DIY Heated Mirrors (For Base Models)

[PatrickHenninger]

I will return to this thread on occasion to update it as I make progress and take pictures as I go. I started the post to make a bookmark for myself, and get feedback from other members.


Almost every morning, my side mirrors are covered in dew (and frost in the winter.) Unfortunately, heated mirrors was something I overlooked when I bought the car, and I miss having them. I looked into adding a small adhesive 12v heating element for DIY heated motorcycle gloves, but I want to make it even simpler.

My plan is to open the duct that runs to the side window defrost vents, and allow air to pass into the side view mirrors. Even a small amount of heated air hitting the back of a frosty/dew covered mirror will clear it up quickly. I hope to begin tackling it this weekend!

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[Joe 5.0]

This seems like a solid idea for those who daily drive their cars.

Thanks for being innovative! I'm looking forward to seeing your progress!

 

[cechk01]

looking forward to this!

 

[PatrickHenninger]

I only have 6k miles on the car, and haven't removed any factory parts yet (other than the oil filter) so it'll take some time to get the door panel removal figured out. I'm searching the forum for that now.

 

[Silver6Speed]

I'd like to see you pull this off. However, having gone thru replacing a mirror on my driver side door, it is going to be a PITA just in the assembly/disassembly. You're going to have to fool the car into thinking the door is closed to get the window all the up to access the mirror armature hardware. Also, the black textured trim on the armature is not removable; the clips are one way. If you break it, you can only fix it with an entirely new mirror less the color cap or your choice of some kind of bonding agent like AutoGoop or JB Weld.

Keep us posted...I could use this about this time of year here in Denver.

 

[PatrickHenninger]

I'd like to see you pull this off. However, having gone thru replacing a mirror on my driver side door, it is going to be a PITA just in the assembly/disassembly. You're going to have to fool the car into thinking the door is closed to get the window all the up to access the mirror armature hardware. Also, the black textured trim on the armature is not removable; the clips are one way. If you break it, you can only fix it with an entirely new mirror less the color cap or your choice of some kind of bonding agent like AutoGoop or JB Weld.

Keep us posted...I could use this about this time of year here in Denver.

Well, that's not very reassuring. Getting the window all the way up with the door open isn't a problem, but I am heavy-handed, and horrible about breaking clips. It looks like the weekend is going to be a washout anyway, due to weather.

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