3rd Gen Tacoma Power Folding Mirrors

Lol. You coulda waited for the DIY kit....Oh well. At least you have a spare set. I am looking forward to getting this finally installed. I can “wave” to other Tacos on the road!

 

True, but would have never noticed that the Swap power folding mirrors would have a different glass actuator, without actually pulling the on glass.
Thought everything internally was the same, except for the fold motor.

I fold my mirrors when I am at a red, just to fool with other Tacomas

 

Pretty soon you may have someone wave back!

 

So I bought me some retaining ring pliers.
How much force is necessary to remove the hinge plate?
Unless I am doing something wrong or I need to start hitting the gym.

 

So, I actually went and brute forced a clockwise turn to release the hinge spring plate.

In order to turn counter-clockwise, you would need to compress the spring by about a quarter of an inch, while turn it.

By going clockwise, you just have to overcome a small sliver of plastic that prevents it from turning in that direction. No effort is even needed, If you do not mind small damage on a part you will no longer use, this is the route to go.
This way no special tools required, needle nose pliers into the two holes, then clockwise turn.
Replace with new connection plate and toss the old one into the bin.

 

The springs are pretty strong. That’s why I prefer Fig 24 approach. When I first started on this mod, I did Fig 20 approach. It wasn't hard but it’s all I knew at the time. Then I tried the different approach and it is so much easier. Just cut two little sections out of a 11/16 socket to fit over the little two notches on your washer holding your spring in on your hinge and walla....piece of cake!

 

Why did you have to damage anything again? You didn’t compress it far enough? Or you weren’t worried about compressing it because you weren’t going to use it again?

 

Hi @KTJO 4x4 ,
Will you be sending the instructions for the DIY kit via email soon? Everyone should be getting their kits in the mail and mine should be here today (in Hawaii).
Thanks.

 

That is my plan in the next two days along with getting out the 70 Tundra Lock Tailgate Kits!!

 

Kind of. lol
I was not going to use it again, so it did not seem like an issue.
It is also very minimal, so it still functions, if I do ever go back.

 

UPDATE:

DIY Install Guide is Complete and I will email it tomorrow

 

May I have one too?
Since I am disassemblying mine.

 

Step 1 completed but i cant do anything else because I dont have the install guide sent to me yet.

 

That turned out nice! Hope I can do that well when I get started.

 

Thanks!

Take your time. I drilled out the 4 corners first, not too close to the edge, then slowly used a dremel with a small sanding stone until i got an outline of the switch, then slowly file down with a small file while test fitting often. Once i got it down to the perfect size, i used some 2000 grit sandpaper to smooth all the edges out. Took about 2 hours but came out really good for me being as anal as i am.

 

Nice job, basically looks OEM.
Did you also sand down the underside?


Since the trim piece is quite thick, It would not sit flush when you switch from folded to unfolded.
The trim surrounding my switch is almost paper thin.



This way it also pops out of the hole also.

 

Relax Man....The install guide has been sent. I had work and it is extremely busy this time of year where I work! I said it would be sent today and it has been

 

UPDATE:

Please look at your email inbox. For those that have received their Kits, you should have received the install instructions. If you have any questions let me know. Enjoy and have fun Please post pics and feedback!!

 

Key is to not be in a rush!

 

No worries. I was going to spend the evening taking the mirrors apart but since i need to drive the truck tomorrow, i am just going to wait until Sunday to perform the surgery on the mirrors. I worked on the switch panel today and that took up a good portion of my afternoon. I reviewed the DIY install guide and its NOT for the faint of heart. Doable, if you are confident enough to take the mirrors apart and cut and grind stuff, but i can see why most people would want Katie to modify their mirrors for them. Key is to take my time and dont cut or trim anything by mistake. I will see how much i can do without getting help. I cant wait to get started on it.