I'm thinking about getting a HomeLink mirror (Gentex 50-GENK45). Unfortunately there is no aftermarket mirror that'd be compatible with the stock mirror mount in the RX-8, so I'd have to remove the existing mirror's base to install the new one.

Does anyone know if this is easy or a pain to do? How do I do it, with a heat gun / hair drier or something like that?

Also, about those windshield mirror mounting kits that are available at auto parts stores (like Napa) - are they reliable? Last thing I want is to remove the stock mount and install a new one that falls off.

 

They tend to be glued on with cyanoacrylate glues...like "crazy glue"

I would phone a windshield place like Speedy...and se if they can be removed

 

use the stock rx8 plate and just put something else over it. I installed a rx8 homelink mirror in my 04. I used some hard plastic folded over into a 1"square. regular mirror mounts will slide over, but you can't tighten them. put a filler in there like a hard plastic just enough so it's firm, then tighten the screw down and it's very solid.

 

Thanks, that sounds interesting. I'll try it.
Another question: how do you take off the stock mirror? I never tried to remove it, can it be just pulled off so that all what remains on the glass is the plate you're talking about? How do I do it so that I won't damage anything?

 

there's a slot on the drivers side of the mirror. stick a small flathead screwdriver in there and there's a lock plate that you push up. pull the mirror towards the top of the car gently and push with the scewdriver and it will release.

 

I tried and I can't remove the darn stock mirror... the flathead screwdriver slides in fine (I'm using one that's about 1/8" wide). Goes in pretty deep and I sorta feel it does find the lock tab or at least something (hard to describe). However, no matter how I try, the mirror wouldn't budge and I'm afraid to break something if I force it. Pulling the mirror "gently" definitely doesn't work.
What am I doing wrong? This is frustrating...

 

I'll get you a picture. basically get the screwdriver in all the way back and push the screwdriver back towards the windshield and pull up on the mirror.

 

Got the mirror off, finally. Thanks Aseras for the tip.

Now I need to affix the new mirror to the stock mounting button, because it is just like as you described... the new mirror's base slides over the button but it's loose.

If I'm successful, I'll make a DIY

 

I took a pice of plastic, like from any of that Pain in the *** plastic packing you get now the clear hard stuff. cut a couple of squares out and fold it over to match the size of the base. you want it about 1/4" thick. Put the mirror on all the way and slide the plastic in all the way. now tighten the screw and let it bite into the plastic a bit. should be just as tight as factory. mine is.

 

Hehe, coincidentally that's the exact same material I used yesterday to install the mirror. Worked just fine and it sits indeed very securely. Now all that remains is the wiring - I'll get to that later this week I hope.

 

I used a usb cable. a female connector from a motherboard, and a regualr usb cable about 5 feet long. I tied it right into the power for the lights in the overhead. I could care less about the auto dimming mirror. I powered the homelink part only. All i did was strip the usb cables and wire it. took 5 minutes. i promise i'll do pics.. I'm just really busy.

I have enough for a DIY several times over.. just haven't got around to it.



plugged that into the back of the mirror.

 

here's the other pics for the wiring.





i didn't use the reverse or the acc. reverse dims mirror when car goes to reverse. acc turns on the mirror. I don't care so i didn't hook them up on mine, plus it's be a PITA to wire it.

 

here's the wiring diagram if you want it

http://208.219.69.31/mirror/diag.jpg