2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Towing Mirrors....pwr/heated!

[Ram4Sam]

Other than a little massaging, is it a go?



Sam

 

[rweis]

So far as I read the thread:



Mirrors are available for both sides:

status: available ~ $180 ish each side



Need backing plates for both sides:

status: not confirmed yet if available ~ $15 ish each side. If not available then need to be made out of 1/8 - 3/16 steel plate. pending



Minor dremel work needed probably both sides:

status: accomplished by at least one member that needs a picture to draw the clearance area to be removed to not pinch the wires comming into the door from the cab



about right?



Bob Weis

 

[wcoomes]

I'm not as concerned about having heat as I am power adj mirrors. I have a Truck Camper and it is a PITA to adjust those mirrirs manually all the time. Thanks for the info about the plug, I checked and it's there. So 176 x 2 for the mirrors. 15 x 2 for the brackets, how much fot the knob to adjust the mirrors?

 

[benhall]

Sounds about right.



Ben

 

[JGK]

When I did my conversion I had to order 1 reinforcement plate. They are, of course, available through a Dodge dealer. Mine cost me about $17 about 4 weeks ago. And yes, due to the size of these mirrors, the nuts for the standard, non-towing mirrors won't work on the new ones - they are too small.



Because the wiring when fished through the 2nd gen base bracket exits at a little different point than the standard, non-towing 2nd gen powered mirrors, I had to drill a hole through the metal behind the base to fish the wires through into the door cavity on my '98. No big deal and its all hidden when done.



-Jay

 

[Ram4Sam]

I'm not as concerned about having heat as I am power adj mirrors. I have a Truck Camper and it is a PITA to adjust those mirrirs manually all the time. Thanks for the info about the plug, I checked and it's there. So 176 x 2 for the mirrors. 15 x 2 for the brackets, how much fot the knob to adjust the mirrors?

The part numbers for the switch, retain nut, and knob are in a previous post in this thread. I found them online from $45 to $55 for all three pieces. They are used ones on ebay for about half of that.



Sam

 

[Hammer]

Hmmm. .

One would have thought that this outfit would have made them to be a bolt on fit and not one that needs any modifications to be installed. Then on top of that you need to go buy the proper backing plates for them to be mounted correctly,sheesh.



The CIPA"s may be a tad low when not extended but at least when you take them out of the box they fit properly with no hidden problems when mounting them... ... . Andy

 

[Ram4Sam]

It may be a direct replacement for trucks that came with the factory tow mirrors. I'll find out soon as mine are on the way also. I already have the plates and harware but have to buy the adj switch.



I did stumble upon a discount(10%) from Auto Parts Warehouse | Discount Auto Parts Online - Get Free Shipping - Auto Accessories - AutoParts - Performance Parts - Car Parts - AutoPartsWarehouse



When this thread started, I signed on to there mailing list and put the mirrors on a wish list. On 1/23/08 they e-mailed me a 15$ off coupon, had to be used by 1/28/08, which I was going to use today. Last night, I got a different one for 10% off. Saved $35 plus free shipping. Oo.



Sam

 

[WPeschel]

Hmmm. .

One would have thought that this outfit would have made them to be a bolt on fit and not one that needs any modifications to be installed. Then on top of that you need to go buy the proper backing plates for them to be mounted correctly,sheesh.



The CIPA"s may be a tad low when not extended but at least when you take them out of the box they fit properly with no hidden problems when mounting them... ... . Andy

Yeah but they are sooooo UGLY...

 

[benhall]

Here are two pics showing the completed install.



Ben

 

[BPINE]

Ben you didn't happen to take a picture of the connector did you? What do you think of the quality and how do they work?

 

[benhall]

The only thing I don't really care for is on the pass. side mirror. The gap between the bottom of the mirror and the window seal on the outside is bigger than what I think it should be. I'm going to get some black silicone and seal that up. Other than that one minor issue, these are good mirrors, look and operate like OEM. I didn't take a pic of the connectors, but they plug right in. No splicing or anything.

Ben

 

[Ram4Sam]

Blair, here is a pic of the switch I bought on Ebay with the connector...



Sam

 

[wlowe]

For those who have powered mirrors, can the mirrors still be adjusted manually if the power feature malfunctions?

 

[JGK]

Yes. Just carefully push on the glass to move it to position.

 

[HookMeUp]

If you already have the manual towing mirrors do you need the reinforcement plates?

 

[Thomas]

If you already have the manual towing mirrors do you need the reinforcement plates?

The answer to your question is yes.

Since you already have the manual towing mirrors you already have the reinforcement plates.

 

[HPSimpson]

Tow Mirrors

I have 1996 2500HD that has factory electric mirrors I like the looks of these will the mirrors fit without major modifications, just simple mounting. The wiring will be another issued.

 

[CJ Johansson]

Interesting that on the website for the mirrors, if you put in that you have a '98 3500, you don't get the power/heat tow mirrors. They seem to imply that these mirrors are for 1999 to 2001 Rams.

Now in the pictures back on page 1, the box looks like it says 98-01, implying it will work with a '98. I have a '98 3500 I really want these mirrors on (have the factory ones on the '07 Megacab 3500 and LOVE 'em). I wasn't aware that they changed much of anything with the doors for the whole 2nd gen, it that right?

Has anyone tried these on a '98?

-cj

 

[Ram4Sam]

I bet they will bolt up fine, but the wiring may not be there. Did the 98' and older trucks come with a smaller elect/heat mirror and the switch on the door? Pull the top corner of the door panel and see if the open plug is there. (pic of the plug in my post above) Without the factory wiring, you could probably wire in the switch and power, but it would be one heck of a job. As far as the aftermarket/discount vendors, their info on what fits what isn't always accurate.



Sam