Heated power Towing mirrors

Hey guys,

Don't know how many would be intrested but here goes.

I recently got a TT to tow behind the Tacoma and needed better mirrors. I Could not find any, just slip on clamp on types.

So after some research I decided to take the plunge and get some mirrors and modify them to work.

I like the look of the new dodge towing mirrors but they are way to big mount wise to fit our trucks. So after some more digging I came up with a company called Kool-vue that makes aftermarket mirrors. Just so happens that the 98-2001 mirrors for a dodge truck will be close. So today I ordered a pair from here http://www.speedycarparts.com/sku/Dodge_Ram-1500_Kool-Vue_Mirror_1999_2001_DG49EL.html .

I am a Honda mechanic and the other day while working on one of our used cars I found a Mirror switch that looks factory and has a heater switch in it. So I ordered it today also it is a acura part # 35190-sok-a01za.

It will be about 4 - 7 days to get the mirrors and I will have the switch by Teusday.

Got the wiring schematics on the mirrors the switch and the truck next need to combine them and have a workable solution to my mirror installation.

The difference in the outer cover to doorframe I think I can use fiberglass materials and make it fit like factory. Anyway that is what I am planing.

If there is any intrest in this I can take pictures along the way and post for you.

And by the way if you do the Muth mirror or heated mirror install you might want to consider this mirror switch as it will look like it came from the factory this way.

vince

 

I am interested in seeing pics! This should be awesome!

 

If you would rather have the mirrors that are like the 2002 chevy have I think they would work too.

I prefer the way the dodge mirrors tilt up for towing.

vince

 

I did the Muth heated mirrors. I would be intertested in what the switch looks like.

 

TRD Larry,

Will bring my camera to work tomorrow and take pics of the switch in the used car for you I will also turn the heated switch on so you can see how it lights up. The shape and dimmensions of the outside of the switch is identical to the factory Toyo switch. So I think as far as mounting it will be plug in. The wiring probably will be different due to the extra connection for the heater switch.

vince

 

did you get the 225hp awd TT i used to be an audi mechanic

 

05SilverTaco,

Thanks for the help, waiting to see the pic. If it is better than the switch I have I will be ordering 1 from the dealer.

 

O.K. guys here is some more for you.
Here is our wiring diagram
Here is some info on the mirrors being used and the wiring for the mirrors.
http://www.elektro.com/~charlie/dodge/mirrors/

Will get wiring diagram for switch and put it up here also.

vince

 

I am absolutely interested in this, I have used cipa universal towing mirrors for a few years now, and while they work ok, I'l much prefer to have a factory looking solution instead of something clipped on that while functional looks like ass.

Please take all the photos you can and doccument the process.

Thanks, you definately have the attention of the towing guru.

Regards,

 

TRD Larry,
Here is one I am watching on e-bay but the heated switch lever is on the opposite side of the one I will post pictures of tomorrow.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360101683871&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=#ebayphotohosting

vince

 

O.K. now for the wiring diagram of the power mirror switch.



Now you have all the wiring information to put this conversion together if you can't wait and see how it is done.

Like I said it will be 5 - 7 working days before I get the mirrors in hand.
Then I will have to test fit and add to the shape of the trim with fiberglass just like people are doing with their grill modifications here.
Then mounting and wiring.
But I think it will be like "Factory" when done.
Stay tuned.

vince

 

A very good mechanic maybe yes but not very good at reading the posts. TT I'm assuming is not for an Audi....It is short for Travel Trailer. He has a TRAVEL TRAILER to pull behind his Tacoma, hence the need for MIRRORS.

 

Hey.. i'm very interested in these mirrors...

 

Took my camera to work today and took a couple pics of the switch.
Came out very blury. Found picture on e bay same switch. You can see what I mean by the heater element switch being on the left side at the top of this switch.
http://cas07.businessflow.ms/3.9.6/...tem_guid=3ee1def3-f9f8-40d6-852e-e38a7ac51b37

Will get my new one here by Teusday and will get to wiring the switch up and then on to the mirrors.

vince

 

Well for those of you still intrested worked on wiring the switch off of e-bay today and will try it out tomorrow maybe.

The switch from Acura did not show up today.

But the real news is some mirrors arrived today. So I took a few pics to show what one looks like. If it is slow at work tomorrow I will get some of the truck with stock mirror removed and what the new one will need to be mounted etc.

Here are a few pics.



Another showing the mounting area of the mirror.



Showing length folded.



Now open at 21" from door frame.



By the way the mirror is aprox 7"x10"

I think that it will be enough for towing mirrors if I can get them mounted solid.


vince

 

Good job!! Keep going!! I want some towing mirrors that actually look nice! Even if you can get like a parts list of everything that is needed I don't mind figuring out the wiring and mounting myself

 

Pedestrians Beware!!!!!!

 

O.K. guys so I took some time at lunch to work on the truck. Here is a pic of the difference in mirrors.



and another



Now here is the door frame without the mirror both inside and outside





Holding mirror up to door.



Now using one of the stock mounting holes you only need to drill 2 holes therefore you can reinstall your factory mirrors at any time. So here is a pic of where I needed to drill two holes utilizing the rear bottom factory hole as my starting point I marked the other two spots and drilled.



Mirror temp mounted.



You can see the front corner needs a massage so took some off of front corner with sander.



Now for some temp fitted pictures to wet your appetite. Think it is going to work better than I thought.











Well thats all for now I put the original on to drive home and hope to mount mirrors tomorrow and wire up for power.

Planning on a hard rubber in the shape of the factory mirror for a base and to seal the door frame. Don't think I will need to do any fiberglass work at all.

Let me know what you think.

vince

 

Well here are a couple more to show the slight mismatch of this mirror to our door frame. Nothing a good gasket and seal won't cure.








This last one shows mirror extended from rear of vehicle.





vince

 

I like what you are doing. Those mirrors look great. Keep up the posts.

Thanks

GA