Heated Mirrors Kit - Interest / Update Thread (pic heavy)

Alright got your order on the list

 

So I just checked tracking on the switch order and it is just showing as a pending shipment but no actual tracking number

They are are closed now until the 6th. Not sure if they didn't update with tracking info or they just didn't get the switches sent out before they closed. So possibly a little bit more delay but shouldn't be much longer at this point.

I took some photos yesterday morning so I can get instructions done for the new kits. Also sent a message out to anyone who ordered a green switch since those orders can go out now. At this point there are two of the new kits installed and functioning just fine along with a bunch of testing I did on my end. Glad to report that everything on the new kit is functioning great!

Also theses harnesses are well underway to being complete (Excuse the crappy photo quality)

 

Just a quick update that the new kit option instructions are now posted at the very bottom of the first post in this thread as a downloadable PDF. Don't let the length of the instructions deter you guys, the install really is fairly simple but the instructions cover just about every possible detail. The simplified version...

- Run wires to passenger and driver side mirror (they are labeled)
- Click together connector(s) for new mirror adjustment switch then insert new mirror adjustment switch in the dash opening
- Connect all wires to relay prongs (they are labeled)
- Connect add a fuse
- Confirm functionality then done!


Also there will be a few of the new style kits shipping out tomorrow

 

Still very happy with my kit. I've been putting it to use a lot lately.

Has anyone else noticed significant distortion around the edge of the mirrors? I don't remember noticing any on my stock mirrors. First world problems...

 

Haven't noticed anything unusual with mine. What area and conditions are you noticing distortion?

 

I'm noticing it at the top edge of the glass. The mirrors are adjusted a little low. I like to see my trailer wheels when I'm towing and the edge of the side of the truck for regular driving and backing up.

Significant was probably an overstatement. Noticeable would have been a better choice. When I glance at traffic in the mirror, I feel like my eyes are crossed. I'm sure I can adjust the mirror position and mostly resolve this minor irritation.

 

Certainly haven't noticed anything unusual. When you say distortion do you mean the curvature of the mirror?

 

That's exactly what I mean.

 

It might be worth double checking the are seated in properly. The top two tabs on the backing plate are hooks I guess you could say to hook around another piece and the bottom two tans just use compression to secure themselves. I imagine if one of the upper hooks wasn't properly in place it might distort the mirror.

They are direct replacement but with heating strips so you really shouldn't see any change at all.

 

That's a definite possibility - they didn't go on real easy and I don't see the same thing on the passenger side.

 

That may be it then. If you do fiddle with it just be careful as plastic doesn't like to flex in the cold. A little trick that I know some use is to warm up the mirror backing plate with a hair dryer before putting them on. In your case since you are already wired up you could also easily just run the mirrors for a 10 minute cycle or so before pressing back in place.

 

The LEDs came in today so I went ahead and changed them out on one of the switches. It was certainly a chore to solder them though. The switches have 2 LEDs and both are around half the size of a grain of rice.

Picture is still a little off of a true representation but not horribly bad. In person I would say the colour match is a little better than what the photo shows. If I had to give my best judgement I would say the mirror adjustment switch is just slightly brighter than the other dash switches in 05-11 tacomas but the colour is a match. Its close to the point most probably won't notice a difference unless looking for it. It's a huge improvement compared to just leaving them the yellow / amber colour that they come stock.

Left - amber found in 05-11 stock switches
Middle - modified switch to colour match
Right - non-modified switch (more of a yellow than an orange)

If you anyone wants it converted over to a colour match amber it can be done for $20. That's not so much the cost of the LEDs but the time involved to do it. If you happen to be good at soldering SMDs and would rather do it yourself then I can include the LEDs at no charge.

 

You can put me down for the modified amber if you're doing it for the heating only option. This way I'll be sure to see when they're on. Besides, what's another $20.

 

Sure I can do that. Actually if you are ready for your kit I can get it shipped in the next day or two. Even though I don't have my order from Japan yet I do currently have 2 amber switches (1 converted to the true orange in the picture and one that is still yellowish). I've just updated the list since there were a few orders that shipped yesterday morning and you are now 2nd from the top

 

Whenever you're ready is fine with me. Just give me the pay to the super secret special account and it's there.

 

Ok... Super secret special details incoming lol

 

Damn, these are cool! I had to edit this post because I thought they for the 3rd gen only, but they aren't. What is the lead time on these bad boys?

 

Definitely some nice options for heated mirrors The Left of Steering and Under the AC kits are in stock so ship next day after payment. The new kit option with the mirror adjustment switches take a bit of time as the switches are a bit tough to get.