Anyone install one of these autodim mirror?

[NVR ENUF]

Instead of glomming onto plugs to fill the holes in the headliner, I bought a cheapie mirror from the For Sale section, hack-sawed the mount, and then re-clipped the cover. (You can barely see the cover in my interior pics.)

Good luck!

Thanks, I was actually gonna just do the same with the the OEM mirror I have but didn't want to destroy it until I knew for sure I didn't need it again. I prolly will since I know I could never go back to the stock mirror again anyhow once this new one is installed.
I'm sure I could find something else to mount there as well anyhow, like a new GPS!

 

[jditom]

So how do you get the old mirror out?

 

[cruiserdan]

You pop the trim cover off the base and remove a couple phillips-head screws.

 

[cruiserdan]

C'dan,
Would the install be the same for my 96 Lx450? And do you have a recommendation between any of the mirrors, Gentech, Centrex or the Scion? Thanks!

I like the Scion TC mirror because it has a 3 channel Homelink in it.

 

[Miescha]

Miescha,

I have the same color interior as you. Where did you get those plugs to cover up your holes from the OEM mirror?

Roland

I found those tan plugs at the local autozone. Funny thing, you nearly can't see them at all when sitting in the 80, but they really show up in the photo - probably the result of the flash.

Either way, it was one of the deals where I just stumbled onto them.

 

[Nay]

When you buy the button, ask them for the glue kit...one of those plastic tubes with a glass vial inside that you bend and break the glass, and the resultant glue will hold the button on, with you just pressing the button in place for seconds. (I looked for a PM I'd sent a fellow MUDDER, but it had been deleted. I also placed a shop lamp on the outside of the windshield, to warm that baby up, making sure I got great adhesion and reaction from the glue.)

As previously posted, just make sure you're very well centered on the windshield.

Instead of glomming onto plugs to fill the holes in the headliner, I bought a cheapie mirror from the For Sale section, hack-sawed the mount, and then re-clipped the cover. (You can barely see the cover in my interior pics.)

Good luck!

The button kit is sold with glue. If you buy one of these mirrors, it should come with that kit. I installed mine a few months ago - just don't screw up the button mount and then try to get it off by tapping lightly with a screwdriver and mallet in hopes it hasn't dried yet. It has dried, and your prize will be a brand new windshield .

You can get an aftermarket Gentex unit with the Homelink option. I just have temp/compass, and wish I'd spent the extra $100 or so to have Homelink.

The mirror itself is a huge upgrade. It is so nice to have temp readout and an autodimming mirror again.

Nay

 

[cruiserdan]

- just don't screw up the button mount and then try to get it off by tapping lightly with a screwdriver and mallet in hopes it hasn't dried yet. It has dried, and your prize will be a brand new windshield .

The glass guys use a match to heat the button and then you can pop it off....

 

[sleeoffroad]

FYI, I have tried to use the kits for the little tab that you buy at Checkers/Autozone etc and the little metal tab always broke free when you put the weight of the Gentex mirror on there.

Ended up going to the glass company and asked them to glue it on. They must use a better glue since it never came off when they did it.

 

[Nay]

The glass guys use a match to heat the button and then you can pop it off....

The windshield guy explained that to me when he installed my new windshield

I actually needed a new windshield. Mine had lived most of its life in Florida and was 11 years old.

 

[NVR ENUF]

I found those tan plugs at the local autozone.

Thanks, I will check up on them if I don't do the hacksaw job on the old mirror.

I found the button/glue kit at Napa Auto Parts and it was a pretty easy application. I'm gonna let it sit for 24hrs before I install the mirror. Only $4.99, you would think these mirror companys would include it with their mirrors! Napa had two versions and the one that worked for me was part #730-2023 which was for the Gentex type mirrors. They also have #730-2022 for mirrors that use a narrower button.

I too, wish I had gone with the homelink version and I know a year from now I'll be saying, " I should've forked out the extra MULA!!"

 

[cruiserdan]

Buttons are not included because in the majority of instances the button is already on the windshield.

 

[NVR ENUF]

FYI, I have tried to use the kits for the little tab that you buy at Checkers/Autozone etc and the little metal tab always broke free when you put the weight of the Gentex mirror on there.

Ended up going to the glass company and asked them to glue it on. They must use a better glue since it never came off when they did it.

Well, same thing happened to me. I called a glass company to do the job and they suggested using silicone. I know silicone is strong as it's used for aquariums but would it work well in this type of application? The delay continues......

 

[treerootCO]

Gentex Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror With Compass Temperature and Lights

* Gentex K31 Auto-Dimming/Compass/Temp/Lights 219.94
* Gentex Rear View Mirror Wire Cover 9.95
Large - 3" to 6"

I thought about the Sienna and Scion versions but I liked that this was a universal installation. The Ham is temporarily mounted until I can find a sub tank overhead console.

 

[treerootCO]

Few more pics and more LEDs!

 

[davework]

Just added an Autodim Homelink/Temp/Comp mirror to my 94. Got everything wired up and working except the temp. How did you guys run your temp wires from the mirror down to the firewall? Is there an easy way to get it down the pillar?

I ended up getting a Gentex 313 sold used on Ebay from a 04 Titan for $115. The 313 is the OEM version of the 51 I think. Had to figure out the wiring, but that wasn't too bad, then ordered a temp sensor for $20 on Ebay.

I am going to second the notion that the autopart store's glue kits will not hold up these mirrors. I tried twice and it fell off as soon as I tried to adjust. Took it to the local glass company, and they installed it for free with Loctite 312, very good glass adhesive. There is a 312 kit (LINK) that would be worth it to try if you can't get someone local to do it for a reasonable price.

 

[1shot1kill]

I installed an indoor/outdoor temp guage couple of years ago and now you are telling me I have got to get this mod! So many mods so little space, time and money!

 

[1996LandCruiser]

I bought one of those but haven't installed it yet. It is a autodim gentex, with temp, compass and mapights. They had one with homelink as well but the price was lot higher. I think the deluxe version even comes with a backup camera.
Mine is a camlock mount which means you have to glue a 'button' on the windscreen to mount the mirror. I don't think there is any way to mount it in the stock location. In fact the mounting is why I'm hesitating; I'm also getting a new windshield installed in a couple of days so I may get this done very soon.

jt

 

[1996LandCruiser]

Say treeorotco, how did you route the wiring and hook up the electrical? I'm also curious on the best place to mount the temp sensor.

Thanks , jt

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

how did you route the wiring and hook up the electrical? I'm also curious on the best place to mount the temp sensor.

I answer the wiring questions here:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/265227-how-tap-switched-power-moonroof-sunroof.html

Loosen the grab handle and sun visor and route the wiring up the A pillar.

My temp sensor sits behind the ARB right in front of the frame rail.

 

[1996LandCruiser]

Thanks wearsabrowncoat! The install looks pretty straight forward. I didn't get a plastic wire cover though; I should. How far down should the button be glued on the windscreen?

jt