My '93 Vert has Euro-spec door mirrors which are ugly as hell. I've bought a pair of US-spec ones from a scrapped car. I want to remove the glass to paint them, and gather they're held in by screws behind. I don't want to force the glass and break it or the mechanism. Can I plug the wiring into the car, angle them fully in/out/up or down to get to the screws?
Is swopping mirrors really the bitch of a job it sounds like in other threads?

 

The mirror glass and the backing plate is attached to the motor with a crossed trunnion (+) in the center and two that allow vertical movement and horizontal movement, those snap into the motor on a serrated shaft. The accepted practice is to unsnap the mirror from those trunnions. I don't know that there's an alternative way. I don't really believe there is. I understand your reluctance! I believe the accepted removal is tip mirror "full-out" or "full-in" and unsnap the mirror and mount with your fingers. The trunnions do sometimes break that is a hazard. I believe I'd check the "full-in" first.

The mirror motors have an electrical connector in the housing so you could remove them if needed.

You try to do it electrically using a battery or 12V source and just jumper the electrical connector if you wanted to attempt it electrically. There's no need to connect to the car to attempt the movement of the mirror glass.

Do you maybe have the FSM?

I've no idea at all what's required to remove your export but I would think it no more difficult than the other style. Two studs through door with nuts on the back-side I'd think. You might need to be concerned regarding the hole in the door to accommodate the mirror. Have you seen them changed without the requirement of paint and a repair of the door outside panel.

If you need to know the terminals to jump I believe I could help.

Did you also get the required gaskets?

 

Thanks for your info and thoughts. I'm in the UK so reluctant to break anything! I wondered if it's possible to get to the motor mount screws with the glass in place, and remove the whole thing in one?
I don't have a FSM, only Haynes. I think I ought to get one - Haynes is rubbish. Export mirror base is wider than standard, but the same length. I'm hoping the mounting is the same, and that the holes will line up. I can't see GM modifying the doors on the line just for export models!
I have the original rubber gaskets. I could always just mask the glass, paint the outside car colour, and the inside satin black with a brush. Might look o.k.?

 

This is a DIY paint? I'd recommend a shop do it for you and I doubt there's any need to do the removal anyway. You shouldn't need to "brush" anything. The risk of broken parts if you attempt to remove the mirror and plate are minimal. If you wanted to use the electrical jump to move the glass around for prep of the inside I'd say it's doable but maybe "extreme"!

Have you priced the refinish by a shop? Curious as to the price.

 

I'm only painting the replacement mirrors - rub back, primer, colour coats, clear coats, simple.