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Manual Mirror Adjustment

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by TacoS805, Jan 10, 2018.

  1. Jan 10, 2018 at 8:20 AM
    #1
    TacoS805

    TacoS805 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hey Everybody,

    Apologies, as I'm sure someone has already asked this, but I can't seem to find it, maybe my search string isn't correct...

    Anyway, my Tacoma has manually adjusted mirrors. The passenger side mirror is basically limp, and I can't seem to figure out how to adjust the tension so the mirror stays where its been adjusted.

    Thank you!
     
  2. Jan 10, 2018 at 8:25 AM
    #2
    drock3

    drock3 Well-Known Member

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    Stock as of now.
    I am not very knowledgeable but I would assume it would be easiest to swap a new mirror on there. Take a look around your local junk yard?
     
  3. Jan 10, 2018 at 11:22 AM
    #3
    TacoS805

    TacoS805 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Really? Necessitates an entirely new mirror?
     
  4. Jan 10, 2018 at 2:13 PM
    #4
    cruisedon66

    cruisedon66 Well-Known Member

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    Near St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Extra Cab 2WD A/T
    Defrost mirrors, compass/temp display rear view mirror, rear wiper on camper shell, trans.cooler.
    Yes they can be tightened.
    These instructions are for a 2003 Tacoma.

    MY MISTAKE!!! You need to unglue the mirror to tighten it. If your mirror is cracked you can order a replacement lens online.
    I used a putty knife heated with a torch before I slipped it under the mirrior.

    1. Remove the phillips screw that holds the adjustment handle on.
    2. Pop of the triangle trim piece around the adjustment handle.
    3. Remove the three 10mm bolts holding the mirror on.
    4. Remove the 3 or 4 8mm screws holding the adjustment shaft on. (you may need a flashlight to see them) They are located down next to the adjustment shaft.
    5. Carefully wiggle out the mirror from the housing.(it looks like it won't even fit...It does)
    6. REMOVE MIRROR LENS.
    7. You'll see where the ball and socket move. (PHOTO ATTACHED)
    8. Give the push washer a light tap with a socket over the shaft.(14mm I think)
    See attached photo.
    9. Reinstall.

    Push Nut.jpg

    Tacoma Mirror.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2018
    drock3 and TacoS805[OP] like this.
  5. Jan 10, 2018 at 2:15 PM
    #5
    TacoS805

    TacoS805 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you!

    I'll be giving this a try when I get home
     
  6. Jan 13, 2018 at 11:48 AM
    #6
    TacoS805

    TacoS805 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for the update!

    Luckily I hadn't tried the procedure, so it ended up okay.

    My mirror is not cracked or anything... hmmm... how to get back on? I guess some strong 3M double sided adhesive or something.

    Thank you again! I'll let y'all know how it goes
     
  7. Jan 13, 2018 at 1:48 PM
    #7
    cruisedon66

    cruisedon66 Well-Known Member

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    Defrost mirrors, compass/temp display rear view mirror, rear wiper on camper shell, trans.cooler.
    Yes The adhesive of your choice. I installed a defrost grid behind mine.
     
  8. Jan 14, 2018 at 10:13 AM
    #8
    drock3

    drock3 Well-Known Member

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    Stock as of now.
    Was this difficult? Do you have a build page showing the install? I am actually super interested in this.. sounds like a great mod.
     
  9. Jan 14, 2018 at 11:44 AM
    #9
    cruisedon66

    cruisedon66 Well-Known Member

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    Near St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Extra Cab 2WD A/T
    Defrost mirrors, compass/temp display rear view mirror, rear wiper on camper shell, trans.cooler.
    Here is a similar write-up.
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-heated-mirrors-diy-mod.193528/

    My files are on my computer at work I think.
    I used a mirror defrost timer off a Volvo. (V70) model. You can find the relay above the brake pedal in a group of other relays.
    I found a mirror defrost switch from a kia think. It fit perfectly in the "clutch cancel" spot. Since I have an automatic transmission.
    I tapped into a spare fuse with tap a fuse.
    I'll post my build when I find it. If you Google Volvo mirror defrost timer relay A208 you'll see what they look like. I'll post how I wired it.
     
    cruiserguy and drock3 like this.
  10. Jan 18, 2018 at 7:50 AM
    #10
    cruisedon66

    cruisedon66 Well-Known Member

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    Pete
    Near St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Extra Cab 2WD A/T
    Defrost mirrors, compass/temp display rear view mirror, rear wiper on camper shell, trans.cooler.
    Here are the parts I used.

    https://www.amazon.com/Iztoss-Unive...words=motorcycle+heated+handlebar+grips&psc=1

    Defrost Timer Relay from a 1998 Volvo V70- 12 minute on time.

    Mirror Defrost Switch from a 2004 Suzuki XL-7
    Disassembly steps below.
    Photo #3 is what the mirror assembly will look like after unbolting it from the door. (three 10mm nuts)
    Photo#4 The spacer has been removed (three small 8mm bolts)
    Photo#5 After wiggling out the mirror from the frame.
    Photo #6 Mirror removed.
    Photo#7 Left Kick Panel-Relay installed.
    I removed a tiny bit of plastic at the bottom of the mirror so I could get my heated blade started. If you look close at the Motorcycle hand grip photo you'll see a small hole on the bottom left corner where I bagan inserting a hot blade.
    I JB welded it before reinstallation.
    After the glue on the mirror back begins to melt the mirror will lift. GO SLOW and you'll be fine. Use a longer blade to get all edges unglued.

    I removed the mirror from the backing plate with a heated putty knife & hacksaw blade. (use an oven mitt or vice grips to hold the hot blade) I ended up cracking one mirror and ordered a new lens on Amazon. (cost me $6.00 for the lens & like $8.00 for shipping)
    Add about a foot of extra wire to each element.
    Find a spot for the heated element that will allow the wires to easily run out.
    Also you want to heating element to lay as flat as possible. while still covering the center of the mirror.
    I used a silicone adhesive for the MC handgrips. Small hobby clamps or clothespins can help hold it while it dries.
    After those dried I used another coat for the mirror.
    Remove the door panel and run the element wires through the waterproof housing to the kick panel. I also mounted my Volvo Relay in the kick panel.
    I typed up & labeled all the wires for the next owner.
    Power wire was run to a "Tap a Fuse" and plugged into a keyed spare fuse.


    Volvo Defrost Timer Relay.jpg
    Photo one.jpg
    Photo One (3).jpg
    Photo Two (2).jpg
    Photo Three.jpg
    Photo Four (2).jpg
    Photo Five.jpg
    Photo Six.jpg

    Kick Panel One.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jan 18, 2018
  11. May 8, 2019 at 4:44 PM
    #11
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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    This is pretty slick Pete! Nice work
     
    cruisedon66[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Oct 16, 2021 at 8:13 PM
    #12
    Tikibutt

    Tikibutt Well-Known Member

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    JBA UCAs, Radflo Coilovers, Lockrite mechanical Locker, All-Pro Offroad Skid Plates, 4x Innovations Sliders, Dakar Rear Springs, 37x13.50r17 Cooper SST Pro on Beadlocks
    [​IMG]

    any idea where to get replacement adjustment arms for these mirrors?
     

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