Rearview Mirror

[BlueMan0312]

where can i find an auto tinting rearview mirror for my 99 BD

[Huffer]

ebay.

You need to do some wiring work though.

[BlueMan0312]

how hard would it be to install? wopuld i be able to do it my self or would i need someone who knows how to insatll them?

[Huffer]

I did a search awhile back on installing an aftermarket mirror - it seemed to be fairly easy but it did leave a conspicuous black cable running along the windscreen line.

I don't get too bothered when I drive at night, so it was more effort than I could justify.

If you do it, I know plenty of people here will be interested in a write up.

[shazapple]

You can easily hide the cable unerneath the headliner. Ive done it for my moms autostart, and my dads autodimming mirror.

The mirror was real easy to install. It also has a compass and temp sensor in it. The company should be able to provide you with an adapter so youre new mirror will clip onto the old mirror base.

The mirror should come with some sort of wiring suggestions, maybe even specific instructions. If not then make a post in the electrical forum for some help. You'll probably need a power source that is only on when the key is in ACC or ON, which can be found in the dash somewhere. There would probably only be a total of 2 or 3 wires

[Huffer]

Damnit Lee, where is your DIY thread!?! :D

[BlueMan0312]

what mirror would you suggest. i don't care if it has the temp sensor or compass.

[shazapple]

I wouldnt really have any idea. whichever is cheap and on ebay! That where my dad got his.

[Handtool]

I put an auto dimming mirror/compass in my '95. Check out what http://www.cipausa.com/ has under automotive. They carry donnelly mirrors, the supplier for OEM Subaru mirrors. It'll give you an idea of whats out there and you can also find installation instructions under customer service. If I were to do it again I would pick up a mirror with a compass and temp unit.

[Huffer]

Here's a good DIY writeup - not for a Subaru, but you get the gist of it.

http://www.obd-codes.com/howto/elecmirror.php



How To: Install an Electro chromic Mirror

This was truly easy to install:

1. Remove your old mirror - use a small flat screwdriver to GENTLY pry the mirror away from the glass as you slide it upwards - it may take a few minutes - DON'T FORCE IT!
2. Route the wiring harness above the headliner, down the driver side forward pillar to the emergency brake release lever, then run it up under the dash, coiling it and securing it to the dash support struts using zip ties. Pull out enough of the white lead (the reverse override signal) and green wire (thermometer sensor connection) to work with.
3. Make a small horizontal incision in the firewall pass-through cover (just above the brake pedal mount against the firewall) on the inside of the firewall.
4. Make a small vertical incision in the firewall pass-through cover (just to the left of the Vacuum booster) on the engine side of the firewall.
5. Route your thermostat sensor along the driver side front fender, then down under the cross member that the upper radiator mount attaches to (basically, behind the headlight) to just behind the driving light where the bumper meets the lower bumper skirt (if you don't have driving lights, it's at the bottom of the chrome bumper, just in front of your oil filter). Make sure your wiring harness is well away from the oil lines. Clip it to the bumper horizontally.
6. Run the other end of the wiring harness through both incisions in the firewall pass-through cover. If you can see light from the engine compartment when you look in from the passenger compartment, get some sealant and seal the incisions.
7. Attach the temperature sensor to the wiring harness under the dash, then stow the excess and secure it with zip ties.
8. Remove the driver side rear taillight assembly.
9. Remove the reverse light and find the hot lead (not the ground!) - it should have a white stripe. Using a piggyback, splice into that lead. If you find the ground - the auto-shut off will not work if you burn out your reverse light.
10. Using a small Phillips screwdriver - widen the hole on the rubber gasket that runs the wires through the fender.
11. Open the rear climate control cover from the rear of the truck. Inside, up and to the rear you will see a rubberized panel that is held on by clips. Remove the upper corner closest to you.
12. Route an extension wire through the rubber gasket, through the panel, and under the interior panel. Replace the grommet, panel and taillight assembly.
13. Route the extension wire below the interior trim panel (just press the carpet down and there will be enough room to push the extension wire under the panel).
14. Route the extension wire along the floor past both doors, and up the driver side kick panel to the bottom of the dash.
15. Connect the extension wire to the white reverse lead of the mirror wiring harness.
16. Mount the ground to a metal area under the dash.
17. Mount the hot lead to a power source.
18. Mount the mirror to the windshield.
19. Connect the other end of the wiring harness to the mirror.
20. Follow the manufacturers instructions on calibrating the compass.

http://www.obd-codes.com/howto/images/elecmirror.jpg

[BlueMan0312]

i want to buy one of the CIPA rearviews but they don't sell them with the mounts for my car. my car has a roof bounted mirror and they only sell ones that are attatched to the windshield. where can i find the mounts for my car?

[journey]

I put an auto dimming mirror/compass in my '95.In my '95, the arm on which the mirror mounts is attached to the roof, but most of the instructions that I have seen have the arm attached to the front windshield, which I do not want to do (I have seen too many mirrors fall off the windshield in the summer heat).

Also, most of the installation instructions show either a camlock or wedge mount (see http://www.cipausa.com/autodim-mounts.htm ). From the cipusa site and looking at my mirror, I am guessing that it is a camlock mount. The instructions above say that you have to turn the mirror at 90 degree to remove it, which I cannot do. I will have to take apart the mounting arm, which I have not done yet.

How was the 'mirror arm' attached to your car, and if you used the one that came with your car, was it a camlock or a wedge mount? Thx.

[Wiscon_Mark]

www.subarugenuineparts.com (http://www.subarugenuineparts.com)

I believe they have the Subaru OEM ones for cheap.

edit:
https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/inde ... Path=31_44 (https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/index.php?cPath=31_44)

[AFBeefcake]

I had the same problem when I put an auto dim mirror in my SVX. The stock mirror is mounted to the roof. I had to make and adapter bracket. So now the new mirror which is supposed to mount to the glass mounts to the roof. ebay is a good place to get a mirror I got mine for like $30.00.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/02/15538JPG-1.jpg

[Handtool]

How was the 'mirror arm' attached to your car, and if you used the one that came with your car, was it a camlock or a wedge mount? Thx.

I took the roof mounted mirror off, left the trim cap, and glued the camlock button that came with the new mirror to the windshield. Permatex makes strong glue just for this purpose available at Autozone or other chains for just a few dollars.

Here's a good writeup:
http://scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88

...and intalled in my '95

http://www.ultimatesubaru.net/photos/data/500/medium/8361151_5144.JPG

[journey]

I took the roof mounted mirror off, left the trim cap, and glued the camlock button that came with the new mirror to the windshield.
Thanks for the information. I was hoping to use the roof mount but I guess you can't have everything... :-)