Anyone ever swap out regular mirrors for tow mirrors?

[tallredrider]

I am aiming to buy my first Toyota Tundra after owning a 1996 T100 since it was new.

I am so stoked!

The dealer has a model that almost fits my specs just right, but I want tow mirrors instead of the regular mirrors. The shop seemed to think that they could not be interchanged. I find that hard to believe, but stranger things do happen.

If I purchase this particular truck, can I swap the mirrors out for tow mirrors?

I found plenty of fairly inexpensive tow mirrors for tundra on Ebay and wonder if the replacement mirrors have to be aftermarket, so that is why the dealer says it cannot be done. The look like all that you have to do is manufacture a mirror with the same bolt on and wire pattern for power.

Thanks for any insight into this dilemma!

I already found a nice writeup on this site about how to swap out the door handles if I want to swap out for chrome or vice versa. No such luck on finding out about the mirrors.

[TOYOTALIFER]

We have done numerous Tundras here where our customer would prefer to have the tow mirrors added to a truck with the stock fold ins. Just make sure you are getting genuine Toyota mirrors and not something aftermarket, this way all mounting bolts fit the factory holes. Just make sure if you are getting a Limited, you have the power fold feature on the mirrors as well. Install time is less than an hour for both sides, especially if you have the proper tools for door panel removal.

[Color Me Gone]

I have an 08 SR5, and I installed the Toyota Factory extendable tow mirrors myself... plugs in and fits like a dream.

I did NOT pull the complete door panels off, just a part near the mirror. Be cautious to use a plastic tube to assist in unscrewing the screws, as you do not want them to fall down into the door panel area.

Be patient and it will be fun...It's sort of plug and play...

Also, I would appreciate it if you could send me the link to the Change Out of the Door Handles - I would like to install chrome...

Thanks,

Color Me Gone

[toyotaholic]

i'd recommend getting OEM. i tried to save money by going aftermarket but it works funny. it goes at an angle instead of straight.

[abgiles]

Mirrors are very easy. Just make sure you get the same setup: IE: If you have power heated mirrors, buy factory power heated mirrors. The plugs are the same. If you have folding ones, buy folding ones. Chances are very slim that you have folding, unless you have a limited. Door panel removal is not too hard, and then the bolts and plugs reveal themselves. Fairly simple.

Door handles: No link, but it's easier than the mirrors. Remove the plastic cover on the inside of the door jamb. Inside is a torx head bolt or phillips bolt (can't remember). Remove this bolt, and the little piece behind the handle will come off. The handle just slides back and out. VERY easy. Installation is exactly opposite. Took me about 20 minutes to do all four, as I went the color matched route from Sparks.

Brian