DIY Jdm Power Folding Mirrors BD/BG/BK (base/mirror swap)

[r3v_v3ng3]

After about half of year after I did this, I'm finally going to post a DIY. I had to verify that it works and for awhile I thought I messed it up and couldn't get it to work. More on the solution later.

Recap:
*If you have a 95 legacy, your in luck because its basically the same as JDM mirrors except for the glass and the base angle.
*The outbacks/SUS are prewired for heated mirrors so it makes it easy to wire the heater part
*Now if you have a postal wagon then you don't have to swap mirrors, only the wiring.

My legacy is non of the above so (98 BD) I have to do more work.

Note: Use this as a guide and I'm not responsible for your stuff

Lets get started:

Make sure when you buy your jdm mirrors that it comes with the pair and the jdm switch. Hopefully the harness plug is also included. I've seen mirrors that just fold so I guess I was lucky that mine came heated.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/r3v_v3ng3/jdmgoodies.jpg

I also bought a set of US 95 manual folding power mirrors. A non power one also will work since your only going to use the base and the glass. As long as its from a 95 that can be manually fold.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1051_zps971051f7-1.jpg

Reason for this is that the JDM mirrors are for the RHD (obviously). Having this will correct the angle/mirrors of the JDM folding mirrors to a US specs. If you ever driven on a JDM mirrors on our LHD cars, its pretty dangerous. You will have a big blind spot on the passenger side and the glass takes awhile to get use to. It actually mess with your head. You might also curb your wheels since you wont be able to angle your mirrors

[r3v_v3ng3]

Part 1: Dissassembly

If you have a postal wagon, you can skip the dissassembly/assembly.

Only going to be showing on 1 of the jdm mirror dissassembly to give you an idea. You will have to dissassembe all 4 mirrors.

First heat up the glass and use a flat head screwdriver to pull the rubber lip that hugs the glass.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1058_zps25c1bca9-1.jpg

Carefully pry it out and you'll see the heating element underneat it.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1059_zps0bd7708f-1.jpg

Peel the heating element out
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1060_zps07ed1aee-1.jpg

And unplugged the 2 connector
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1062_zps5bac45cb-1.jpg

Push this pin out (only on the jdm, iirc the us don't have this)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1064_zpsfc74ef95-1.jpg

Take out the small screw in the middle and carefully lift it up with a flat head. You'll hear cracking noise but don't be worried, its the plastic threads thats holding the mirror base to the motor.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1063_zps3e1004d9-1.jpg

Take out the 3 screws that holds the base and body together
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1065_zps505a1e40-1.jpg

Remove the rubber gasket and depin the connector. Take notes on where the wires goes.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1066_zpsb7e88f4b-1.jpg

Only the big plug was needed to depin. Now you can seperate the body and the base.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1067_zps58d1b30b-1.jpg

Pop this plastic cap off
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1068_zps751404ba-1.jpg

Remove the 4 screws and you'll be able to pull the jdm motor out of the body
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1069_zps380c7739-1.jpg

Here is US (left) vs JDM (right)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/usnjdmmirrors-1.jpg

So Basically going to use the JDM motor to the US base (US/JDM body is the same)

[r3v_v3ng3]

Modding the base:

Before it can be assembled you have to mod the base or the metal part of the Jdm motor. I chose to mod the base.

Here you can see on one side the difference on the base angle (red=jdm black=us)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/jdmmirroroverus-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/passjdm-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/passusdm-1.jpg

Both US base will need to be mod. The mounting holes will line up 2 out of 3. The other one will need to be elongated.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1056_zps6734c64a-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1074_zps6c1319fa-1.jpg

On the top part, you will see which part will get on the way. Trace it and figure how deep to cut it. I used dremel to take materials out of the base so that the motor would sit flat on the base.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1071_zps1c105c0a-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1072_zpsb0610c68-1.jpg

Passenger side
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1076_zps098db327-1.jpg

Dremel out the plastic
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1075_zps702505ea-1.jpg

Heres some more to give you an idea
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1057_zpsc8d143e3-1.jpg

Once your satisfied on how the motor sits on the base while mounted, move on to reassemble the mirrors.

