How To: Rear View Mirror Swap

MustangChris

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How To:
Swap Exterior Mirrors.

On the export models heading to aust., jap., and eur. of our cars, they had a few minor changes. one of which was folding mirrors. This change came to the united states' models in 2003 with the Terminator Cobra.

OEM 1994-1998 Mustang Mirrors:
23395920170_large.jpg


2003/2004 Cobra Mirrors:
23395920164_large.jpg


23395920165_large.jpg


23395920169_large.jpg




1994-1998 Export Mirrors:
23395920166_large.jpg


23395920167_large.jpg


23395920168_large.jpg


Here is a step-by-step how to on how to change your plastic, mirrors to the metal, folding cobra mirrors.

Tools NEEDED:
11mm open end wrench. (or simular, 7/16 will work if you only have standard tools)
Long Flat head screw driver

Tools that HELP:
Long needle nose pliers
ratcheting box-end 11mm wrench
Magnet on a stick
Partner in crime.

Step 1:
open the door and roll down the window
23395920156_large.jpg


Step 2:
Use your flat head screwdriver to push the interior molding up, toward to the ceiling. DO NOT FORCE IT. It will *ONLY* more roughly 1/8"
23395920157_large.jpg


Step 3:
Use your flathead screwdriver to pry the interior pannel out, toward you, to remove it.
23395920158_large.jpg


23395920159_large.jpg


Step 4:
Use your flathead to remove the door pannel that you pull on to close the door.
Disconect all wiring and place the door pannel in a safe location, as to not step on it.
The "Handle" part makes a good spot to store the extra parts.
23395920160_large.jpg


Step 5:
inspect the interior of the door to ensure the water gaurd is in good condition, all wires are in good condition, and nothing seems out of the ordinary.

Step 6:
Disconnect the wiring to the mirror. Pull the pin out (towards you) that holds the wiring to the door.
23395920162_large.jpg


*note: you can *slide* the wiring *up* off the holding-unit to give you extra "playing room."
23395920163_large.jpg


Step 7:
unbolt the mirrors, try not to drop the nuts into the door pannel. a ratcheting box-end wrench will make this 100times easier.
23395920159_large.jpg


Note: if doing this by yourself, leave the top bolt for last. unbolt it while HOLDING ONTO THE MIRROR.
if doing this with a partner, make sure tehy hold the mirror firmly.

Install is reverse of removal. Proceedure is same on both passenger and driver side mirrors.
TQ SPECS:
1996 Mustang: Tighten to 11-13 N-m (8-10 Lb-Ft)
2003 Mustang: Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft)


Now you have awesome cobra (or if youre lucky export) mirrors!!
 

SRT Handz

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Nice writeup chris!!

You might wanna change the tools needed from Standard size to Metric because our cars use metric nuts & bolts.
 
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MustangChris

MustangChris

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SRT Handz said:
Nice writeup chris!!

You might wanna change the tools needed from Standard size to Metric because our cars use metric nuts & bolts.

Thanks Handz,

Fixed :) also added final TQ specs for proper install.

TQ specs are for 1996 Mustang and a 2003 Mustang, they may have changed on other years.
 

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