How-To: Modify & Install JDM Mirrors in USDM SVXi
 

Just did this modification on the set of JDMs I bought back in 2008. Had to take it apart 5 times in trial and error and actual installation on the door to check the mirror angle until it worked. Made a clear How-To for those looking to do the modification.

Enjoy!

Re: How-To: Modify & Install JDM Mirrors in USDM SVXi
 

Danny,

That's a LOT of work! great, detailed writeup.


Doug Mohr "mohrds" did the JDM mirror swap many years ago with a lot less hassle, using USDM mirror bases.

Here is the conversation from back in 2003 with Mike Davis "Green1995SVX"


Green1995SVX
"You will have a difficult time adjusting the JDM mirrors to work properly. They're set for a RHD car, so the positioning of the mirror glass isn't quite right for a LHD car. With the left mirror adjusted to the extreme right, I still need to lean into the passenger seat a little bit to see out of it. The right mirror shouldn't give you any problems."

mohrds
"I worked around that by swapping out the mounting bases. They are now JDM mirrors with USDM bases and the alignment is perfect."

Green1995SVX
"The USDM mounting base doesn't allow the left side JDM mirror to fold in all the way so that it is parallel to the car. (The JDM mirrors fold in a few degrees more than the USDM versions.)"

mohrds
"Sure it does, you just need to drill a new alignment hole in the USDM mirror base, using the JDM base as a guide. There are little pins molded into the folding mechanism that designate LHD or RHD so that they were not mixed up in the factory.

The alignment holes are only a quarter inch or so off from RHD to LHD. If you try to switch them without drilling a new alignment hole, the base will not fit squarely to the folding mechanism, not enough to be visible to the naked eye, but enough to prevent the mirrors from folding properly."



This may be an option that works as well, if you buy JDM mirrors in the right color, and swap bases, or are having the mirrors repainted.
.

Re: How-To: Modify & Install JDM Mirrors in USDM SVXi
 

Wow this comes up at the perfect time, a friend of mine in ocala just got a set of jdm mirrors.

Re: How-To: Modify & Install JDM Mirrors in USDM SVXi
 

Hmmm. The only thing I didn't look at are the mounting bases. But the inner chassis is totally different between JDM and USDM. The USDM is diagonal, whereas the JDM is diagonal but angled in the middle.

I assumed the bases are exactly the same between both types. Will look at my passenger side with JDM mirror now, since I haven't yet wired it and door upholstery is still off.

Re: How-To: Modify & Install JDM Mirrors in USDM SVXi
 

Ok, did the modification on the passenger side and it worked.
Well whatever writeup I have done on the mirror didn't go in vain. I had one of the adjustment tabs (that moves the mirror right and left) broken and it had to be replaced. Good thing I had another broken mirror which I can use as parts.

We can always use this writeup above as a How To dismantle a mirror safely LOL.

Re: How-To: Modify & Install JDM Mirrors in USDM SVXi
 

Great write-up Danny, Thank you!

Re: How-To: Modify & Install JDM Mirrors in USDM SVXi
 

Honestly, I tried to look for mohrds' details he mentioned for the driver's mirror and I just couldn't understand or pinpoint them. Wish he kept some pictures of the process. For now I am sticking with my modification until someone plunges in with another writeup.

Re: How-To: Modify & Install JDM Mirrors in USDM SVXi
 

Omg, that was a pain in the a**! That was never meant to come apart.

Re: How-To: Modify & Install JDM Mirrors in USDM SVXi
 

Hmmm not really. Broke one mirror long time ago while trying to do it, but now it became easy.

Re: How-To: Modify & Install JDM Mirrors in USDM SVXi
 

I hope you didn't think I was blaming your how to. It was great, just a poorly designed piece of equipment.