Hey guys, I know this is dated, but I can't be the only one that has bumped the mirror against an object and the outer shell mirror surround cracks. Just in case there are some new searches or people just wanting to replace the mirror assembly "body" "shell"...whatever you want to call it (but yes, the item on top of the priority mail box).
Yes, possible. Instead of spending $900+ for replacing the entire mirror assembly, you can buy just that housing. I took a chance and ordered off a China-based seller on amazon (seller = shuo zhe AA) for a little over $50. You don't have to worry about 9-pin, 13-pin, 15-pin, or even with camera or without, since you'll reuse those parts. I wasn't expecting much honestly, but it's actually pretty solid and fit really well. FYI Toyota does not have just this part...and no, I'm not related to the seller in China
High-level notes; Yes, you'll need to pop off the door panel (easy), remove the 3 bolts holding onto the mirror; remove the 9-15 pin connector; pull the mirror assembly out and get to work. Take the painted cover off (mine is white), and you'll unscrew and disconnect the turn signal; remove some of the 3-5 screws on the back side that connect to the part being replaced; part; tilt out the entire mirror assembly manually to get to the one screw holding to bottom piece.
One of the videos I watched had you removing all 4 screws behind the mirror which is a PITA and unnecessary. It's held together by 4 force clips (that won't break while removing) and then 2 brass compression clips. If you can somehow depress those 2 brass clips from the backside, you can carefully, but forcefully remove the mirror without removing those 4 PITA screws. Careful though since there are 2-3 small cables that need to be disconnected next. There's enough wiggle room and length for those small cables, but an awareness item.
Rambling, but wanted to report back that this is possible (yay) and save some time with the install. Thanks!
