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Factory Look Gentex Mirror Mounting

22K views 63 replies 27 participants last post by  westvaricky  
#1 ·
Well, I've been messing with more than the leather shift boot. I bought a Gentex rear view mirror (temp, auto dim, compass, ice warning) last winter and finally got around to tackling this. I saw some of the other mounting methods created by EOC members and they looked good but I wanted something that looked factory and didn't cut up part of the old mirror. After a lot of pondering and four hours of engineering, making parts, and testing it is done:

Image


If a couple of people are interested in doing this I'll take apart and take pictures & create directions. Didn't want to go to all of that if no one is interested.
 
#6 ·
Count me in...
I'm really interested to see how this is done.
 
#8 ·
Looks good I did the same thing using Justins method of cutting off the old mirror and drilling and taping the base. Drew:)
 
#10 ·
Yes, I saw that, I did this way for a couple of reasons: 1) I didn't want to cut apart the old mirror in case I was to reinstall someday and 2) this completely covers the hole in the factory "grommet", IMO it looks cleaner.

I almost did Justin's method and if I hadn't come up with this I would have.
 
#9 ·
Okay, that's four people, that qualifies.

I just thought of something - I need to take it apart to do this and I didn't make patterns, I could put together a kit that would include all parts so all you would need to do is uninstall the old mirror and put in the new one. My guess would be 15 minutes, that does not include wiring. I'm thinking $15 plus maybe $3 shipping. I'm not looking to make $$$ on this, just cover time (not really but it sounds good) and material.

The cool thing is if you ever decide to put in the old mirror to sell your E (of course you would never do that unless you were buying another E) you can, it doesn't wreck anything. It also doesn't alter the Gentex mirror so if you want to put in another vehicle you can.

Let me know, I have to write up the instructions either way and my guess is you'd spend about that much just for the parts. I'll try to work on as time permits, the E is going to the body shop on Wednesday so maybe I'll shoot my final pictures first and do the creating of parts and assembly why it's gone to the E hospital. This may take me a week or longer as I'm also building a huge shed that has to be done before the snow flies.

I should be able to create a list of tools needed in the next day or so.

Thanks!
 
#39 ·
Okay, that's four people, that qualifies.

I just thought of something - I need to take it apart to do this and I didn't make patterns, I could put together a kit that would include all parts so all you would need to do is uninstall the old mirror and put in the new one. My guess would be 15 minutes, that does not include wiring. I'm thinking $15 plus maybe $3 shipping. I'm not looking to make $$$ on this, just cover time (not really but it sounds good) and material.


Thanks!
Your work looks great and I would be first in line to get details.
I have been thinking of doing that for awhile now.
 
#11 ·
Sounds good perf. You've been working on things I never thought I would actually be changing but always wanted to. Keep up the good work! :D

Make me #5...
 
#12 ·
Clarification

I've been calling this the Gentex mount but the one I put in is from the company I am 99% sure manufacturs the Gentex, I bought it directly from the manufacturer in Taiwan I wouldn't have done this at Gentex prices. Everything is the same shape as a Gentex, just doesn't have the label and I think I paid $53 plus $18 shipping.

Kind of like saying Kleenex or Band-Aids.
 
#14 ·
Aw...heck...put chozen in there as a go too! I can always come down to his house and help him install it :razz:
I sent him a PM and told him to get a mirror & a SC console and head west. I won't be in your neighborhood again until next summer.

With the kit I'm thinking of providing if you can turn a screwdriver you can install.

Talking about coming west, Broncos game this year?
 
#16 ·
I'm in for 20.00 for the parts.


Great job

Mitch
 
#17 ·
I think I've hit on something

What a response, had no idea so many would be interested.

Okay, this morning I have time to create a tools and part list for you who may want to do this on your own. I'll probably make patterns and put them in a .pdf for people to download if they want.

Okay, parts:

  • .25 plexiglas
  • .50 plexiglas (optional, you can laminate two .25 pieces if desired)
  • 3 - 5x.8-30 flat head screws. I used hex drive, they're also available in Phillips drive
  • 1 - 5x.8-30 Cap Screw
Tools:

  • Some sort of saw to cut the plexiglas with. My prototype I used a jigsaw, going forward I'm using a table saw. The straighter the cuts the better.
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Slotted screwdriver
  • File or sanding disk
  • 3mm hex driver
  • 4mm hex driver
  • 5x.8 tap and tap handle. I would suggest the t-type handle instead of a screwdriver type handle as the plexiglas provides a fair amount of resistance.
  • 45 degree countersink that goes into a drill
  • 5/32" drill
  • 3/16" drill
  • Some sort of drill (perfdata uses DeWalt)
  • Patience cap
 
#18 ·
Perf - Denver plays Indy on 9/30 Hoping to be able to get some tickets and go but with the Colts winning the SB it's gonna be hard to get them. :|

We'll see....definitely be out that way for a snowboarding trip tho!
 
#19 ·
Count me in!

Hey perf,

I have been looking into this mod and would be fine with sending you the $18 for the install pieces.

Also, could you post the company info/web site for the generic Gentex in Taiwan? $60 sounds much better than the $200.

