What is the trick to taking off the side mirror covers?

[Shotta]

Hello,

I have the factory service manual with instructions how to take off the side mirror covers, the only issue is they eont friggin budge.

I have been working as a technologist in the Electro-Mechanical field for over 18 years now but for the life of me cant get this little bugger off and if I press on those tabs any harder Im pretty sure Im going to drive the screwdriver right through the mirror cover when it slips or the tab snaps!!!

So for those that have removed their mirror covers, is there some special trick or do I jsut have covers that will never be coming off?

Thanks.

[Skorch]

I just used a flathead on the tabs.. Seemed pretty easy at the time.

[Telephone]

I had my passenger side cover repainted after I scuffed it on my garage door. I was able to remove it by gently using a plastic pry-tool that came in a kit from Amazon. I started prying a small section on the inside(towards the door) corner and then gently worked my way out till I could safely pull it off. Be careful, take your time, and it can come off without scratches.

Putting it back in is tricky too. Either the top section slides in first, then the bottom clips on...or vice versa. Can't remember. You will see the tabs on the back when you get it off.

Consider getting a kit like this if you like to DIY
Amazon.com: 5pc Nylon Master Door and Trim Removal Tool Set: Automotive

[Shotta]

Originally Posted by Telephone

I had my passenger side cover repainted after I scuffed it on my garage door. I was able to remove it by gently using a plastic pry-tool that came in a kit from Amazon. I started prying a small section on the inside(towards the door) corner and then gently worked my way out till I could safely pull it off. Be careful, take your time, and it can come off without scratches.

Putting it back in is tricky too. Either the top section slides in first, then the bottom clips on...or vice versa. Can't remember. You will see the tabs on the back when you get it off.

Consider getting a kit like this if you like to DIY
Amazon.com: 5pc Nylon Master Door and Trim Removal Tool Set: Automotive

So you pried it off from the outside without collapsing and pushing on the tabs first on the inside? I might have to try your method after I collapse the tabs again. In my case it feels like someting else is holding up top other then the 2 tabs because I was pushing on both of them at the same time with enough force to fold the mirror housing forward but I achieved absolutely no seperation between the cover and the mirror housing.

I think I have the demon mirror cover.

[Baer383]

You are suppose to take the glass off from the bottom then getting to the tabs is easy.

[Telephone]

Originally Posted by Shotta

So you pried it off from the outside without collapsing and pushing on the tabs first on the inside? I might have to try your method after I collapse the tabs again. In my case it feels like someting else is holding up top other then the 2 tabs because I was pushing on both of them at the same time with enough force to fold the mirror housing forward but I achieved absolutely no seperation between the cover and the mirror housing.

I think I have the demon mirror cover.

Which side...driver/passenger?
I started from the bottom-inside corner on the exterior of the mirror cover. The corner enabled me to fit my pry tool easier. I gently pryed little by little around the bottom cover until I could wiggle and pop it off. This may not be the service manual way, but worked for me. Just be careful.

If you're still struggling with it, I could possibly make a vid.

[Baer383]

Originally Posted by Baer383

You are suppose to take the glass off from the bottom then getting to the tabs is easy.

The glass comes out first you guys need to read and download the shop manual.

[Telephone]

Originally Posted by Baer383

The glass comes out first you guys need to read and download the shop manual.

BS...you're not helping.

Read his F**king first post! He is handy and tried the manual method and it's not working. He posted here asking for advice or a trick to get the f**ker off. That's where I come in because I have experience getting the cover off/on painlessly and without damaging it. I wouldn't have posted anything had I not successfully done this job yet.

[Baer383]

Originally Posted by Telephone

BS...you're not helping.

Read his F**king first post! He is handy and tried the manual method and it's not working. He posted here asking for advice or a trick to get the f**ker off. That's where I come in because I have experience getting the cover off/on painlessly and without damaging it. I wouldn't have posted anything had I not successfully done this job yet.

I work in a body shop also the 370z shop manual says to remove the glass first I've done it this way when I painted mine black it's allot easier.

But if he wants to do it the wrong way then be my guest and teach him the wrong way,what do I know I'm just a 25yr Master ASE certified body tech.

[Shotta]

Originally Posted by Baer383

I work in a body shop also the 370z shop manual says to remove the glass first I've done it this way when I painted mine black it's allot easier.

But if he wants to do it the wrong way then be my guest and teach him the wrong way,what do I know I'm just a 25yr Master ASE certified body tech.

I work on very complex half million dollar robots for a living and I also am great at following manufactures instructions. I had the mirror glass off in less then 30 seconds.

It's the tabs, I fully collapsed them, then pushing extremely hard in the little pockets on top of thr tab I can't get the cover to budge.

[Baer383]

Originally Posted by Shotta

I work on very complex half million dollar robots for a living and I also am great at following manufactures instructions. I had the mirror glass off in less then 30 seconds.

It's the tabs, I fully collapsed them, then pushing extremely hard in the little pockets on top of thr tab I can't get the cover to budge.

Look to see if there is any adhesive holding on (come out by the hole)

[Baer383]

you need to release the top tabs first then it will swing down from top to bottom.

[Shotta]

Originally Posted by Telephone

Which side...driver/passenger?
I started from the bottom-inside corner on the exterior of the mirror cover. The corner enabled me to fit my pry tool easier. I gently pryed little by little around the bottom cover until I could wiggle and pop it off. This may not be the service manual way, but worked for me. Just be careful.

If you're still struggling with it, I could possibly make a vid.

I only tried the passenger side and after being discouraged I didn't bother to try the drivers side. I was starting to do the "more power" and it was time to quit before I broke or scratched something.

I'm going to pick up some trim removal tools, pop the tabs, then use your method around the outside. I don't think I need the video, I get what you are saying, but thanks for offering.

[Baer383]

Originally Posted by Telephone

BS...you're not helping.

Read his F**king first post! He is handy and tried the manual method and it's not working. He posted here asking for advice or a trick to get the f**ker off. That's where I come in because I have experience getting the cover off/on painlessly and without damaging it. I wouldn't have posted anything had I not successfully done this job yet.

As for you being a azzhole nowhere in any of your's or his threads do any of you say that you took the glass off that's why I said what I said.

Just cause you were successful doesn't mean your right!!

[Shotta]

Originally Posted by Baer383

you need to release the top tab first then it will swing down from top to bottom.

There's only 2 right, I got those. I will check for adhesive but the car doesn't appear to have ever been repaired anywhere so not sure why there would be adhesive anywhere between the mirror cover and mirror body.