Mirror Swap 01-02 to 98-00 - How-To

[Basher]

This How-to was originally posted on BugMod.com, a fantastic website that unfortunately is no longer online. All credits of this how-to go to them.

Photo's & Info by: DOOODLE Written by: NETBEETLE

In this article, we're going to cover the swap of side mirrors from a 2001 NB to a 2000. The newer rear-view side mirrors on 01-Newer vintage New Beetles have a sleeker design that many earlier model owners have an appeal for. BugMod Staff Member: John Dodge located a set of mirrors at a salvage yard from two wrecked NB's and chose to paint them black. It is important to remember to get all of the hardware from the mirrors for the exchange (mirrors, hinges, trim panels, and screws for extras)! The screws are the only thing that will be re-used from the earlier system. John reports prices to be in the range of $75-$100 per mirror, so hunt around. This mod article will cover the process of swapping the passenger-side mirror. The procedure must be duplicated for the driver's-side mirror as well.

[Basher]

Tools needed for this Mod:
2001-2002 Driver's & Passenger Side Mirrors
TORX Driver Set (assorted sizes)
Phillips Screwdriver
Vehicle Jack with cribbing blocks
Drill and Assorted Bits
6-7 Hours Labor time (approximately 3 hrs+ per side)

[Basher]

The first step in this procedure is to pull-back the weather-strip from the front of the A-pillar, enough so it is out of your way when working (picture - below left). Next, you will remove the trim piece that covers the entire interior A-pillar by pulling straight out. You will then need to remove the tweeter (picture - below right).

[Basher]

Moving to the door, remove the interior door panel - 3 TORX screws at the bottom of the door and 2 Phillips-head screws at the Pull-handle (picture - below left). Once the door panel is removed, unplug the window, lock, and safety-marker light wiring harnesses (leave the door handle cable connected and set the panel on the ground). Next, block-up the bottom of the door with whatever wood cribbing you have set atop your vehicle jack. Remember, you are going to be removing the top door hinge assembly and want to avoid mis-alignment of the lower hinge. The jack and cribbing are intended to keep the door as close to the stock hanging-height as possible when both hinge assemblies in place (picture - below right).

[Basher]

Our next step is to pull-back the window channels (multiple pictures below)...

[Basher]

Next, we're focusing on the mirror assembly itself. Remove three TORX screws from the interior A-pillar opening to remove the trim cover. Remove two screws (inside channel) to remove trim from door. Remove the two larger 13mm nuts to remove hinge from body. Remove the two TORX bolts from door to remove the hinge. You may need to use Vice-Grips to loosen TORX bolts. The 2000 Mirror is now loose - carefully feed power cable from mirror out of door. (pictures below)...

[Basher]

Position the 2001 mirror in-place and hand-tighten all bolts (picture - below left). Clear anything from the path of the door swing and check door operation for alignment. Once the door alignment appears proper, tighten all bolts firmly. Run the power cable from mirror down to connector on the inner-door. Test the window to ensure nothing obstructs its operation. The 2001 Mirror trim piece requires a new, third hole drilled in the window channel, using the best line-of-sight reference that you can (picture - below right).

[Basher]

Double check that all of your bolts have been tightened. Connect all of the wire harnesses back to their respective locations and re-install the interior door panel. The third, un-used hole will no longer be used. It would be advisable to putty this hole over although, this is your decision. Connect your tweeter and re-install the A-pillar trim panel. Finally, re-install all of the weather-stripping that was removed. YOU'RE DONE!...well, half-way. Follow the same instructions for the driver's-side mirror installation. Enjoy!

[Basher]

Just a personal note in the end here: I did this mod myself and it's not so difficult. Make sure though to be careful when untightening and tightening the hinge bolts. Don't sit in the car, because it will slightly move down and your door will be in the wrong position (been there done that )

[noR]

To discuss this How-To please visit the link below...

Mirror Swap 01-02 to 98-00 - (How-To) -Discussion Thread<---click here