Autodim Rear Mirrors

[Stanley]

Does anyone know what specific Ford or Gentex models of rear-view mirror can swap into Tbirds and fit properly?

With the powerful lights on the road everywhere, I'd really like to add this to my car. Thanks.

 

[XR7-4.6]

Does anyone know what specific Ford or Gentex models of rear-view mirror can swap into Tbirds and fit properly?

With the powerful lights on the road everywhere, I'd really like to add this to my car. Thanks.

There’s really not a specific one, Gentex autodimming mirrors all mostly mount the same(which is the same as stock), some have extra features like a compass and are color coordinated to the car they came from(blue green etc) but I’d say pretty much any 90s-early 2010s Ford or GM one will work. Stick with midsize-full size models though, the mirror in compacts(like my Focus) are considerably narrower.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Yes, I've actually added two. First one from a Taurus, then one from an Avalon (to get the garage door opener).

The base on the windshield is a standardized part, not specific to any brand. The thing that does change between models is how the mirror is attached to the base. Our stock mirror has a metal clip inside the foot of the mirror. Other Fords have a metal clamp around the foot. The single best method is a set screw through the foot, which you find on many Japanese cars; easy to install and to remove. Removing the stock mirror requires patience, a small angled pin, and a tiny hammer; proceed at your own risk.

97s, and presumably all years, are pre-wired for the mirror up until the connector behind the driver side B-pillar trim. There will be a purple/orange wire carrying ignition ON power.

 

[XR7-4.6]

97s, and presumably all years, are pre-wired for the mirror up until the connector behind the driver side B-pillar trim. There will be a purple/orange wire carrying ignition ON power.

Definitely not on my 94. I had to tap into the moonroof wiring to get an ignition source for it. The autodimming mirror that was was optional had different connectors than most of the Gentexes you find as well IIRC

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Definitely not on my 94.

You checked the connector at the bottom of the B-pillar? Behind the seat belt retractor?

 

[XR7-4.6]

You checked the connector at the bottom of the B-pillar? Behind the seat belt retractor?

Ooh I gotcha I misread, I thought you were saying it was prewired other than the reverse wire from that connector. You’re correct, all MN12s are prewired up until that point, the roof harness beyond is option specific

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Ooh I gotcha I misread, I thought you were saying it was prewired other than the reverse wire from that connector. You’re correct, all MN12s are prewired up until that point, the roof harness beyond is option specific

Yes, that's what I meant. Which makes installation really easy and clean. Just get another like connector from the junkyard, remove pins, and add pins to your connector in the unused spots, extend wires as needed.

 

[XR7-4.6]

Yes, that's what I meant. Which makes installation really easy and clean. Just get another like connector from the junkyard, remove pins, and add pins to your connector in the unused spots, extend wires as needed.

Exactly… I didn’t do that with mine… but I’m putting a regular mirror back so it all works out lol

 

[Grog6]

What didn't you like about the AD mirror? I was considering it.

 

[XR7-4.6]

What didn't you like about the AD mirror? I was considering it.

Nothing really, the mirror I have has a blue compass and the color clash annoys me. I don’t find the autodim function all that essential to seek out another one, so I’m just simplifying back to stock

 

[Grog6]

I gotcha. That mirror you describe is what I have also, and similarly, don't need a compass. Oh, I also got your meaning on the ammeter being a fire risk; the meter shunt hits 600F @60A. Won't be using it.

 

[XR7-4.6]

I gotcha. That mirror you describe is what I have also, and similarly, don't need a compass. Oh, I also got your meaning on the ammeter being a fire risk; the meter shunt hits 600F @60A. Won't be using it.

I actually wanted it solely for the compass ironically I was just unpleasantly surprised by its color after I wired it up. I’m actually thinking I might throw it in the Focus since it has blue interior lights, the one in it’s starting to delaminate anyway