[r3v_v3ng3]

Reassembly:

There is this thin plastic that goes on the jdm glass on where the heating element taped to.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1053_zpsa0d4b83b-1.jpg

I used a heat gun and pulled it out and transfered the plastic film to the US glass.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1054_zps73b9dde9-1.jpg

Install the JDM motor to the US body. Screw in the 4 screws
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1077_zps517829a2-1.jpg

Reinstall the cap
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1078_zps1ce6e897-1.jpg

Snake the wiring to the base
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1079_zpscae87347-1.jpg

Screw the body to the base
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1080_zps8c01b365-1.jpg

Lock it in place
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1082_zps3d082d0c-1.jpg

Snake it to the rubber gasket
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1083_zps2fd3972a-1.jpg

Reconnect them back to their right place
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1081_zpsd54a6ac5-1.jpg

Push the US mirror base into place and don't forget to install the middle screw with a spring
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1084_zps328e0133-1.jpg

Make sure the wiring for the heating element is sticking out so you'll be able to plug it in.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1086_zpsf8da0e4d-1.jpg

All that is left is to plug the heating element and install the modified US glass to the body (sry no pic).

[r3v_v3ng3]

Wiring:

The wiring is pretty simple. The power folding gets the power from the switch. You will need to run 3 wires on each side to the switch. 2 for the motor and 1 for the heater.

For the folding motor it has 2 wires the black/white and yellow/red. One wire folds, the other unfold.
You need to depin and install the 2 wires to the back of your switch. black on top/yellow on bottom
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/IMG_1101_zps8e82c380-1.jpg

If you took note on where the wires goes then its just that simple. Have both of the yellow/red wires from the mirrors connected to the yellow/red to the switch. The black/white wires also connect to the black/white of the switch.

Passenger side for reference
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/10A0EA49AA2640C8BF9EDD0E84AA65CF71380000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/641EFEBDFA0B46F0B164BCC5CF32377171380000-1.jpg

Driver side for reference
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/79CFB33A305D433BA98BA353F39508CB71380000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/06086FB8283B40DA822D97C8F94E84CA71380000-1.jpg

As far as the heating element, if you have an outback/SUS, it should be prewired. If not, you will need to ground the white/green on the door. Use the extra wire to have both of them tap to either the green/red on the switch or the red/blue on the back of the defroster switch. Good thing with this is that it has a timer.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/1517052D2AE94544AEDDE4AACA99FE0C71380000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/3E77D5A6759842968D0C50D6862552D271380000-1.jpg

[r3v_v3ng3]

This is important.... I had this jdm mirrors done for like 6 months and I couldn't get it to work. I thought that I got a bad switch or I did something wrong. Suddenly when I painted this GC8 with a working power folding mirror, my damn car started to have the folding part to work. It was intermittent. So I knew I did it right. I figured out that since that the mirrors are now drawing more power, it requires a higher fuse. So I switch the cigar/mirror 20 amp fuse to 30 amp and now it works everytime!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/0f7ea17b0c264cc6ae298c904c94d16a_zps18eb-1.jpg

Here it is, enjoy!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/th_E79B9964501A438E94CE5D13316D950F71380-1.jpg (http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/r3v_v3ng3/E79B9964-501A-438E-94CE-5D13316D950F-7138-0000041BC949654E_zpsce7f4aa8.mp4)

[r3v_v3ng3]

Reserved for alarm wiring

[harrymaneuvers]

Awesome write up!!!!!!!!!

Now we just need a DIY for how to connect it to the keyless entry so that they fold in when you lock your car and unfold when you unlock your car.

[r3v_v3ng3]

Thanks. I have that one reserved above, Im not sure if it'll work with the oem alarm though. Were you able to finish yours harry? I remember you had a set.

[harrymaneuvers]

Not yet... it is kind of on hold while I focus on getting the engine built and everything back together.

I am also on the lookout for some black (non-painted) 95 mirrors.

It is on my list of things to do once the car is driving again and all the other small things are fixed (windshield is cracked from soon to be brother in law being a douche).

I slowly let the line blur between things that I felt like I wanted to do "while I was at it" and things that I could easily do at a later point once the car was driving again.

