SilverHotz

My auto-dimming mirror failed and I wanted to get it removed before it leaked corrosive goo all over my interior. I wrapped a towel around it and put a small channel-lock on it and very gently began to twist it counter-clockwise. It moved about 20 degrees and I heard a crack. F. I turned it the rest of the way and it popped right off, but now I have to replace the mirror and the windshield. What a dumb@$$ mistake.

If anyone is trying to remove their mirror, be very VERY careful. I couldn't believe how easily the windshield cracked. I read the tech write-up for upgrading to a compass mirror just for the mirror removal hints and the author said to be very careful, but I think it should be in bright red at about 48 font.

I called Safelite and they said their glass exactly matches OEM specs and the moldings will match as well for $265 installed. I think I'm going to go that route since it's at least $100 cheaper than OEM and hopefully it's a little stronger than OEM.

At least I found the post here that mentioned the refurbed auto-dimming mirrors for $75. That puts the grand total of the windshield and mirror a little closer to the OEM replacement cost of the mirror which is $300.

Pscheoverdrive

But, I got a Safelite replacement. It's fine, but there's some distortion near the curved ends that wasn't present w/OEM. But, it's held up fine. I wouldn't say it is stronger than OEM, though. Still, it's a pretty good deal, since they send a guy to your house for the replacement.

SilverHotz

Yeah, that really sucks. I would have probably done a backflip and then ran around the block if I managed to break it while changing wipers. I merely excercised my vocabulary in the form of a long string of well-known expletives.

alms_lefko

and guilty as charged for dropping wiper arm on it...