How2 - Removal of casing from an exterior mirror

[Robsey]

This is a simple procedure on how to remove the casing from an outside mirror, because you may have bought a second hand unit, and want to fit your own colour coded shells...

Or you are up-grading from manual to electric mirrors, but again cannot find electric ones in your colour..

Takes about 20 seconds to do..
Use firm but controlled force on every aspect, and you shouldn't damage your door skin, or smash the mirror glass.

Stage 1 - Knock the mirror head back out of position.

[Robsey]

Stage 2 - Release the top retainer tab.

I used a soft plastic baby feeding spoon for this, so that I did not damage the plastics of the casing or the mirror head..

Stage 3 - Release the bottom retainer tab.

Again use the baby spoon in the bottom corner...

[Robsey]

Stage 4 - Pull the casing off completely..

The casing wil now just slide off

Stage 5 - Refitting or fitting a new casing

This just slides on (look out for guides within the outer casing..
Push the cover on until it clicks positively into place..

And that's it - Job Done

[Cavalier342]

Very good, Robsey.
Just as a note, on my auto, the covers just slid off and on again without having to undo the clips. Possibly broken anyway but just in case, thought I'd mention it.
Andrei.

[Envoy CDX]

Excellent

[Robsey]

Very good, Robsey.
Just as a note, on my auto, the covers just slid off and on again without having to undo the clips. Possibly broken anyway but just in case, thought I'd mention it.
Andrei.

There should be two small tangs that latch the cover in place - yes either your tangs are broken or bent..

I assume that you have given the casing a good shove to push it on as far as it will go...


Mine did click back on quite positively..

Forgot to say also to re-fit the mirror head to the door moulding, you push the head forward roughly back into position, and then firmly thump it on the end towards the car to "knock" it back into place.

Excellent

Hope it helps Gary -

See - ask for instructions, and Rob will happily oblige

[Cavalier342]

indeed, they are held on tightly. I guess they're just bent like you suggest. Either way, they never come off unless I intend for it to happen.
Andrei.

[planetc]

Forgot to say also to re-fit the mirror head to the door moulding, you push the head forward roughly back into position, and then firmly thump it on the end towards the car to "knock" it back into place.

...which will often crack the newly fitted cover, pmsl

[Robsey]

...which will often crack the newly fitted cover, pmsl

Suppose that depends how heavy handed you are, or how old and age hardened / brittle the casings are...

It is safer to have both hands on the casing, and just shove towards the car body with your body weight (therefore no sudden impact - like with a fist or heel of the hand).

[Mikebmth]

I could have done with this guide a month ago...lol

Anyway nice work mate, I found the clip but managed to snap it Although after I finally got the cover off after filling it with washing up liquid and soaking in hot water to get all the gunk out of it.

It still required a bit of work with a screw driver and some brute force but I now have two matching mirrors on my Cavy!!

[Robsey]

I have heard of a few people snapping clips, or damaging the casing, hence why I posted up the guide.

I also went through this, as I plan eventually to upgrade from manual to electric mirrors,and so wanted to use my existing mirror shells.

As a side comment, the electric mirrors will not come with both full door looms, I will be making these up myself..

Not too difficult thankfully .

I suppose, if this thread is popular enough, then one of the mods may wish to cut and paste it into the How 2 section - perhaps...

[McFall1984]

would you believe me if i asid i changed my non-working electric mirror to my spare which was electric but pink lol
now i can get my good red casing back on

i never knew you could change the casings

thanks for that Robsey

[Robsey]

You are most welcome