P38A How to disassemble wing mirror to spray paint

AndyF07 · Apr 17, 2023

Hi,

I've searched forums, internet and Rave to the best of my ability and can't find anything so am hoping the wisdom of the forum can help.

I am replacing both my damaged wing mirrors ( the whole assembly not just the glass ) and as I couldn't find any in the right colour have got a couple of second hand ones which I will spray. I would like to do a proper job but can't see how to remove the mirror casing (i.e the coloured part) from the black 'bracket' so I can spray the casing properly. Can anyone offer any advice before I start dismantling ?

On a side note there is a loose connector inside both connected to the mirror with a green and a black wire but there is no corresponding connector. Am I right in assuming these are for heating the mirror and have been retrofitted into a case without the functionality ?

Thanks for any advice. Cheers.

Khemitude · Apr 17, 2023

AndyF07 said:
Hi,

I've searched forums, internet and Rave to the best of my ability and can't find anything so am hoping the wisdom of the forum can help.

I am replacing both my damaged wing mirrors ( the whole assembly not just the glass ) and as I couldn't find any in the right colour have got a couple of second hand ones which I will spray. I would like to do a proper job but can't see how to remove the mirror casing (i.e the coloured part) from the black 'bracket' so I can spray the casing properly. Can anyone offer any advice before I start dismantling ?

On a side note there is a loose connector inside both connected to the mirror with a green and a black wire but there is no corresponding connector. Am I right in assuming these are for heating the mirror and have been retrofitted into a case without the functionality ?

Thanks for any advice. Cheers.

In regards to wiring in theory there would be 4 wires, two would be heated mirror which I believe all had as standard though I could be wrong and the other two which likely would be the green and black would be for the electrocromatic function where when the rearview mirror darkens when somebodys lights behind you hit it in theory the wing mirrors do too. I believe the glass that can do that though costs an absolute bomb so people just replace with standard heated mirrors when needed.

brianp38dse · Apr 17, 2023

There are two types of mirrors 6pin connector and 10pin, all are heated and electric but the 10pin works with the preset seat positions as to which fob opens the door,cant help with removing the plastic cover, it may be a case of masking up.

Ratae · Apr 17, 2023

Housing & bracket only show as complete assembly on Lrcat.
I've painted a lot of wing mirrors on a lot of cars (professionally) & I've just masked up as required.
Don't forget to remove the tape carefully from the non-painted bits after the last coat before it dries.

AndyF07 · Apr 18, 2023

Ratae said:
Housing & bracket only show as complete assembly on Lrcat.
I've painted a lot of wing mirrors on a lot of cars (professionally) & I've just masked up as required.
Don't forget to remove the tape carefully from the non-painted bits after the last coat before it dries.

Thanks @Ratae. I suspected it was but just wanted to check. Cheers for the tip as well as I haven't done much in the way of painting and spraying !

AndyF07 · Apr 18, 2023

Khemitude said:
In regards to wiring in theory there would be 4 wires, two would be heated mirror which I believe all had as standard though I could be wrong and the other two which likely would be the green and black would be for the electrocromatic function where when the rearview mirror darkens when somebodys lights behind you hit it in theory the wing mirrors do too. I believe the glass that can do that though costs an absolute bomb so people just replace with standard heated mirrors when needed.

Thanks @Khemitude. That makes sense.

romanrob · Apr 19, 2023

You can separate the bits. But it's a right faff...you need to depin the electrical connector. And remove a spring loaded star washer IIRC

cornishboater · Apr 23, 2023

I have done this to 2 pairs of mirrors, it is a faff but can be done. I haven't needed to remove the star clip but when undoing the adjustment motor where the mirror clips in there is a slot. I have clipped the end off of this which allows it to pass through the body otherwise you will be there forever!

AndyF07 · Apr 24, 2023

romanrob said:
You can separate the bits. But it's a right faff...you need to depin the electrical connector. And remove a spring loaded star washer IIRC

cornishboater said:
I have done this to 2 pairs of mirrors, it is a faff but can be done. I haven't needed to remove the star clip but when undoing the adjustment motor where the mirror clips in there is a slot. I have clipped the end off of this which allows it to pass through the body otherwise you will be there forever!

Thanks guys. In the end I thought it was too much of a faff as you both say so masked everything up. Pleased with how they’ve turned out, a lot smarter than the two smashed ones they replaced !

P38A How to disassemble wing mirror to spray paint

AndyF07

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Khemitude

Well-Known Member

brianp38dse

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Ratae

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AndyF07

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AndyF07

Active Member

romanrob

Well-Known Member

cornishboater

Well-Known Member

AndyF07

Active Member

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