Driver's side-view mirror
 

The mirror in my driver's side view mirror was cracked, and it's turning bluer (like pen ink is spreading) by the day. So, obviously I'll need a new mirror glass...

Does anyone know of an inexpensive aftermarket mirror for a dark green '99 RX? It's got 140,000 miles on it, so I really just need a respectable appearance--I'm not speanding $350 plus paint for the whole OEM mirrow assy. I just need a piece of mirror.

...Or could it be made at a local glass shop?

Matt

I haven't tried it, but I would think a glass shop could cut a piece of mirror glass the same size and you could epoxy it over the broken mirror. If you sized it right, it should be adjustable, and the color would match since you haven't changed the body of the mirror. I guess it wouldn't technically meet safety codes unless you used plastic mirror stock (it exists), or safety glass mirror stock. It may not look perfect, but better IMO than a non-matching paint color on the mirror body.

That blue stuff leaking from your mirror is the "electrochromic" material between the layers of glass that dims them in the presence of light. If you replace with a conventional mirror, headlights behind you are going to seem awfully bright. You might see what you can find in a "tinted" mirror glass, cut to fit. BTW, you will lose a lot of the function of your mirror heaters to remove frost in cold weather by putting a second layer of glass over it. See what you might be able to find in a junkyard before you bite the bullet and pony up the big bucks at your dealership.

The mirror by itself should be replaceable ... you dont need to replace the whole assembly. The process is to loop shop towel behind the mirror and give it a tug. I would suggest searching salvage yard ... Odds of finding one should be good as the color of the vehicle need not match. Also check with parts if they can find just the mirror for you.


Salim

Thank you--yeah, I think I'll have to get a new glass. I don't want the fix to look too ghetto. From the dealership, there's about a $50 difference between just glass and whole mirror assy. No idea why, but that's how it is. And the glass is like $300+. I can't seem to find an RX in the junkyard yet...

Call dealership and ask who they reccomend for body repair work. Then give those guys a call and see if they can hook you up with a salvage yard.

Salim

Remember to add addtional time to replace the whole unit vs just the mirror. The $50 difference may become $100 real quick. My assumption may be wrong, but it is worthwile to add all costs to finish before opting for one vs other.

Also check with your insurance ... glass detuctable is usually much less than the collision. Once again check the implications of making an insurance claim.

Salim

Here is a cheap option. This is quick and easy but not auto dimming. Walmart has same for about $5.
http://www.autobarn.net/envem794.html

Buy a piece of mirror at Big Lot for $3. Have a glass shop cut it to shape $10. Then glue it onto the existing mirror.

What a ghetto option, but to each his own. Last Night a lady took out my Passenger side mirror. She didn’t even stop. I had to chase her down. The mirror was banging on the side on the side of my truck, I had to slow down, take the passenger window down, use my right hand while steering with the left, pull the mirror inside the cabin. I finally caught up to her a mile and a ½ or so. Called the cops. I should get the report in 2days.
So I called the dealer this AM. The Mirror is $420 + tax plus installation. The cool thing is that it comes painted already. As soon as her insurance lets me know they r going to pay. I will take it in top have them change it.
Damn this the 2nd time someone has hit my Lexus while was waiting at a traffic light. They have been relatively minor. But I have always had to get them professionally repaired. So I have decided that from now on, I am going to run every red light. muhahahahahaha

LOL...running the red light...something I do way to often down here. :eek2:

Just discovered that mine is cracked and turning blue. Any new options pop up since the last post a year ago?

Thanks!

I would give these guys a call, This link might help.
Fits: Mirror Glass, (8-1/8 Dg.), w/Auto Anti-Glare Type, LH.
http://www2.partstrain.com/store/?N=...00+2001+Mirror