ARCHIVE Wits’ End Gentex Mirror ARM

[gregnash]

So I scored yesterday... Got a quick minute to run out to the local PnP and scored a Gentex Model 453, which encompasses the GENK4X(a) versions talked about above. This came out of a 2007 Prius and simply popped off the windshield and still had the pigtail attached. All in was a total of $13 for the mirror and pigtail and it has the auto-dim and the homelink.

 

[gregnash]

Some more pictures of my install. Finally was able to finish the wiring for mine yesterday afternoon and report that everything works properly!! For my version from a 2007 Toyota Prius, the pigtail had 3 wires; Red, Black and White with Black stripe. Logic would state the Red = 12v Hot, Black = Ground and White w/Black stripe = Ignition, well the last two are switched with the White w/Black stripe being the ground.

Information on programming the HomeLink buttons is easily found on the internet but basically you hold down the two outside garage door buttons until the indicator light starts to blink. Release them, then select which button you want to program and hold it and your original garage door opener remote buttons down together until the indicator light goes from a slow blink to a fast blink. THEN run into the garage and hit the program button on the actual garage door opener to start the sync process, then run back to the truck and keep hitting your programmed button until it functions the door.

Untitled by Greg Fisicaro, on Flickr
Untitled by Greg Fisicaro, on Flickr
Untitled by Greg Fisicaro, on Flickr

I was able to pull the lip of the windshield gasket away and stuff the three wires (braided together) in between the headliner and gasket all the way around to the passenger side then routed under the dash.

 

[Dubs2017]

Another satisfied customer here. This thing is great.

I went with a knock-off mirror from amazon since I wanted temp, compass, auto dim, and camera display and couldn't find a Gentex with everything. I ended up skipping the reverse light trigger for the camera, and added a small push button switch to an external gauge mount that I already had mounted. I figure this way I can turn the camera on only when needed, and without the reverse lights needing to come on as well.

Camera cable was routed into the tailgate and out of a small hole drilled under the license plate light trim piece, where I mounted the camera with VHB tape. We'll see how it holds up, as I would rather not run screws through that piece.

Temp sensor was routed through the firewall and along the passenger fender to mount in the grill with zip ties.

Dave

 

[MANUCHAO]

I went with a knock-off mirror from amazon

Care to share the model?

 

[Dubs2017]

Sure thing.

Mirror - Master Tailgaters OEM Rear View Mirror with 4.3" Auto Adjusting Brightness LCD + Compass & Temperature - Universal Fit

Camera - Upgraded Mini Backup Camera

I chose this camera with the intention of flush mounting it into my bumper, but after holding it in a variety of locations ultimately decided that the higher license plate location was best for what I am looking to achieve.

Also, it’s worth noting that a downside to this setup is that the wire harness is bulkier and less able to be hidden in the windshield gasket. Here is a pic of the harness and temp sensor wires (which are separate).

 

[gregnash]

Nicely done!

Quick question, anyone have severe vibration at higher speeds? I dont remember my stock mirror vibrating this much at highway speeds but this one seems to go through fits depending on speed and road. Just had the tires balanced and rotated so I am not really feeling it through the wheel. Other options/opinions?

 

[NookShneer]

Nicely done!

Quick question, anyone have severe vibration at higher speeds? I dont remember my stock mirror vibrating this much at highway speeds but this one seems to go through fits depending on speed and road. Just had the tires balanced and rotated so I am not really feeling it through the wheel. Other options/opinions?

Buy an 80 series.

 

[gregnash]

Buy an 80 series.

SSSshhhhhh quiet you! I had a hard enough time justifying to the accountant that I should build a new mtb for my 40th next year. Had her convinced on grabbing our friends 100 series but the numbers/finances didn't play out right so had to let that one pass.

 

[NLXTACY]

Nicely done!

Quick question, anyone have severe vibration at higher speeds? I dont remember my stock mirror vibrating this much at highway speeds but this one seems to go through fits depending on speed and road. Just had the tires balanced and rotated so I am not really feeling it through the wheel. Other options/opinions?

Yes. I tracked it down to a loose mirror V block.

 

[gregnash]

Yes. I tracked it down to a loose mirror V block.

??? Is that the small attachment piece the mirror attaches to the arm with?

 

[NLXTACY]

??? Is that the small attachment piece the mirror attaches to the arm with?

Yeah the wedge

 

[gregnash]

Yeah the wedge

Hmm weird, screws were nice and tight. Ended up having a huge rubber eraser that I cut a piece off of and place between the arm and windshield. This acts as a good shock absorber, tested last night and the mirror doesn't seem to spazz out anymore.

 

[NLXTACY]

Hmm weird, screws were nice and tight. Ended up having a huge rubber eraser that I cut a piece off of and place between the arm and windshield. This acts as a good shock absorber, tested last night and the mirror doesn't seem to spazz out anymore.

That’s odd. Haven’t experienced that in either truck. Hmm

 

[gregnash]

Yeah not really sure what its all about. Seems like the head sits on the wedge ok, little on the loose side. So could just be the mirror I picked up. True test was last night driving home from softball. Still shakes, but no worse than the rest of the mirrors with the little piece of eraser wedged in-between the glass and arm.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

You should not need to do that. Mine is 100% solid. Maybe something in your mirror is loose.

 

[NLXTACY]

Down to my last six

 

[NLXTACY]

Finally got around to mounting the GoPro. Easy peasy.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

A mirror with outside temperature display would be nice. I also like that gopro mount. Hmmmm....

 

[NLXTACY]

A mirror with outside temperature display would be nice. I also like that gopro mount. Hmmmm....

So easily attainable

 

[Randy88FJ62]

You are so far away.