I got the side mirror painted (thanks again, Randy) and now my husband thinks he's good to install the mirror. I downloaded the diagram from the manual after a few long sessions looking up the schematic...and I did the same on installing the mirror...however, it calls for a plastic "wedge" to take out the door handle insert...the first instruction, and he's stumped...

Any tips anyone can give me? I'd like to avoid $50-80 dollars to have someone put the mirror on as it doesn't look that complicated...but, I also don't want my husband to wreck something...when he installed my windscreen, he broke the latch that held the trunk piece in place...and I had to jimmy the partition before the top would go down.

He's not a car "guy"...it's a mode of transportation for him, but he's willing to try and do the job for me...

Suggestions? Tips??? help???

 

I suppose a nicely sanded wooden "wedge" would do the same thing.

You can also go to an auto parts store to find trim removal tools!

 

Wow...didn't know they made such tools...thanks for the tip!

 

I have an electronic version of the 2004 service manual. If I can be of further help just let me know!

 

Were you able to just replace broken part? I would probably just pay the fifty. It will take all of 20 minutes to take the panel off and put on the mirror on for some that has the tools and knowhow.


Daniamal or Andrew can probably give you a step by step to minimize any problems if you are determined to di it yourself.

Good luck.

Randy

 

Yes, I got the part from the dealership ($12.00) and it was replaced. I was hoping the guy who painted the mirror would install the mirror, but he wasn't able.

We have a place down the street from our house that works on foreign cars. I'm going to run it by them...

 

Anything involving interior trim clips is something to be done very slowly and deliberately. I'd be nervous as hell if a hack...I mean Service Technician did the job in 20 minutes!

 

The door handle is a two piece handle the outer cover comes off to access some of the door panel mounting hardware. To pull the cover off you will see the split line along the top and bottom, Use a small flat blade screw driver or the plastic wedge tool and pry along the bottom split line of the door handle, to hide any damage that he mite cause to it. The rest of the instructions are pretty strait forward just have him take his time and be careful , the door panels are expensive also theres a side impact air bag in the door. Also have him buy a door panel removal tool from your local auto parts store, for the plastic mounting clips that are around the perimeter of the panel.

 

Ugh...I think I'm turning this over to the expert. I know he really doesn't want to hassle with it...

 

Well good luck ether way. You mite want to give these instructions to your mechanic it will help and shorten the repair time.

 

I would not be too happy if he messed it up...

 

Are you guys in or around the Portland area ? If so I would be willing to give your husband a hand with this, I'm a mechanic by trade.

 

We live in Seattle area...you're very kind to make such a nice offer! It's a bit of a drive, unfortunately...but, thanks.

 

The outer cover is a squeeze press fit. It is very easy to scratch and bend, as it is made of aluminum.
The dealer screwed mine up trying to fix my top when I bought my car.

 

Just one small thing: disconnect the main battery terminals and leave for 20 minutes before removing the inside door panel. Just a precaution as any work near air bags is a potential hazard. The 20 minute wait period allows the capacitors in the airbag to discharge disarming the device. All pretty straight-forward stuff if you have a download of the relevant section in the manual.

He could always practice on the other door.

 

sorry for the delay... below is the link (pg 2) ...

door panel removal link

very easy to imo do with basic tools.

 

backside of door panel... (to show mounting points, etc)...

 

Interesting - if the link would work!

HJM

 

Thanks, Andrew...it doesn't look that difficult...I'll run it by my husband. He is willing, but he's not all that excited about it...

I need to get the mirror properly installed...the duct tape is so ugly and I don't want to look at it anymore...it's been almost two weeks!

 

~ it may be your computer... the link opens fine here...

anyone else experiencing any issues?? tia.