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Topic: Auto-dimming mirror for auto-dim (Read 1860 times) previous topic - next topic

Auto-dimming mirror for auto-dim

My original mirror (that supports headlight auto-dim) had developed a really bad case of plaque in the center and it was getting hard to see through it (from the adhesive behind the glass, maybe?) I've been on a quest for a replacement, and I decided that a really cool upgrade would be to get one of those electrochromic auto-dimming ones like I have in my Explorer. The solution appeared to be one from a 90/91 Lincoln Town Car:





It came with its own auto-dim sensor, but the plug was so tight in it that I found it easier to simply use mine instead. The mirror itself had three wires that I also had to connect:

red/yellow - power, connects to circuit 640 - you can find this circuit on the autolamp amplifier connector behind your clock.

black/pink - connects to your backup lights, makes sure the mirror clears up when you put the car in reverse. You can find this wire running down the driver's side between the seat and the door sill.

black - ground.

The mirror uses the same windshield button as the existing one, so I only had to loosen my old mirror and slide it off (a major convenience!) Anyhow, something to consider for people with auto-dim who want an easy upgrade or who have "mirror plaque" like I had.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
5.0L Speed density
Explorer intake
'92 Mustang GT cam
GT-40 racing heads
Unequal length headers
Custom-made duals
19# injectors
65mm TB
AFPR
T/C header panel
11" brake upgrade
T/C rear sway bar
Electrical mods: too many to list :D


Auto-dimming mirror for auto-dim

Reply #2
nice trick!

Auto-dimming mirror for auto-dim

Reply #3
 here I thought that you were putting in an auto dimming mirror not a different mirror that still works with you auto dim lights. Oh well it is still good info.
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
Da Bird!

FreeBird

Auto-dimming mirror for auto-dim

Reply #4
is there any way to just change the mirror or the mirror glass on the existing one after it gets that plaque.

Auto-dimming mirror for auto-dim

Reply #5
I'll post pics of mine tommarow.  i have an electrochromatic mirror that has the auto Dim light sensor built right into it.  I had the one pictured above before it, and it got to be too much of a pain, since the motor was weak.
88 TC, Lots of Mods.


Auto-dimming mirror for auto-dim

Reply #6
Wow I have never found that model of mirror with the sensor base.
One 88

Auto-dimming mirror for auto-dim

Reply #7
I've seen the one from the Mark VII that has a motor that tilts the entire mirror, but I didn't want to go that route since it's noisy. Hunting down an electrochromic version took quite a bit of eBay surfing.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
5.0L Speed density
Explorer intake
'92 Mustang GT cam
GT-40 racing heads
Unequal length headers
Custom-made duals
19# injectors
65mm TB
AFPR
T/C header panel
11" brake upgrade
T/C rear sway bar
Electrical mods: too many to list :D

 

Auto-dimming mirror for auto-dim

Reply #8
Cool - I love factory appearing, subtle, "Why didn't Ford think of that" mods :D

I had an electrochromatic mirror in my '87 Sport. I boosted it from a wrecked Chevy Caprice cop car (it actually wasn't a 9C1 model, it was an LTZ model used for VIP security). Unfortunately with my tinted windows it was useless - it never saw enough light to get dark. It was for that reason that I didn't install the one with temp/compass display that I had from a newer Impala (eBay'd it instead). I installed an overhead console with the same displays from a '94 Explorer.

All those mirrors are made by the same company, BTW, so you don't need a FoMoCo one.
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