How to: Swapping paddle mirrors with must have tow mirrors
 

So why Ford even bothered putting paddle mirrors on these trucks I don’t know. For those who have not made the ‘upgrade’ yet, here is my how to. It is very simple and only takes about 10 minutes per side. So everyone has some background, my X is an ’03 and I believe these mirrors are from an ’04. I had power, heated, with turn signals, the new ones are power and heated; no lights and non-telescoping.

So to start, here are the mirrors I picked up from a guy parting out an X. Got the mirrors, drivers side window switch, second row floor mat, extra headlight switch, fog light wiring harness, rear wiper motor and arm, and a few other small adds and ends for $80. A great deal I thought.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_094933.jpg

The old mirrors (for sale if anyone is interested!)
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_094946.jpg

I always start with the passenger side when doing things, just how I do things. Start by pulling of the black trim piece above the door panel. Pull it straight away from the door.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095407.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095436.jpg

Next pop the door lock/window panel off. Pop the front straight up and then it will lift right out.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_094958.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_101217.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_101224.jpg

Unplug the two connectors from the switch panel
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095024.jpg

Remove the 7mm screw from behind the panel
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095018.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095200.jpg

Remove the reflector from the bottom of the door panel using a small flat screwdriver. There is a slot to put the screwdriver, do not crack the reflector, for some reason a lot of people do and I don’t understand it.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095301.jpg

Remove the 7mm screw from behind the reflector
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095318.jpg

Now lift the door panel UP. DO NOT PULL OUT!!! There are no snap clips. The door panel very easily comes off…just slide it up and don’t break anything. If you have an X with the door lights, untwist the connector from the back of the door panel before setting the panel off to the side. This is what you should have after removing the door panel.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095540.jpg

The connector if you have door lights
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095536.jpg

Peel the top corner of the door mat back until you can see the mirror connector.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095738.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095743.jpg

***NOTE***
If you have an older X with the white round plugs and are using the mirrors from a newer X with the grey rectangle plug then you will need these adapters from Ford if you do not want to cut your wires.
1c3z14a411ba left side
1c3z14a411aa right side
Also, if you didn’t have heat or lights in your old mirrors, but your new ones do and you want to use them, all you have to do is feed the appropriate wires to the plug.

Unplug the mirror plug and push it into the door.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_100452.jpg

On the inside of the car behind the mirror you should see this.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095603.jpg

Of the three black grommets remove the top and bottom. Also peel back the top and bottom of the black mat until you can see the access holes.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095724.jpg

It helps to have a second person to hold the old mirror at this point so it doesn’t crash to the ground, but I did it by myself, not difficult. Use an 11mm socket to remove the 4 nuts holding on the mirror. Be careful removing them so they do not fall into the door.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_095649.jpg

Once all four nuts are removed carefully rock the old mirror to get it loose and pull it straight out.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_100533.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_100458.jpg

Take the new mirror and put the plug into the hole.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_100517.jpg

Installation is just opposite of removal. Slide the new mirror in place and tighten it down using the four nuts you just took off. Replace the grommets, put your door light back in, slide the door panel back on, replace the 2 screws, snap everything back in place, and done…
You now have mirrors that should have been in your truck to begin with!
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_100855.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_104424.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_104414.jpg

I am not going to go through the procedure for the driver door…. Just remember that you also have the memory seat switch to pop out when removing the door panel. Hope this helps someone. I know that personally I love these and I couldn’t find one for doing the mirrors. This is a project for anyone regardless of mechanical knowledge. Find some mirrors and get-er-done!

(old mirrors in case anyone is interested-have both sides of the plug also!)
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_104536.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...926_104548.jpg

Thanks everyone.
:-drink

Those Are some ugly dogie mirrors}>, great mod & procedure:-X21

Excellent write up! I would add before you remove your old mirror, tie a long cord or string to the old connector and let it fish through the holes in the door. When you install the new mirror, tie the cord to the new connector and pull the new connector through so you won't need to try to push the wire to fish it through.

Nice write up! I ordered my X with the paddle mirrors back in '01 due to the fact that I'd been driving Med units with the truck style mirrors on them and hated them. Well, not everything about them. I love the bigger surface area of the tow mirrors, but could not stand the convex mirrors at the bottom. I always put spot mirrors on all the med units for us to see with. To most of us, it was easier to see with due to adjusting it with power. That being said, I love the newer '08 style mirrors with the large bottom mirror. I would really like to do that mod, however I don't want to spend that much money for it. However I learned that as I get older and the vision gets to where it wasn't what it used to be:D, I am finding that I miss those older style mirrors anyway! The bigger, more upright view is much easier to see with. Thanks for reminding me that these mirrors aren't as bad as we all made them out to be. I will probably do this mod now, I know my truck will look much better than with the droopy ears! Funny, how your opinions change when you change!

Great write up! Reps to you, ATG.

Great write up. I did this mod about a month ago to my 2002 X as well. I wish I would have done it sooner, I can actually see down the side of my travel trailer now.

I bought these mirrors. For the money for new mirrors with power adjust/signal and marker light/heat it isn't a bad price at all.

Ford F250 Truck Mirror - AM Autoparts

Glad you guys like the write up. I figure everyone learns differently and if i can help someone out it is worth it. Takes a little longer to do a project, but i dont mind. I enjoy writing them and it gives me a way to look back on the things that i have done.

That is def a great price! $230 shipped for both mirrors, heated power, signal and telescoping. If if ever start to miss my signal i will get them from here. :-X22

Couldnt pass up the price i got mine for though, they may not be brand new, but my budget typically comes from selling off old car things that i have horded over the years.
You single guys without kids may want to keep that in mind while doing all those great mods on your trucks:D

Thx again guys...more to come

I did not know that the TT mirrors were available without the lights. So even though I have TT mirrors this was a good read for me. The only other thing you need for this mod is the C-Betr C-Betr Mirror Set :: C-Betr Mirrors :: QWorks Corporation

Those really make a difference when driving. I have the bottom mirrors pointed at the ground for parking and use the C-betr mirrors almost exclusively.

Great write-up w/pics!

Just did the swap this afternoon. Can't say it only took 10 mins per side, 'cause I did a litt'l cleanin' while I was in the vicinity. :D

I found it easier to remove the door speakers (7/32'') to get at the 'lectric plug on a 2000.

Thx again ATG for the comprehensive write up:-X22.

Thanks for the great post! just changed my right mirror this morning and went perfect thanks to your sharing! Thanks again.

Ernie

This was an awesome writeup. I almost certainly would have broken something without these instructions. Thank you... much appreciated!

awesome!
what does one need to replace 2000 style and add in the turn signal?
mine does have power and heat already
also, is the telescope power or manual?

DITTO, Doing mine this week.

I can't wait for this mod.