Finally bit the bullet

Mazda Forum Mazda Classifieds Photo Gallery Member List Search Contact Us Sponsors
Models Mazda News Mazda Recalls TSBs Timeslips Register Login

Finally bit the bullet

Printable Version

Mazda >> Mazda Vehicles >> Mazda3 >> Finally bit the bullet

Page: [1] 2 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Finally bit the bullet - 2/6/2008 6:43:16 AM

icspots

Posts: 898
Joined: 5/31/2006
Status: offline

Well I finally gave in and ordered some stuff for my car. Item number one (and two?) are heated side mirrors that will come on with the defrost. I plan on doing it the same way that billm on mazda3forums (those of you who have been reading the "side mirror broken" thread should know what I'm talking about) and just replace the glass and run the wires myself vs. a full replacement. Really I've been wanting to do this for nearly two years but just kept putting off the order. Also I ordered some superflux 4 chip LEDs from oznium.com to mount as courtesy lights under the dash/seat/side mirrors, plus two in the cargo area since the cargo light sucks. All but the cargo lights are going to be wired to come on when: 1) I unlock the car, 2) I open a door, 3) I turn off the ignition. The cargo ones will just come on with the cargo light when the hatch is open.

_____________________________

Mods to come: ????

Post #: 1

RE: Finally bit the bullet - 2/6/2008 7:02:25 AM

Lupae3s

Posts: 991
Joined: 12/13/2004
Status: offline

that sounds nice. ive always wanted heated mirrors, too. let us know how it works out for you.

(in reply to icspots)

Post #: 2

RE: Finally bit the bullet - 2/6/2008 7:07:20 AM

icspots

Posts: 898
Joined: 5/31/2006
Status: offline

Well I have a pretty good walkthrough from billm so it should work just fine...... I do need to go buy a new soldering iron though as mine's broken. :( I would love to just buy the full replacements except I don't want to have to store the old mirrors, and I can't really justify spending twice as much to get new ones over just the glass replacement. Plus it's fun to do this kind of stuff with your car. :)

_____________________________

Mods to come: ????

(in reply to Lupae3s)

Post #: 3

RE: Finally bit the bullet - 2/6/2008 8:45:52 AM

Lev

Posts: 230
Joined: 1/30/2006
From: New Paltz, NY
Status: offline

I also want to put heated exterior mirrors on. I just didn't know how difficult the process was. Also post plenty of pics of the lights. can't wait to see what they look like.

(in reply to icspots)

Post #: 4

RE: Finally bit the bullet - 2/6/2008 9:09:25 AM

icspots

Posts: 898
Joined: 5/31/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lev

I also want to put heated exterior mirrors on. I just didn't know how difficult the process was. Also post plenty of pics of the lights. can't wait to see what they look like.

If you get the full replacement mirrors (~$205 for both sides) It's a super easy ~5 minute job for each side. You pop off the triangular panel where the tweeter is, unplug the harness, remove three 8mm bolts and then the mirror is off. Reinstall in reverse order with the new ones and you're done.

If you replace just the glass it's a little more involved. You have to remove the mirror from the car and disassemble the base. Then you have to run new wires from the glass, through the articulated joint, and fabricate pins into the mirror side of the harness plug. You don't have to alter any of the stock wiring as it's all there up to where the harness ends at the mirror. If you don't mind playing with wires and doing a little soldering then this way is both more fun and much cheaper (~$80)

I'll definitely take pics of the LEDs and the install. Currently I installed three blue LEDs that come on with the headlights. One on each side of the dash and one in the back of the center console. The intensity matches the light above the ashtray and they're very sublte (though I need to make the driver's side one more subtle)

_____________________________

Mods to come: ????

(in reply to Lev)

Post #: 5

RE: Finally bit the bullet - 2/6/2008 4:23:28 PM

virgin1

Posts: 5209
Joined: 3/15/2007
Status: online

Well!!! Hallelujah!! It's about time.

I would ask you to finally change your sig to go along with it, but I can't, cause mine is so out of date now too.

Yeah, I DEFINATELY wanna see how your LEDs turn out.

_____________________________

"There is no tool you can buy that will replace experience." - Josh Mills, C.K.DeLuxe

(in reply to icspots)

Post #: 6

RE: Finally bit the bullet - 2/6/2008 5:52:30 PM

sizzlin07

Posts: 99
Joined: 1/15/2008
Status: offline

Ditto on the LEDs. Look forward to seeing and hearing how it turns out!

_____________________________

'07 iTouring Sedan MTX - Sunlight Silver

(in reply to virgin1)

Post #: 7

RE: Finally bit the bullet - 2/6/2008 6:19:14 PM

Lev

Posts: 230
Joined: 1/30/2006
From: New Paltz, NY
Status: offline

Thanks for the info. I will prob go with the just the mirror and have a friend help me. Where did you get the mirrors from?

_____________________________

05 grey mazda 3 s 4 door

(in reply to sizzlin07)

Post #: 8

RE: Finally bit the bullet - 2/6/2008 6:50:18 PM

icspots

Posts: 898
Joined: 5/31/2006
Status: offline

Well I can't change my sig. until I've actually done the mod. :P

I ordered from Jason at www.onlinemazdaparts.com. He's super helpful and has done a lot of research for both the heated mirror mod and the flip keys. Plus he has fantastic service. While I was ordering stuff I also ordered a JDM coin holder that replaces one of the blanks by the dimmer dial, and a replacement clip for my driver's side visor as it broke and the visor won't stow properly.

_____________________________

Mods to come: ????

(in reply to Lev)

Post #: 9

RE: Finally bit the bullet - 2/7/2008 7:13:43 AM

lelola

Posts: 10
Joined: 11/30/2007
Status: offline

Most of the Canadian models come standard with heated side mirrors...

_____________________________

2008 Mazda3 GT Auto
Galaxy Grey Mica
No mods...and I'm ok with that.

(in reply to icspots)

Post #: 10