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auto darking mirrors

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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 08:15 PM
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Default auto darking mirrors

I had a scratch repaired on my drivers side mirror, the body man dropped it and broke the mirror glass, my question is this a special glass or is the auto darking work in some other way? Thanks in advance for any help.
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 08:40 PM
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That is a special glass with some kind of liquid in it. It's close to 300.00. When mine went bad I replaced it with a non darkening one because my rear window tint made it useless anyway. Good luck.
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 08:44 PM
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Just the glass is 300 bucks or is it the whole mirror casing w/glass. If it's the case and glass they are all in that neighborhood.

Can you replace just the glass?
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 08:53 PM
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This is my drivers side outside mirror I think you are talking about your rear view inside mirror or all they all the same?
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 09:05 PM
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Same deal $$
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 09:11 PM
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Im talking about the outside drivers mirror. You can replace just the glass. Put some tape around the painted part, tilt the glass all the way down and stick a screwdriver down behind the glass and pop it off. There will be wires to unplug, the autodimming and the heater if you have it. The dealer wanted just under 300.00 for it. I got a non dimming one off a vendor here once I had the part number, about 70.00. Its scary replacing the new one because you have to press it really hard. Put some grease on the four spots where it attaches. I believe the proper name is monochromatic mirror.
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 09:19 PM
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Wow 300 bucks for a piece of glass. I would get the non dimming one. Actually I didn't know they dimmed. I guess it makes sense I've never really thought about it.
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 09:25 PM
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Some have it and some dont. If you have the sensor on the inside mirror you can shine a flashlight at it and see if they work. I dont think they made the passenger side auto dimming.
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 09:32 PM
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Isn't the body man who dropped it going to replace it? He dropped it he should replace it like for like. If not I would have to bite the bullet and replace it with the same type of mirror. One of the luxury perks of the breed.
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 10:08 PM
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If you didn't do it and aren't going to pay for it, who cares what it cost? I would make them replace it with the original self dimming glass.
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Rexde1
I dont think they made the passenger side auto dimming.
You are correct, the passenger side does not dim. Did not know that the glass alone cost $300 though .
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Old Jul 8, 2012 | 09:32 AM
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Thanks for all the posts my body man will stand the cost I thought only the drivers side outside and interieor mirror were auto darking
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Old Jul 8, 2012 | 11:53 AM
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I replaced my driver side monochromatic mirror since the liquid had discolored. I bought the non diming replacment for Corvette Central for about $85. It has great instructions and was easy to replace. I removed the original mirror with just my fingers, no scredriver was needed. Have someone to help hold the housing steady so you don't damage anything while removing and replacing, Definitely put some silicone grease or equal on all the attachment points. Also, you need to make sure the pins are aligned correctly to allow it to "pop" back in place correctly. I pressed the new mirror in using a block of wood backed up with a small thin towel like a was rag. I am very happy.
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Old Aug 2, 2012 | 05:30 PM
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I just replaced my DS "dimming" mirror. It finally turned yellow and I was seeing double looking into it. With tax $240.00. Taking it out is easy, tilt all the way out, grab and pull gently on the side and top. Installation is tricky. Reconnect the two wires and the motor control plug unit first.

Both the tilt motor drive screws will pull out with the mirror. Try in to put the drive screws in and then mirror is almost impossible. I installed both drive screws in the mirror along with the rubber dust bellows. Then, gently take a small pick tool and work the bellows into their perspective holder on the mirror. It helps if someone will hold a light for you to see. Once both are done (I did the top one first) align the mirror a pop it in. I didn't use a block but did grease up the pivots.

Once in, push the mirror in/out/up/down and then set it with the controls.

Most of these cars come with the inside and DS diming mirror which you turn on by pressing the center button on your rear view inner mirror. I leave mine on all the time and in 8 years, it turned yellow and was toast.
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