3rd Gen Tacoma Power Folding Mirrors

Will try to take as many pics as I can.

 

Considering a diy kit. The only thing I’d like to see more of is the switch install. The custom panel looks out of place just sitting on top like it does imo and being that it seems you have to cut a hole for that to insert anyways why not just cut the smaller hole for the switch? Is it because it needs something to clip into (a frame/base if you will)?

Edit: I see how the custom panel can be a good option to cover up the cut lines since it sits on top. That would be my only concern cutting just for the actual switch is you’d see the cut lines. Unless I found someone near me that bought/has a ultrasonic knife and would let me rent it out

 

I'm thinking about laying down a couple layers of painters tape to help fend off errand scrapes. I'm going to try to work up a cut template that I can 3D print. It would be to get a rough opening.It wont stop a Dremel. But if I size it right, it may cause an interference with the spinning collet and I can catch it before a major errant cut is made. Then after the rough opening is there, use the 3D template and finish cut the opening with an x-acto.
If that fails, I'll be searching for some type of overlay

 

I am in for a DIY kit as I have always been.

 

Take a look at my personal switch panel. I have a pic posted on the first page of this thread of each install. The Custom Switch Bezel and then just the Cut-Out. There are Pros and Cons to both options.

Custom Switch Bezel: Yes it sits above the OEM Panel, but you do not have to worry about your cut because it covers it up. It looks nice and clean. Very easy to install.

Cut-Out in OEM Panel: Sits levels but you have to be very clean with your cut lines or you see absolutely everything. The only way around this is to do something like me and have like carbon fiber stickers or something. I didn’t really think about it beforehand because I had my carbon fiber prior to making my cut but afterwards I was extremely happy because I had absolutely nothing to worry about. If I had screwed up, it would have covered it all up anyways.



I’m sending this one out tomorrow. Just finished it up tonight.

Keep it simple and take it slow. It’s better to go little by little than take too big of a chunk out.

It will be released soon

 

What about mirrors that fold down when u reverse like the Lexus?

 

I have not seen these personally. I would need to see these first. If I could get my hands on a set I’d be able to test them and give feedback

 

Oh you fancy, huh?

 

The power mirrors tilt down to give you a better view of the curb when you place it in reverse. Luxury vehicles will do it to whatever side the mirror control switch is on. @Synergy001 just needs to pony up and get a GX 470.

 

Haha yeah Lexus been having them for a while. I’m wondering if it would fit a Toyota. If you could make them to fit that would be awesome lol!

Haha someday. Just tired of moving my mirrors up when I have Daisy DD. When she reverse parks on the driveway and then when I get in to drive the truck the mirrors are facing down lol!

 

Yeah I know what they do. I just need to have a set in my hands to convert for someone so I can give an answer. I don’t see why they wouldn’t be able to be converted.

 

Haha you buy me a set and I’ll see what I can do

 

I’ll check the junkyard one of these days and report back lol

 

I’ve already seen those which was the reason for my reply. Yea every time I see the overlay panel the more I’m not a fan… it just looks more of an after thought rather than factory. So I’m going to pass on the overlay. But I still would like to see more pictures- what I meant was of thebackside where the new switch actually seats, like what does it actually seat to if you cut your own hole for the switch. It looks like the overlay also have the frame/base for the switch (like the center dash switches and how they seat into the panel. I may just get an ultra sonic knife just to do this unless I can find someone close that has one and pay for borrowing. But need to get an idea of how the switch mounts

 

Ok so the New Switch is actually wider than the Bezel on the bottom...



Therefore, what you will need to do is cut the one side completely out.



You keep the three red sides and remove the black side. Then insert the New Switch.






End of OEM Bezel that you have removed...

 

UPDATE:

1. I gave everyone a New Bezel in their Kit. However, if you decide you do not want it, you can send it back. I just thought I’d sent them out no matter what so that everyone could take a look for themselves and just in case they screwed up on their cut, they had a backup
2. I have been completely swamped this week. I do apologize completely. I am going to get out the install instructions tomorrow. However, I’m sure you have all looked at the kit and have seen what I have already posted on this forum with my install and could probably do the install without it. It is that easy. Plug-N-Play. I absolutely love this kit. It is that easy. I did forget to add in their some 3M for the Control Kit to stick wherever you would like so you may need to pick some up. I do apologize for that. You can use whatever you want. Again, I will get that out tomorrow if it kills me. I cannot wait for these to be installed. Yay!!!

 

That definitely gives a better idea. I’m assuming the mirror adjustment knob fits exactly in the existing hole without any modifications

 

That is correct

 

So we just need to cut a small rectangle for the fold switch.
Should not be that hard... hopefully.

Also thanks for the new bezel in kit, great customer service.


I won't be able to work on it right away, since I am still waiting for the next Meso's puddle lights drop.
Thought it would be best to do it at the same time.

 

That is totally up to you. Yes. You will need to cut a small rectangle for the fold switch. I didn’t really care for it just bare. However, if you make an absolute perfect cut I’m sure it will look just fine.