Door mirrors - How to dismantle, replace glass.

I needed to dismantle the offside mirror as a passing car had damaged the black surround and cracked the glass.

As a temporary measure I obtained a replacement glass from Halfords. It simply stuck on top of the damaged original
 

However as a permanent fix I obtained a replacement mirror complete from Rimmer Bros. for a very reasonable £20.
And this is how I replaced the black surround and mirror glass.

If you need to get into the mirrors, they come apart quite easily.

The black surround detaches from the painted section by the careful use of a thin blade or screwdriver. Push the black surround down and out, to unclip it.

   


 

If you pull the glass equally from each end, it simply pulls off its cradle, leaving only the two electrical connections for the heating element to disconnect to remove the glass completely.

 

Then I simply replaced the damaged surround and glass with the equivalent pieces from the new mirror, by connecting the electrics, then locating the four prongs on the new glass into the cradle and pushing it to snap into place.
 

The surround is similarly located and snaps back into place by pressing around the perimeter.

Glass Replacement

If you just need to replace the glass, there is an easier method.

If you push the glass in at the inner side so you can get your finger ends around the  outer edge.

 
You should be able to get the glass to release from its cradle by pulling
 


If it is unwilling to release then, if you look within the mirror you will see a bare metal plate.

 

Use one finger to push that metal plate back as you pull the glass outwards.

The glass will release from the cradle, you will then need to undo the two electrical clips mentioned above to remove the glass completely.

Then to fit your new mirror glass you just need to connect the two heater wires, locate the new glass by the little prongs in the cradle and push firmly back into place.

If anyone needs a Nightfire Red door mirror, with a slightly damaged surround and a stuck on glass, I have one.:yesnod:

david,
just seen this excellent article and wondered if I could get access to my motor using this method of dismantling?
The passeneger side wing mirror adjustment motor is not moving as well as the driver side and it may be possible to see what is wrong
thanks
Mike

g4wam;15792 wrote: david,
just seen this excellent article and wondered if I could get access to my motor using this method of dismantling?
The passeneger side wing mirror adjustment motor is not moving as well as the driver side and it may be possible to see what is wrong
thanks
Mike

Yes Mike,You can see the motor in this photo:-
 

David,
thanks-I will let you know if I find out what is wrong with my motor on the passeneger side.
Mike

Fix the mirror carefully cut the black plastic surround from the glass and after that replace the glass.

Great 'How To' David - thank you.

Door mirror glass now replaced. It took me 5 minutes tops. Thanks again for the 'How To' David.

Added new photos to this how to.