Remove XT Side Mirror Glass for Respray?

[carfreak85]

I recently picked up some XT mirrors for an upcoming project and I'd like to repaint them.  I'm thinking it would be simpler if I could disassemble the mirrors.

 

Is there a simple way to get the mirror glass off the side-view mirror assembly?  Can the mirror be disassembled to remove the rubber bellows at the folding joint?

[idosubaru]

drill out a pin under the rubber boot.  I feel like it's a pin that's pushed into place and then the end is flattened to secure it, like it's a one time use fastener.

once that's done the triangular fascia piece that rests against the door is now removed.

then you unscrew the screws behind the mirror that hold it to the housing. 

then the entire assembly pulls through the mirror side of the housing. 

i forget what I've reassembled them with - i presume just a bolt and a nut, make sure they are shallow nuts and a short bolt because it needs to fit underneath the rubber boot? 

a pin and cotter pin clip may be better.

[carfreak85]

Ahhhhh, I see it now.  Do you know how thick the head is on the top of that pin in the joint, before I destroy the mirror to measure?

 

I'm a little nervous to stick a screwdriver between the mirror and the housing, it looks like there are six or seven screws back there and not all of them have a direct line of sight to get a driver on them, much less being able to start them again during reassembly.

[idosubaru]

No, i have no idea on the size of the pin.  why would it destroy it to measure it?

 

Only half of those screws need removed, the ones that attach the inner assembly to the outer housing.  throw some light down there and you should be able to distinguish at least most of the ones that attach directly to a boss within the housing.   The rest just hold the inner contraption together and can remain. 

 

The screws are the easy part - they're not as bad as it first appears once you start moving the mirror around and getting the screws out. there are wobble attachments and flex drivers if you wanted, but they're not necessary.