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Finally got my replacement rear view mirror installed today. Got a wider model from a Nissan Xterra with the compass (in orange) and the automatic dimming. Wanted one with temperature display but could not find one at LKQ.
Replaced the button as the Nissan model has a different one. Only two wires to connect...for power. Ran them down the A-pillar to the CEP and connected to fuse 10 (unused in 1983) which I fused and is connected to the 15 bus, so the mirror turns on with the accessory circuit.
Nice wide mirror compared to the old one and updates the interior a bit without being harsh.
Nice job Scott. I did a Gentex one with Homelink buttons and auto dimming. Looks similar to the ones in the newer Camaro which goes with the rest of the silver trim in my interior and works with the sun visors.
I had to replace the button as well. Comepletely different style on the Nissan (Gentex) mirror.
in the pick and pull, the mirror and button came off of the xterra pretty easily. Getting the old button off of the 928 was a challenge. I ended up using the string method to get the button off (cut through the adhesive then scraping the remaining adhesive off.
very concerned about breaking the 38 year old windshield glass.
be careful!
also, you will want to go by a glass repair shop like safe lite to get them to glue the new button in place. The stuff you get at the auto parts store is crap.
The old button will come off quickly and easily with a propane torch - yes I know it sounds scary - but it really works best. You can shield all but the button with foil if you like - but it only takes a few seconds (~3) heating directly onto the button to heat the adhesive enough to just twist it off with pliers - then clean up residue with razor blade. The windshield hardly gets warm to the touch.
Thanks, guys. I think I will just take off the mirror but leave the original button on the glass. I will glue the new button next to the old button or above it. How does one take out the original mirror?
Steve
I have developed a plan to replace many of mine with a Boxster mirror. I cholse that mirror because it is stil Porsche, but mostly because its shape, kind of an upside down trapazoid, is much closer to the shape of the image in the original mirror thru the rear window of the 928. The button must be changed since the original mirror removes upward and the new mirror twists 90 degrees to install or remove, either way I think. You can find these mirrors on eBay at around $35 to $50, but if you buy one there you want to be sure that it comes with the original button, because many of them do not. When you get it with the button the button will likely be installed in the mirror and then it is a trick to remove it. I have forced a couple of them out, but I think next I will simply clean the broken glass and adhesive off of it still in the mirror base, then glue it to a short piece of alumminum flat bar and when it sets simply twist it off/out.
As to installation, I would first put a grease pensil mark on the outside of the WS where the original button is so after it is removed and cleaned up there is no question about where the new one goes. If the mounting shaft of the mirrors are different you can adjust for that to keep the mirror itself in the right location. Alan's suggestion about using the torch to remove the button is very encouraging, but I think I will fashion a sheet of aluminum to keep any flame off of the glass. Then, as suggested, take the car to the window shop and have them glue the new button on for you. I would wait 24 hours or overnight before twisting the new mirror onto it.
New mirror