Thanks and the mod looks great!

- Justo
 
#22 ·
Hey perf,

I have been looking into this mod and would be fine with sending you the $18 for the install pieces.

Also, could you post the company info/web site for the generic Gentex in Taiwan? $60 sounds much better than the $200.

Thanks and the mod looks great!

- Justo
See the post below yours, that's the way to go, mine was eBay aslo. I was a bit sceptical about buying from Taiwan but it got here a lot faster than some of the in-country items I order, I think it was 5 days. And the directions were readable and understandable.

Also, I received a PM with a suggestion that I buy a bunch of mirrors and make it a package deal, one stop gets you the mirror and mounting kit. Something to think about.
 
#20 ·
Just check e bay for the mirrors, I got mine for 47.00and the wife got hers for 42.00.
 
#21 ·
I'm not seeing anything for under $67 on Ebay. Hey Perf, thanks for the offer in the PM! I'm not sure when I'll be on the road again but I know it won't be anytime soon and the weather is about to get nasty, here and there. None the less I do appreciate the offer. I awaiting your write up with photo's no less and I'm going to order a mirror when I can find one priced just right. I was surprised to see there are some for sale out of Elkhart, IN. Anyway, I'm going to go ahead and order one and await the directions to do this mod. I think I'm going to do this one and the SC console and be done with my Element other than a dash kit. After further review, I think my mom would rather me put money into getting my own business started (the wife and I coming closer to opening our salon/barber shop) rather than taking the funds I have and sinking them into the SC nose. I know Dance, it's something I really wanted and it would look good but having your the american dream of being our own business owners. Lord knows I've thought long and hard on this one and I still may do the SC nose one day. but for now, I want something I can call my own and having my own spot to do hair is it. My Element will look good sitting out in front of our business no matter what nose is on it. Let's go with the mirror and cosole and see where we stand. Can a brother get an Amen!?:smile:
 
#23 ·
Hi Perf,

Count me in as interested. I've seen Justin do the mod in person. I am very curious about yours.

Thanks.
S
 
#28 ·
No Cutting of Mirror

I did not cut the OEM Mirror. I used the E's mirror mounting base and built up the mount with a several layers of plastic. I glued the button to the plastic strips. I then used 2 bolts to secure the plastic layers with the button to the mount. The placement is the same as Justin's.

I completed this install about 3 month's ago and there have been no problems.

I added my instructions to page 5 of Justin's thread.

Auto-Dimming Mirror

Bob
 
#29 ·
I did not cut the OEM Mirror. I used the E's mirror mounting base and built up the mount with a several layers of plastic. I glued the button to the plastic strips. I then used 2 bolts to secure the plastic layers with the button to the mount. The placement is the same as Justin's.

I completed this install about 3 month's ago and there have been no problems.

I added my instructions to page 5 of Justin's thread.

Auto-Dimming Mirror

Bob
Well, so much for an original thought, this is basically the same way I did it. No glue with mine.

I'm going to move ahead with making a kit and instructions (instructions with pictures will be available to anyone that wants to download them), I have not heard back from the distributor of the mirror to see if he will sell me a few to make packages.
 
#30 ·
Farther, thanks for the compliment! I just try to keep it real and treat those as I would want to be treated. Just like in L.E. Glad to know my my post of a positive reflection on my persona.

I really want to create a salon/barber shop here in Indy that will provide a service that people have long for. Top notch service, unique atmosphere and an element of allowing clients to escape for a little while and feel good when they leave, until the next time. Lord will, it will happen.

Hey Perf, I checked with the vendor in Elkhart, IN who has those mirrors for sale and I told them I had a honda Element. They said if I did order their mirror to let them know and the would provide me with the windshield disc to mount it on the glass. Not what I want to do. I want it just like yours, looking like factory for sure.

Keep me posted on what you put together as far as kit goes and I'm in it, to get it.

Peace!
 
#32 ·
I agree

Spoke with Honda Representative and was told the same thing. I was told to be very careful about who installs the aftermarket item. I also spoke with a representative from Gentex and was told Honda could carry the item like so many other car makers but does not want to - I guess not enough interest.
 
#34 ·
Spoke with Honda Representative and was told the same thing. I was told to be very careful about who installs the aftermarket item. I also spoke with a representative from Gentex and was told Honda could carry the item like so many other car makers but does not want to - I guess not enough interest.
See post #12, this is not a Gentex mirror, I just used that term like Band-Aid or Kleenex so people would know what I was talking about (auto-dimming mirror with compass, UV, Temp, etc.). I'm almost sure these mirrors come out of the same factory but they do not have the Gentex label on them.
 
#35 ·
Updates

I just got off of the phone with one of the companies (Advance MCS Electronics) selling the mirror I used, he has 200-300 left and once they're gone he is not sure if he can get more. I also do not know if my mount will work with a Gentex, maybe someday I'll get one for the Jeep and play with it in the E first.

Also, the E is in the shop and I did not have time to pull my parts out to start making them. I also wasn't 100% happy with it when I drove it to the shop (first time on the road since the install), too much vibration. I believe I know what the problem is but I can't do anything now, I'll post when the E is back and I have resolved.