Need advice on how to fix side mirror

[ToyotaTime2002]

Hello. This is my first time posting so please bear with me. I have a 2002 Toyota Corolla. My passenger side mirror is cracked. It is not a power mirror. I was wondering if I could just replace only the mirror or do I have to replace the entire unit. Thanks in advance for you input.

[Downhillzze110]

you have to replace the whole unit. i had the same thing happen to me... twice. (driver side albeit). toyota genuin part is like 90 something... my suggestion... how much do you REALLY need that mirror? you may want to also check part stores. you MAY be able to get it cheaper... i'm not sure tho...

[liensalebuyer]

if it's just the mirror and not the housing, I think you can pry the mirror off and go to a windshield shop, there are aftermarkets for the actually mirror only, much cheaper than buying the whole thing.

[zuzu_]

Originally Posted by Downhillzze110

you have to replace the whole unit. i had the same thing happen to me... twice. (driver side albeit). toyota genuin part is like 90 something... my suggestion... how much do you REALLY need that mirror? you may want to also check part stores. you MAY be able to get it cheaper... i'm not sure tho...

Someone broke the motor in my passenger's side power mirror (probably by poking at it as if it were a manual mirror), and same problem: replacement was about $90. Plus, either I'd have to pay to have it painted to color match the driver's side (same as the body paint), or buy two and keep them black (unpainted), which matches the door trim just fine.

My solution was to buy a pair of black "M3" power mirrors on eBay for $40 total. I had to put more effort into their installation: buy screws that weren't included, use GE Silicone II to make the seams waterproof that otherwise would leak rain water inside the door, etc. So final cost, minus my time and effort, was maybe $50. They look nice. They even have amber LED turn signal lights that can be wired up. The motor controls are backwards though; there was no other 3-wire combination that was even close except to have up-down swapped and left-right swapped. Also, the mirrors are slightly smaller than OEM, which obviously reduces visibility.

Since you don't have power mirrors, you don't have to worry about the 3-wire issue. The manual mirrors are even less expensive too; like $30. Also, there's way way more style options available online in general for aftermarket manual mirrors.

[The ///Man]

don't get it cut, it will look like crap and regular mirror glass is too thick. Find a glass shop that caries redicuts http://www.burcoinc.com/ and it's an easy fix. Passenger side is also convex.

[ToyotaTime2002]

Originally Posted by Downhillzze110

you have to replace the whole unit. i had the same thing happen to me... twice. (driver side albeit). toyota genuin part is like 90 something... my suggestion... how much do you REALLY need that mirror? you may want to also check part stores. you MAY be able to get it cheaper... i'm not sure tho...

To be honest with you I wouldn't even bother repairing it if I didn't have to. the crack is not even obstructing my view. Unfortunately, in order to pass Maryland inspection it has to be fixed.

[ToyotaTime2002]

My one question is...if you can not only replace the glass why does Toyota and even places like Pepboys sell replacement side mirrors for my vehicle.

[The ///Man]

Originally Posted by ToyotaTime2002

My one question is...if you can not only replace the glass why does Toyota and even places like Pepboys sell replacement side mirrors for my vehicle.

your question makes no sense? You can replace just the glass.

[Downhillzze110]

the power mirrors you CAN buy replacement glass for. but for the manual mirrors you can't. trust me. i've had to replace mine twice. once was cuz some old guy hit it (he owed up to it) the other was vandalism.

[The ///Man]

Originally Posted by Downhillzze110

the power mirrors you CAN buy replacement glass for. but for the manual mirrors you can't. trust me. i've had to replace mine twice. once was cuz some old guy hit it (he owed up to it) the other was vandalism.

I own a glass shop, you can

I looked it up for you, Redi cut #3626, should cost the shop around $15

[ToyotaTime2002]

Originally Posted by The ///Man

your question makes no sense? You can replace just the glass.

That's what I was hoping to do but it seems like all the above posts are saying that I can not just switch out the glass. I realize there is a post mentioning Redi Cuts but aside from that it seems it can only be replaced as a unit.

[ToyotaTime2002]

Originally Posted by The ///Man

I own a glass shop, you can

I looked it up for you, Redi cut #3626, should cost the shop around $15

Thanks ///Man. So if I decided to go this route would they also be able to install it or is it just a matter of using some type of industrial adhesive to keep it in place.

[ToyotaTime2002]

Also, I may have jumped the gun and preordered a replacement mirror from Pepboys. Should I not even go this route.

[The ///Man]

Originally Posted by ToyotaTime2002

Thanks ///Man. So if I decided to go this route would they also be able to install it or is it just a matter of using some type of industrial adhesive to keep it in place.

if you get a burco redicut, they come with a double stick adhesive with the packaging along with a free replacement warranty. Just break out the old glass, clean both surfaces very will with some alcohol or acetone or whatever and stick it in place. I'm sure the shop can do it, but you might be able to save a buck or two DIY

[ToyotaTime2002]

Originally Posted by The ///Man

if you get a burco redicut, they come with a double stick adhesive with the packaging along with a free replacement warranty. Just break out the old glass, clean both surfaces very will with some alcohol or acetone or whatever and stick it in place. I'm sure the shop can do it, but you might be able to save a buck or two DIY

Thanks again ///Man. So do you think I should abandon the idea of replacing the mirror with a part that I preordered from Pepboys?