM looking alternative that will REQUIRE FABRICATION of your original panel and it will be sold as a DIY part. However, for this first group, I am including it for FREE!! Here are some pictures for those that are not familiar with his Lower Switch Panel that he offers as a DIY part. I personally think this will be the best option and it will also allow you to make a cut and leave you no worry about screwing anything up because it will be covered by this amazing OEM looking alternative made by ME-SO Customs.

OEM 3 Switch



Fabrication made to OEM Part. Doesn’t have to be pretty.



OEM looking alternative ME-SO Customs Lower Switch Panel



Finished Product installed in my truck and how it is today!



Again, he is just receiving the switch today from me. When he has drawings and I receive any more news, I will share it.

 

Love the dedication.
Keep up the hard work.

 

Thanks for the update.

 

Which way do you turn the looking ring? And the numbers on the 4runner ring is the same on mine.

 

Is this even possible without taking the mirror apart? I have my mirror off the truck and have been trying to remove the clamshell lock for about an hour or more using snap ring pliers and the only thing I’ve learned is that I’m probably going to break either my hand or my mirror.

 

Figure it out yet? I’m 2 hrs into this and still no luck.

 

That's what I'm running in to. I'll try more tomorrow.

 

Nope not yet.

 

I don’t recall if it really matters which way you turn it, just as tho they match up. However, you are not able to turn it unless you are pushing the spring down. So make sure you are pushing the spring down at the same time you are turning the Cam-Lock

 

Yes. It is possible. Btw I just replied to your PM. See reply above

 

I got it off. Just need to twist hard. Just be warned, if you had a hard time getting it off, it is worse getting it back on! My snapring pliers were too small so i used a pair of needle nose pliers that the tips fit in the holes and was able to do it fairly easy. Just twists off. May be easier if you push down slightly when turning.

BYW, you should take the mirror off. Otherwise, you will have a VERY hard time getting the thing back together.

 

Omg sub a dub dub!Late as usual tho

 

Holy crap it’s done now. Pics taken and sent. I also have some video.

Advise, don’t use snap ring pliers. Use needle nose like TacoTruck808 suggests. And don’t focus AT ALL on pressing the spring in when undoing the clamshell lock. Just twist.

Putting back in takes some force, but needle nose pliers did the trick. There’s NO WAY my snap ring pliers would have worked for that. Tips are too small.

 

And probably too flimsy for the amount of force required to remove the ring.

 

If anyone needs more of those pesky white clips behind the triangular trim piece inside the door from the mirror, I’ve got some. You’ll just have to fish them out of my door. Such a feat may or may not be the plot of the next Mission Impossible film.

 

Driver’s side mirror hinge from my 2018 Tacoma TRD OR DCSB Premium with Tech. Ignore the Paw Patrol music in the background.

 

Uh,... sure?

 

I love that show.

Just kidding. My 3 year old does.

 

Same. Is it bad I know all the characters? lol

 

thanks Katie for the update, and the hard work you and me-so customs are doing for us That lower switch panel looks really nice