Power Mirror Upgrade

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88AZSS

Master Mechanic
Mar 13, 2018
432
1,090
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Mesa, AZ
I’m a sucker for adding options that didn’t originally come with our cars while still using GM sourced parts. Here’s a quick write up on how I upgraded to power mirrors on my Monte Carlo SS. This is specific to Monte Carlos for the most part because of the mirror housing.
Edit: Corvette, Camaro, Firebird mirrors are unconfirmed to be the exact same housing. Monte Carlo and Fiero are confirmed via part number.
80s Corvettes, Camaros, Firebirds, and Fieros MAY have all used the same “sport” mirror housing across the board. I pulled the mirrors used from a Fiero and confirmed part numbers stamped in the housing are the same as originally on my Monte. If the mirror wasn’t power or adjustable, there is a small piece of tape covering the hole the wiring came through. The difference being the gasket that went between the mirror housing and the door panel. This is what gave the curve needed to match the different body lines of the doors.
0185A0D6-C45C-4391-A6DA-B9335B1AC67E.jpeg

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Once I realized they were the same, I opted to just use the Fiero mirrors and swap the Monte Carlo gasket over. I used the control switch from a 90s Caprice which fit perfect in the stock mirror adjuster bezel. I didn’t take a photo of that but the one below is one I found that shows the exact same thing.
E4CBE545-CD42-46E9-A0E1-24998C33C662.png

I then pulled the pig tails needed from the car and tied it all together. I used the following diagram that I found on another forum to help get a simple idea on how it should look. I do not take credit for this diagram and give credit to whoever made it.
076EFE82-CF6B-44CF-B4C0-4E2B860587BE.png

I tied in the pig tails and cleaned them up with some heat shrink. Made sure there was enough wiring to make it to the opening in the door panel while still clearing the window glass. I tucked the harness into the same “holder” as the original adjustment cable went through.
03E10429-568D-4108-BBD1-6A2744773749.jpeg

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I ran the wiring under the dash and to the passenger door, did the same wiring tucking so it would clear the glass on that side too. I left a pig tail on that side too so the mirror can be removed if needed. I ran a ground to the spot used for the other power options in the drivers door. Ran the power line to the fuse box and spliced in a stock end so it’ll click right into one of the accessory spots.
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All in all it can be done easily in one afternoon if you have all the parts already. I suggest greasing the motors, they’re old and dusty. Otherwise very straightforward. I’ll be happy to answer and questions and help anyone who’s doing this upgrade too.
 
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pagrunt

Geezer
Sep 14, 2014
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Elderton, Pa
Nice, good for the '86-'88 MC/'86-'87 Elky/'Bu doors. Now only if I can find a set of '79-'82 Vette mirrors with out the Vette tax attched to convert my '81's to power.
 
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pontiac guy

G-Body Guru
Oct 28, 2016
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Royse City, TX
Good info. Now what I would love to know is how you get the mirror apart. I've never been brave enough to just pry the glass out and I'd love to do this on a couple of my other projects.
 
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88AZSS

Master Mechanic
Mar 13, 2018
432
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Mesa, AZ
Get something thin, a blade or very flat screwdriver and find a good corner. The adhesive is 25+ years old. It won’t take much, heat it if you must. I took the glass off both sets I had easily. Attached are photos for reference, let me know if you have any questions.
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I cut down the remainder adhesive and then used super glue to adhere them back to the motor plate. If you have a Monte Carlo or similar that already used these style mirrors, there’s no need to remove the glass. Replace the gasket and mount the electric mirror.
 
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69hurstolds

Geezer
Supporting Member
Jan 2, 2006
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If you break your mirrors, you can get the LH flat and RH convex mirrors with GM p/n's (or equivalent repros) 20318502 for LH and 20289778 for RH (RH still available from GM as of this post). Keep in mind, these are p/n's for factory sport mirror glass, and it may or may not be exactly what you need for power mirrors. Just tossing this out there in case someone tries this and breaks their mirrors.

Gaskets for sport mirrors LH/RH, are 20557633/20557634 Monte Carlo

El Caminos use a different gasket p/n for LH/RH, 20557635/20557636. I don't know what's different between Elky and Monte, though.

You may can get a glass shop to cut you a driver side mirror piece if need be. I dunno.

If you need replacement nuts for the mirrors, they're p/n 11505329, which are the same as the door handle nuts. Or you can get the generic equivalents, box of 25 from Clips and Fasteners.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040CRWPU/?tag=gbody-20
 
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81cutlass

Comic Book Super Hero
Feb 16, 2009
4,639
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Cool!

Is there an option for this on olds, Buick or Pontiac with the other sport style mirrors?
 

69hurstolds

Geezer
Supporting Member
Jan 2, 2006
8,089
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IIRC, Corvette had power mirrors option in the early 80s, which used the little bulb head sport mirrors. The support bolted to the bottom is different, but not sure as to how, and if the angles and all that rot means you could swap bases.

I think power mirrors are kind of a waste if you have to go through a lot of expense or gyrations to get there. Reason being, on my old Rockets, the manual mirrors don't need adjusting since I'm the only one who drives them. So no need really. I don't recall the last time I had to adjust the outside mirrors on the G-bodies.
 
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pontiacgp

blank
Mar 31, 2006
29,270
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Kitchener, Ontario
I'm relieved, when I saw this title and all the talk about rolling coal I thought someone was was putting power tow mirrors on a G body... :unsure:
 
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5spdCab

Royal Smart Person
Dec 29, 2019
1,190
1,989
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Tukwila, Wa.
If you break your mirrors, you can get the LH flat and RH convex mirrors with GM p/n's (or equivalent repros) 20318502 for LH and 20289778 for RH (RH still available from GM as of this post). Keep in mind, these are p/n's for factory sport mirror glass, and it may or may not be exactly what you need for power mirrors. Just tossing this out there in case someone tries this and breaks their mirrors.

Gaskets for sport mirrors LH/RH, are 20557633/20557634 Monte Carlo

El Caminos use a different gasket p/n for LH/RH, 20557635/20557636. I don't know what's different between Elky and Monte, though.

You may can get a glass shop to cut you a driver side mirror piece if need be. I dunno.

If you need replacement nuts for the mirrors, they're p/n 11505329, which are the same as the door handle nuts. Or you can get the generic equivalents, box of 25 from Clips and Fasteners.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040CRWPU/?tag=gbody-20
Thank you for including p/n's for these gaskets for other cars. I saw that someone else would like to know p/n's for BOP's also. I have a Caballero that I am upgrading with options not originally installed, and power mirrors are on the list.
 
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