How to fix a car mirror?

March 16, 2006 1:27 PM

Can I replace the passenger side mirror on my 1999 Honda Civic?

My car is apparently some kind of neodymium magnet. In the past four years it has been hit four times while parked. Each time has been in a different place, and there's never a note. Am I really unlucky?

That's not my question, that's just venting. Here's the real question:

The latest hit and run clipped off the passenger side mirror. It looks like a fairly clean break. There appear to be places that sell replacement mirrors online. I'm thinking this could be a do-it yourself job, if only I could find instructions. Any car experts here (or links to car repair sites)?

More info:
It's a 2-door 1999 Honda Civic DX.
The mirror is manual adjust, not electric.

posted by justkevin to travel & transportation (12 comments total)

A Chilton guide for that make modle and a trip to a junk yard might do ya... couldn't hurt
posted by edgeways at 1:30 PM on March 16, 2006

I'd email the replacement sources you've found online and ask if they can fax/mail/email a copy of the instructions - I can't imagine any reputable place wouldn't be willing to do so.
posted by jalexei at 1:34 PM on March 16, 2006

I went to CarMirror.com a while ago (~2 years), received everything on time but no instructions. It looks like they have your mirror for $40. I had no problems installing it with a Haynes automotive repair manual that had nice step-by-step pictures to guide me through.
posted by geoff. at 1:50 PM on March 16, 2006

If you have a junk yard near by, I'd try there. You might be able to get a replacement for just a few dollars.

A few years ago I got a replacement seatbelt and a replacement tail light for a 1988 Corsica from a junk yard. All for under $20.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 1:55 PM on March 16, 2006

These automotive repair manuals sound like a good investment for someone whose car attracts high-velocity metallic objects. Anyone else want to weigh in on which guide to buy before I hit Amazon?
posted by justkevin at 2:10 PM on March 16, 2006

My 99 Civic DX got hit-and-run by a garbage can, on the driver's side. I am not a DIY-er, so I paid $130 for the body shop guy to put on a used mirror. It took him about 10 minutes, so I'm sure you could do it yourself.
posted by clh at 2:10 PM on March 16, 2006

misanthropicsarah, I hope you're not serious. That's extremely dangerous and probably illegal. If you've still got that car, you should really have a NEW seatbelt put in, or, if you've sold it, you should try to contact the person you sold it to and let them know that the part is not new. Really, someone could die.
posted by clockzero at 2:56 PM on March 16, 2006

Clockzero, you are over reacting, especially if you've nevered worked on cars before. It's not illegal and during the late 60's early 70's many people (including my Dad) retro-fitted the old cars with seat belts and all was well with the world.
posted by alteredcarbon at 3:37 PM on March 16, 2006

Well, perhaps I am. I don't know what the statutes in her state are, though in California I think it would be an extremely bad idea if not actually illegal to replace a device like a seat belt with one that has been used and in unknown circumstances. That's just extremely unsafe. Any shop which did that could be held liable if anything ever went wrong with it.
posted by clockzero at 5:43 PM on March 16, 2006

About.com has two reasonably detailed layouts for replacing side mirrors: the mirror, removing the door panel. As someone told me when I got my first car, all of the stuff on there is built to be taken off and fixed, so if you take it slow you can probably figure it out.
posted by OmieWise at 6:02 PM on March 16, 2006

My library's database has the vehicle repair guides online and available if you type in your library card # - you may want to check to see if your local library offers anything similar.
posted by Ostara at 7:44 PM on March 16, 2006

If you've still got that car, you should really have a NEW seatbelt put in, or, if you've sold it, you should try to contact the person you sold it to and let them know that the part is not new.

Are you serious? Should this person also let them know the brake pads, headlamps, and tires were used as well? Please tell me you are kidding.
posted by vaportrail at 10:40 PM on March 16, 2006