97 tbird rear view mirror removal

webzz · #1 02-15-2005, 04:48 PM

How do you get the inside rear view mirror off? Ther is no set screw and the little black cover that may be hiding one is impossible to get off.

RickwithaTbird · #2 02-15-2005, 04:55 PM

you uh, pull it. hehe

97Bird · #3 02-15-2005, 05:50 PM

Insert a small, flat blade screwdriver into the slot at the bottom of the mount and while holding the mirror with one hand, pull back on the screwdriver handle until the mirror snaps away from the bracket that is attached to the glass. These mirrors are designed to break away from the windshield when the airbags are deployed.

webzz · #4 02-15-2005, 07:17 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. Will I be able to put it back on again once it's taked off?

webzz · #5 02-15-2005, 07:19 PM

oops i mean taken off...

97Bird · #6 02-16-2005, 07:19 PM

It should slide down over the bracket that is still attached to the window. Supposedly you need a special tool to do this but I have never had to replace mine so I don't know for sure. The rear view mirror replacer tool is T94P-17700-AH It's in the bottom right corner of this picture. http://www.lpcinc.us/rotunda/t94l-1000-flmh-1.jpg.

RickwithaTbird · #7 02-16-2005, 07:34 PM

wow, I had no idea there was anything to it. My mirror always came off with a little force, or a lot of bass. Is that mirror different from a 96? Does it have any wires running to it?

webzz · #8 02-17-2005, 12:53 PM

Thanks again for the quick reply. The mirror has no wires running to it. I don't even think there was an option for anything other than a standard day/night mirror on the '97. My 91 SC has a dimming mirror, but I am replacing the one on my '97 with an LDC dimming and compass mirror. Seems Ford cut the options way down on the last years' T-Birds. No passenger power seats etc....

RickwithaTbird · #9 02-17-2005, 01:50 PM

I always thought my 96 was pretty luxurious. The only thing I really wanted that it didnt have was dimming mirrors. I kinda like a non power passenger seat. But this makes me wonder what kind of options the earlier birds have. I might be jealous now. I didnt know they had dimming mirrors. What else have they got?
Mine had keyless entry remote alarm, digital auto a/c, auto lights, leather, sunroof... I guess thats it. It was my first car though, so I always thought it was pretty luxurious. damn, I miss my car.

webzz · #10 02-17-2005, 11:27 PM

Only other factory option missing, that was not available was the outside keypad to open the doors and trunk. Handy for locking your keys in. Ford sells one aftermarket but not for the Tbird. Oh yeah, the SC has the fold down rear seats which is way cool for carrying long things like ski's, and the power seats had the power side bolsters and the lumbar inflating balloon. Only thing the SC didn't have was the outside temp display on the ecc. Also don't like the power antenna on the '97 goes up when radio is on, SC had an up/down switch. I think Ford really cheaped out on the last 'Birds. I own several older TBirds and always thought they were a showcase for the neato gizmos... Check out my website www.tbirdmarc.com

webzz · #11 02-17-2005, 11:29 PM

one more thing.... the '97 had different guages than the 96 and earlier... replaced them with cheap 'idiot' lights.

RickwithaTbird · #12 02-19-2005, 12:04 AM

Can the SC fold down seats be used as a direct replacement in a 96? And about the antenna button, I personally kinda like the auto antenna. I never used my antenna anyways though, I think I will shave the antenna on my next bird. That or add the antenna switch just for fun.

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