Things like:

Rear diff bushings
Forester suspension
Heated seats
JDM Mirrors

If you are out and about and happen to see a set of 95 mirrors for a decent price, go ahead and grab them for me:)

[r3v_v3ng3]

I see. Too bad your not near by, I would help you on your engine build. As far as the mirrors go, I'll keep an eye out for you. Want the cargo tray also? I see them all the time lol

[couchfuzzy]

i've got an extra driver's side '95 folding mirror, no clue where the other one went

[sikend667]

posted for future reference

[camroncamera]

Just saw this... this is awesome r3v_v3ng3, thanks for posting!!

[camroncamera]

Part 1: Dissassembly

Here is US (left) vs JDM (right)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/usnjdmmirrors-1.jpg

So Basically going to use the JDM motor to the US base (US/JDM body is the same)

So... I understand that the JDM and USDM bases are different (each one angled appropriately for their respective RHD/LHD conditions). You said the bodies, however, are the same? Was there any reason you chose to use the USDM body instead of the JDM ones? Was it simply easier to have the unpainted black bodies prepped for paint than the red JDM ones? Or are you rocking plain black mirrors on your ride? In my my case, I have a set of unpainted black USDM folding mirrors that are a bit banged up, and Mica Black JDM mirrors that are in slightly better shape, which are close but not a perfect match of my Black Granite Pearl wagon. I was planning to use the JDM bodies, but get them repainted to match (along with several other components)..

[r3v_v3ng3]

Just saw this... this is awesome r3v_v3ng3, thanks for posting!!


You're welcome!




So... I understand that the JDM and USDM bases are different (each one angled appropriately for their respective RHD/LHD conditions). You said the bodies, however, are the same? Was there any reason you chose to use the USDM body instead of the JDM ones? Was it simply easier to have the unpainted black bodies prepped for paint than the red JDM ones? Or are you rocking plain black mirrors on your ride? In my my case, I have a set of unpainted black USDM folding mirrors that are a bit banged up, and Mica Black JDM mirrors that are in slightly better shape, which are close but not a perfect match of my Black Granite Pearl wagon. I was planning to use the JDM bodies, but get them repainted to match (along with several other components)..

I chose it because it was black and I prefer black mirrors compare to color matching it. Also it would'nt match (black base w/red body) although I could of painted the base black. You'll be fine since you will be getting it repainted. So yes, rocking plain black mirrors

[r3v_v3ng3]

Also hooked up the power fold thru the alarm. Hopefully I'll be able to do a DIY on it.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/th_AE09F351FEF24329842E902638ECFBF720650-1.jpg (http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu242/r3v_v3ng3/AE09F351-FEF2-4329-842E-902638ECFBF7-2065-00000146D88589AD_zpsbe0d7626.mp4)

[camroncamera]

Ever had to disassemble and repair a floppy folding mirror gearbox?
http://www.uklegacy.com/forums/index.ph ... ntry652304 (http://www.uklegacy.com/forums/index.php/topic/108740-fix-a-floppy-bg5-door-mirror/page__st__20#entry652304)

[camroncamera]

It's a shame that the JDM pivot pin/mounting plate cannot be simply swapped for the USDM pivot pin/plate. It could have eliminated the need to hack up the door mounts :/
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/IMG_8102Edit_zpsed538d64-1.jpg (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/camroncamera/media/IMG_8102-Edit_zpsed538d64.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/IMG_8124Edit_zps0cf495a8-1.jpg (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/camroncamera/media/IMG_8124-Edit_zps0cf495a8.jpg.html)

[r3v_v3ng3]

^^^Agreed! Thanks for the link on how to fix the floppy mirrors and more detailed pics of the mirrors. Post it when your done!

[TyrWagon]

Interesting, A few weeks ago, I just bought the switch (With Folding and Heating option), and a universal 6.5"x3.75" defroster grid. The Next month 'll buy mirrors... Its very hard to find the jdm mirrors, with defroster..

[TyrWagon]

Well, i have the power foldings, and the switch with fold + heat option... I want to do the same like you, but the swicht... have you any idea about how to connect to it? i am thinking about put the folding motor in my oem mirror housing.. because the power folding mirror are with white housing and mine is black

[TyrWagon]

Well, apparently my project is going to landfill. After following your instructions, I have all the necessary wiring, through connectors bulkhead doors. The RHD and LHD motors for folding and unfolding is not working properly, work indefinitely in one direction, I have disassembled, and found that the circuit board, works bad because of a white piece, which is not subject in the proper way. This piece has its broken fasteners ..

You do you think I can buy this white piece?

978