Well I went ahead and installed the Mazda unit. Compass, temperature and Homelink. Looks and works great. Quite a bit cheaper than the Ford unit.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/cgi-b...on&key=MAZ31023

 

Are you talking about the one I referenced? If so, pics please. Thanks.
[/b][/quote] No, its the one from e-bay I posted with the link!

 

My thanks to Martimus, Peet and Hotlap for their advice and info. I bought the Subaru (electrochromic, compass & Homelink) mirror and installed it yesterday. It took a little longer than planned because I bought a gizmo called "Add-a Circuit" that replaces the fuse and provides an additional circuit with it's own fuse and I bought the wrong one - which I didn't discover until I got everything installed but the wiring connection.

I bought the one for the standard (older) blade-style fuses. Silly me! The Mustang requires the new mini-blade fuses. So right in the middle of my project I have to stop and go visit Pep Boys to return the older style part and get the mini style!

The arrangement of this special tap did allow me to put the fuse box cover back on although I had to notch the corner for the feed wire going to the mirror. Also my new garage door opener is of the "rolling code" variety so I had to do the extra programming step. But it went together well and everything works as planned. Here's a pic of the installed product.

[attachmentid=19772]

 

This is one mod I am seriously considering. My only problem with it is that the mirror seems almost too big. Kind of disproportionate. Looks like you did a great job on the install though, looks professionally done

 

Chris is that mirror any bigger then the stock mirror or is it just the picture making it look bigger?

 

i think it is the panel where all the buttons are that make it look bigger.

 

Don,
Is this unit the same size as the stock one? is the wiring the same as everyone else here?

 

Here is a link to a pic of my autodimming mirror with compass and temp, I paid $150 for it on e-bay and it rocks:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_image...41_322_full.jpg

 

[quote=FordRacing,May 1, 2005, 10:12 PM]
Don,
Is this unit the same size as the stock one? is the wiring the same as everyone else here?


Gordon

The glass size is the same as the OEM. The unit is bigger in height as the control buttons are along the bottom. I think it looks great and is not disproportionate. I'll post some pics tonight. I had the Mazda directions, the Ford directions from KC, and the tips from this thread. I would say install is the same. Ignore the Mazda wiring directions as they show everything going driver side; the Mustang wiring needs to go passenger side. Temperture sensor runs to front grill.

 

Don,
Thanks for the info I just ordered mine 2 minutes ago from the same place you bought yours.

 

The mirror glass is slightly larger, 9-3/4" wide vs. 9-1/4" wide; height is about the same. The controls in black at the bottom make it look larger and the angle of the pic emphasizes the height as well. It's a really worthwhile mod!

 

Thank you! As I said above, the mirror is larger but the angle of the picture also minimizes the vertical dimension so there's a bit of an optical illusion. The larger mirror does help vision significantly, the compass is helpful and having Homelink instead of needing the separate opener device is wonderful.

 

These pictures aren't the greatest but they will give you an idea of size.

[attachmentid=19845]

[attachmentid=19847]

 

Great thanks a lot....Now I can't wait for the mirror to get here!

 

Yes the mirror is slightly larger than stock - but I remember that the stock mirror didn't show the full rear window in it. So the extra bit of width is welcome.

The overall size is perfect. It doesn't stick out - so to speak, sinc ethe dept is mainly what is thicker and that part is not visible to the passengers/driver.

As to the ebay mirror - glad you found something at a good price, but the ones we're mentioning have homelink which ussually costs around $400 for the mirror. The subaru one was 190 the one with the temp from mazda a tad more. A good deal better value - especially if you have a garage opener to do away with. I've been extremely happy with this mod!

Those of you with rolling code doors, however, how long do you have to hold the button on the mirror for the door to move? Seems like mine's almost 2 seconds (feels odd).

Thanks
P

 

Me, too, Peet! Mine takes about 2 seconds as well - I usually hold it until I see the opener light come on as the sign that it's activated. (My garage door is articulated and has sunburst windows across the top.) The little computer inside the mirror may have to synchronize with the door opener each time is my guess. It is an odd feeling but well worth the change!

 

Many thanks Chris for the heads up. Now I no longer have to wonder each time I come home.

P

 

Eugene - at first it does seem kinda big....but within a few days it seems normal and the stock mirror seems too small......this is one of my favorite mods and I use it several times a day (Home Link). The auto dim feature is cool and I really like the compass.

I further customized it this past weekend by painting the inside of the windshield (satin black) underneath the mirror bracket - as I didn't like seeing the back of the bracket (from the outside) when installed against the windshield.....I simply outlined the mirror bracket (using a Sharpie marker), removed it, taped off the entire inside of the car and sprayed it. It took two coats and looks much better.....at 1st I tried using black tape - but it just didn't look right.....I know I've got too much time on my hands - but it does look way better IMO

 

Jon - looks good - but not the same as the Subaru mirror that Peet and I installed.....and does it have the Home Link feature?

 

Peet - I too have the "rolling code" door opener and it takes from 1 to 2 seconds - same as on my Lincoln LS which was stock from the factory - so it seems ok to me.