New to the 100 club, with a rear view mirror question

[Mark Gavin]

Hi all,

After a 4-5 month search, I finally have a 100! Picked up this past Monday, a 2006 in beautiful shape with 120k miles. Super clean inside and out, pretty much bone stock and not a lick of rust on the underside. A Texas truck that spent the last year in North Carolina, where I picked it up. I simply could not be happier!

I have a lot to learn about these trucks, and suspect much of that will come from this forum. Thanks in advance.

Now for my first question. The one problem that needs immediate attention is the absence of a rear view mirror. The PO was upfront about this. The mirror developed a crack and started leaking the liquid related to the auto dimming feature, so he removed it. It still doesn't have a mirror. Options: 1) Order a new OEM replacement at a cost of about $600-700 (ouch!). 2) Get an aftermarket mirror that splices into the wiring harness and has auto dimming and perhaps other features like a compass (e.g., http://www.andysautosport.com/products/cipa__36200.html). 3) A used OEM mirror in great shape from a reputable auto recycler with a 1-year warranty for about $350. I'm leaning toward #3 just because I know it will work and be hassle free. But what to do? And if #2, any recommendations on specific mirrors?

Thanks!

Mark
Morgantown, WV

 

[aging fleet]

I like OEM and I also like saving money so I vote #3. Try to get the associated mounting hardware too.

 

[Bardiya]

#3 would be my go to for these kinds of things

 

[Placemotorsports]

#3 and good lookin rig!

 

[Mark Gavin]

Thanks all! #3 it is. Part purchased.

 

[djernie]

welcome to club.

 

[randomquickness]

one good looking rig!

 

[ibrahim83]

just pick up an oem non dimming mirror and use the boatload of money saved and use it towards adding tint, lift, sliders, rack, etc.....

 

[BigRogers79]

.....so he removed it. It still doesn't have a mirror. Options: 1) Order a new OEM replacement at a cost of about $600-700 (ouch!). 2) Get an aftermarket mirror that splices into the wiring harness and has auto dimming and perhaps other features like a compass (e.g., http://www.andysautosport.com/products/cipa__36200.html). 3) A used OEM mirror in great shape from a reputable auto recycler with a 1-year warranty for about $350. I'm leaning toward #3 just because I know it will work and be hassle free. But what to do? And if #2, any recommendations on specific mirror?View attachment 1298133

Mark -
I just picked up a 2006 LX470 this week, it has a mirror but has a bad vibration going over bumps, doesn't loose its placement/viewing angle, but is kind of annoying......I figure the mounting location bracket is worn out, need to look at it closer this weekend.

My questions to you is which direction did you go on your replacement, how much did it cost and are you satisfied with the end result?

Bonus question, do you have a small antenna that runs down the windshield about 8" in length with a 1x1 square mounting plate near the headliner? If you do, any idea what it is???

Thanks for the feedback!
Brian

 

[aging fleet]

@BigRogers, there is a screw that attaches the mirror to the anchor point glued to the glass, it may simply by loose. If the screw is stripped or damaged, you can buy a new one for a few dollars.

 

[BigRogers79]

@aging fleet Thanks! Just picked up the truck last night from the seller. Noticed it driving home. Need to inspect over the weekend, Ill take a look.

 

[04UZJ100]

How about looking for a Toyota auto dimming mirror from say a Camry. I bet it mounts and is 1/5th the price

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I have a rear mirror in excellent condition off my 2006 Lexus LX470 that is available, just say'n.

I remove them from everything I own.

 

[Mark Gavin]

@BigRogers79...I ended up getting a like new OEM auto dimming from LQK for $300, a little less than 1/2 of what it would cost new. Still pricey, but I like the idea of having OEM. The plug in for the wiring harness under the headliner is very easy. Mounting hardware is straightforward and relatively inexpensive if you have to pick it up from the Toyota dealership.

@LandCruiserPhil...now you have me curious. Why do you take out the stock rear view on everything? And what do you put in its place?!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

@LandCruiserPhil...now you have me curious. Why do you take out the stock rear view on everything? And what do you put in its place?![/QUOTE]

I learned to drive using side mirrors driving big service truck/vans that never came with one. Now I enjoy the clear view out the windshield with a mirror blocking my view.

 

[Mark Gavin]

@LandCruiserPhil...got it. I think in some states it is illegal to not have a rearview mirror. Ever had any trouble on that front?

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

@LandCruiserPhil...got it. I think in some states it is illegal to not have a rearview mirror. Ever had any trouble on that front?

Never, what should be illeagal is not knowing how to use your side mirrors. All motorcycles riders would agree. My kids didnt like it at first but today my daughter can back a 35' horse trailer in tighter spot that most can with a car.

 

[Mark Gavin]

@LandCruiserPhil...I completely agree. I ride motorcycles too! I went two months before finally installing the rearview in the LC, and I was perfectly happy. I just assumed I would legally be required to have one and was told as much when I went for my state inspection!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

@LandCruiserPhil...I completely agree. I ride motorcycles too! I went two months before finally installing the rearview in the LC, and I was perfectly happy. I just assumed I would legally be required to have one and was told as much when I went for my state inspection!

Looks like its even legal in the communist state

http://www.defend-me.com/california-vehicle-code/california-vehicle-code-section-26700-26712.asp
26709. (a) Every motor vehicle registered in a foreign jurisdiction
and every motorcycle subject to registration in this state shall be
equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view
of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of
such vehicle.
Every motor vehicle subject to registration in this state, except
a motorcycle, shall be equipped with not less than two such mirrors,
including one affixed to the left-hand side.
(b) The following described types of motor vehicles, of a type
subject to registration, shall be equipped with mirrors on both the
left- and right-hand sides of the vehicle so located as to reflect to
the driver a view of the highway through each mirror for a distance
of at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle:
(1) A motor vehicle so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the
driver's view to the rear.
(2) A motor vehicle towing a vehicle and the towed vehicle or load
thereon obstructs the driver's view to the rear.
(3) A bus or trolley coach.
(c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not apply to a
passenger vehicle when the load obstructing the driver's view
consists of passengers.

I pulled all 50 states ~60 pages and the common denominator was - shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such motor vehicle.

 

[Mark Gavin]

@LandCruiserPhil...good to know. Looks like two side views would be enough!