Rearview Mirror Replace

[jh756]

Hi,

 

I was hit a few days ago, other driver wandered into my lane and hit my mirror. The whole thing exploded & I had to purchase a new one ($80 for a power mirror on 2011 model....), but I don't have the slightest clue how to replace it. I thought it would be easy enough, just a few bolts holding the whole assembly to the truck, but I can't seem to get the plastic cover off of the original to get at the bolts (or on the new one either!).

 

What am I missing here? Is there a special tool or technique to get the cover off by the window? I'd look in a manual but the 2011 isn't covered & I want to make sure I don't damage the new mirror during the install.

 

Thanks in advance,

John

[acarson]

Hi,

 

I was hit a few days ago, other driver wandered into my lane and hit my mirror. The whole thing exploded & I had to purchase a new one ($80 for a power mirror on 2011 model....), but I don't have the slightest clue how to replace it. I thought it would be easy enough, just a few bolts holding the whole assembly to the truck, but I can't seem to get the plastic cover off of the original to get at the bolts (or on the new one either!).

 

What am I missing here? Is there a special tool or technique to get the cover off by the window? I'd look in a manual but the 2011 isn't covered & I want to make sure I don't damage the new mirror during the install.

 

Thanks in advance,

John

 

See "Tow Mirror Install, How-To guide with pictures" under the How-To forum.....hope this helps

[jh756]

See "Tow Mirror Install, How-To guide with pictures" under the How-To forum.....hope this helps

 

Perfect. This was exactly what I needed ( http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=130717 ).

Also, I found this after some searching:

 

The guide here in the forum is pretty detailed, between the two it's pretty self explanatory (video includes visuals of removing door trim, otherwise the forum thread provides a better visual explanation).

 

One thing I wanted to ask, I've had a lot of bad experiences pulling off door trim. If you watch the video, the guy explains that you butt your pry tool up to the clips and then he just pulls out on the tool hard - I don't want to destroy the clips (which has always happened to me when removing door trim) - is there a better way to do this to ensure that nothing is destroyed & everything will go back together properly??

 

Thanks to chevygirl86 for the thread!

[SparkySparks]

I just take my time and use my hand, I try to get my hand as close to the clips as possible. I have also been told its always better to work on it while its nice and warm out so the plastic has more give. I only broke one clip and the clip was still usable, one side broke but not completely. Once you know where all the clips are it should be fairly easy.

[MikeNH]

I used my widest trim tool to pry gently back on the panels to spot the clips then I got my hand in there and pulled. They are very tight the first time you try to remove them but steady force will release them, just be careful about it.