Replacing a broken side mirror?

[Killswitch5150]

i've seen some tutorials on replacing a cracked side mirror, but i want to know, is this something someone with minimal experience would be able to accomplish??

or is this better left to a professional?

and if it is the second option, does anyone know a general price range i might be looking at??

[Willyum]

Are you talking about the mirror lens or the housing? The lens can be released by carefully prying open the plastic "ears" thru the gaps between the lens and housing with a screwdriver or similar instrument. To change the housing, the inside door panel must be removed. These are not difficult things to do depending upon what confidence you have in your "minimal experience".

[Killswitch5150]

Originally Posted by Willyum

Are you talking about the mirror lens or the housing? The lens can be released by carefully prying open the plastic "ears" thru the gaps between the lens and housing with a screwdriver or similar instrument. To change the housing, the inside door panel must be removed. These are not difficult things to do depending upon what confidence you have in your "minimal experience".

it's just most of the walk-throughs i've seen involve unscrewing the door panel, catch is, i can find none of these screws on my panel :/

any idea on where to find information to help??

[Willyum]

If you have never taken door panels off before, maybe you better not fool with it. The plastic clips can easily be broken and they are expensive at the dealership. If you DO try it and break some, go to the Ford body shop, you might find a kind hearted soul who will give you a couple.
Check a Chilton/Haynes manual in the auto parts store for some help.

[RickMN]

Getting the door panel off is the hardest part of the job and even that isn't difficult. I don't know where Willyum shops for his parts, but replacment plastic clips are available at any auto parts store and cost about .35 each. Start by removing the screws that hold the arm rest in position. Then remove the black plastic panel that's behind the side mirror. Give the door a once-over and look for any circular pieces of plastic that look like they don't do anything. If you find a few, pop them off and you'll discover that they cover up screws. Then, starting at the bottom of the door and using a trim panel remover tool ($5 at an auto parts store), pop off the trim panel from the door. If you reach a section where it feels impossible to pop the panel off, chances are there's a hidden screw nearby. Sometimes they bury them in the carpet trim on the door. Once you've popped all the fasteners, lift the trim panel up and out. Then, disconnect the electrical connectors from the power window switch and door lock switch. Peel back the vapor barrier and disconnect the electrical connector to the power mirror. Then remove the screws holding the mirror in place and remove mirror. Reverse the process to re-install. Use a rubber mallet to pop the plastic fasteners back into place. I can remove a door panel in about 5 minutes. Your first time will probably take you 30 minutes. Once inside, you'll see that it's not hard at all. Here's a cheap source for mirrors. I've had good luck with them.