Expert: Sean Halliday - 2/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: Passenger side door mirror and backing knocked out while driving during wind storm.  Mirror housing, mounting arm nd motor all in good shape. Can I replace just the mirror(glass) and plastic backing? It looks like it just snaps into place. If so, where can I purchase those two items?

ANSWER: No,you cannot replace the glass.You must get the complete unit.

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QUESTION: Sean, if I found the complete unit at a salvage yard and it was a different color than mine, could I pop the mirror and backing from it and install it in my housing?

Answer
No,these are fitted in the factory and are impossible to remove or refit without breaking the glass.The easiest way is get a mirror and simply mask off the glass then buy a aerosol spray paint the color of your car.There are close colors such as white,red,black.I have done this and it worked ok.I have tried before to swop the glass and it does not work.You need too much pressure to snap the glass into the holders and the glass will not take it.