Rearview mirror removal
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
I see this has been ask once but no reply. I was talking with the tint guy about putting a visor strip across the top of the window and he said they couldn't do it unless I remove the mirror. I don't see a setscrew or anything, but maybe a couple of clips?
Anybody have a manual for a quick reference?
Thanks
Anybody have a manual for a quick reference?
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Wynne, Arkansas
I have an 07. The mirror just yanks off. I also removed the little wedge that holds it to the glass by heating it with a hair dryer for a few minutes and then it just popped off, with a twisting motion, using (carefully) some tongue and groove pliers.
In my state (NC) a rear view mirror is optional if you have two side mirrors. I like having a big open wide front window, and with bug eyes on my side mirrors I can see everything. (I wish I could get rid of the F150 thing at the top of the window.)
Just to be safe I printed out the applicable ordinance and put it in my glove box.
http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/vehicle_services/emissioninspection/regulationsmanual/download/CR435NCDOTEnforcement.pdf
Page 49, section h.
In my state (NC) a rear view mirror is optional if you have two side mirrors. I like having a big open wide front window, and with bug eyes on my side mirrors I can see everything. (I wish I could get rid of the F150 thing at the top of the window.)
Just to be safe I printed out the applicable ordinance and put it in my glove box.
http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/vehicle_services/emissioninspection/regulationsmanual/download/CR435NCDOTEnforcement.pdf
Page 49, section h.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 337
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OK -so when you guys are talking about clips and 'just yanks off'...do I need to try and slide it upward? I can just see two little metal tabs at the bottom point where the mirror attaches to the windshield. I tried to lightly tug up on the mirror and lightly move the metal tabs with a screwdriver, but the windshield is a big, probably expensive, piece of glass so I was looking for a little more specifics before I do something bad!
(This is the auto-dark mirror, BTW)
(This is the auto-dark mirror, BTW)
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Wynne, Arkansas
Mine is the XL cheapo mirror. You just grab it and give it a big yank and it pops off. Yours is one of them fancy mirrors, so be careful!
I'm looking at the mirror base right now. There is no set screw. The channel the mirror base sits in is tapered a bit, like a dovetail.
I didn't care if I hurt my mirror or not, so I just pulled. (And the mirror came out like new.) But I bet there is a "proper" way to remove it.
I did the same thing with my 03 Ranger, except that had a set screw.
I'm looking at the mirror base right now. There is no set screw. The channel the mirror base sits in is tapered a bit, like a dovetail.
I didn't care if I hurt my mirror or not, so I just pulled. (And the mirror came out like new.) But I bet there is a "proper" way to remove it.
I did the same thing with my 03 Ranger, except that had a set screw.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 52
From: Lawton, Oklahoma
Be carefull, you can break the windshield if it is glued real good. Supposedly you stick a tool into the slot at the front of the wedge and work it until it releases the spring but it is very tight. You usually just end up popping it off.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Allright - success.
For future reference - Wound up cutting a wooden shim and tapping it under the mirror to compress the metal clips then putting the other half of the shim on the plastic mirror base and tapping that upward with a hammer...mirror slid off the metal tab OK
For future reference - Wound up cutting a wooden shim and tapping it under the mirror to compress the metal clips then putting the other half of the shim on the plastic mirror base and tapping that upward with a hammer...mirror slid off the metal tab OK
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
From: P.G. VA
The mirror is designed to pop off when it comes in contact with a inflating air bag. (that way instead of puncturing the bag it kills you when it hits you upside the head 
) All cars have some kind of clip of spring mount now for this reason. Hense no screw like earlier years. They make tools to remove it but as you have found out a quick jerk solves the problem.
By the way....when reinstalling start it from the top then with a long enough screwdriver (or what ever is in your box) give it a few light taps where it meets the glass and it will slide back on just as easy as it came off.
) All cars have some kind of clip of spring mount now for this reason. Hense no screw like earlier years. They make tools to remove it but as you have found out a quick jerk solves the problem. By the way....when reinstalling start it from the top then with a long enough screwdriver (or what ever is in your box) give it a few light taps where it meets the glass and it will slide back on just as easy as it came off.
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