Heated Mirrors

[Mickelsons]

I did a search with no avail, but I thought I saw something about this awhile back, did any 1st generations come with heated exterior mirrors, or turn signals mounted in the mirrors? If not do any of the newer models fit on the first gens?

Thanks,

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

I know Spdrcer34 has taken a pair of mirrors from a Ranger I want to say, and adapted them to fit on his Explorer. I don't think they're heated or turn signals in them, but I would assume that second generation explorer mirrors would fit, because don't the doors fit?

Might take some fitting/customizing and wiring, but I see no reason why they shouldn't work.

 

[Mickelsons]

I thought I read somewhere that 2nd or 3rd generations would bolt up, but I have not been able to confirm that. I was hoping someone on here had done it.

 

[JDraper]

None of the 1st gen's came with heated mirrors that I know of.

 

[gloomis]

Mickelsons,

I mounted a pair on my '94 EB that were from a '99 model, I believe.
Mine were looking pretty ragged - this was a much easier route to take than trying to smooth the old ones out and repaint them.

And... as a bonus... I now have those little puddle lights.
I had to wire those in to come on with the lights in the doors. No problem there.
But... I had to manually wire in the power controls for the mirrors.
And it was just trial and error on that.

So, if you could find some heated mirrors of a 2nd gen, there's a possibility that they will bolt up, but I'm sure you would have to do any required wiring on your own - no way it's going to snap together.

Good luck!

 

[IZwack]

Maybe you can take apart the mirrors and install some sort of a heating element (maybe from another car)

MY E-350 van came with heated mirrors and I was like WTF, I'll never use these pieces of crap. But I was proven wrong: heading up to the ski slopes the mirrors became really foggy (and they are critical in my van cauz the rear view mirror is useless). So I flipped the switch and 15 seconds later, the mirror was clear as day! I was impressed!

 

[Mickelsons]

Gloomis, the mirrors you put on bolted up normally and fit ok? the wiring is the simple part, I just want to make sure they will line up with the body lines and attach.

 

[Willard]

Looking at this link:

http://www.directautomotiveproducts.com/repair-and-replacement-mirrors-ford-explorer.html

Shows that the mirrors physically look pretty much the same. They also have a pretty good price on heated mirrors if you want to buy new.

 

[Mickelsons]

Thanks for all the information!

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

Here's a link from Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD...014QQitemZ330299128831QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Less then 76 dollars, and that includes shipping.

Hmmm, this would be a nifty upgrade, even if just for the puddle lamps. I wonder also if you could wire the puddle lamps to flash with the blinkers as well...

 

[gloomis]

Mickelsons,

Yes, they bolted right up. Fit perfectly.
They're a bit more rounded than the orginals - I think they look great.

Let me know if you want to see, I'll take you some pictures.
And I can probably go back and check and see where I got them from on eBay, if you'd like.

 

[Mickelsons]

I will take your word for it. I think I will order some in a few weeks, the ones I have now need to be painted since they are all faded out, so I may as well up grade them while I am at it. Thanks for the information!

 

[CDW6212R]

FYI, the 95-01 Explorer mirrors are a direct bolt on to older Explorers. The wiring determines if they will have the heating wires or not. All 93-94 Limited Explorers had heated mirrors, the defrost circuit powers them. That takes two more wires. The puddle mirrors have one more wire that comes from the interior light circuit. The connectors should be the same, but there obviously will be wires not there in your truck. You can add them easily if you get extra wires from another vehicle. The wires will come out of the connectors by removing the tiny red plastic locks.

Do not buy any aftermarket mirrors, you will not like them. They don't adjust in the full range needed, and they don't fit quite as well. This is my 99 Limited, with a a 91 LF door and 93 Limited rear clip, with all 1999 wiring and aftermarket mirrors.

 

[Mickelsons]

Sounds good, I may take a trip to U-pull-it this weekend and see what they have there, I need to get a couple of odds and ends anyway.

 

[CDW6212R]

The Limited has heated mirrors, maybe it's an option on others. The mirror itself has etching in it telling you that it is heated.

 

[Maniak]

Do they (2nd gen heated mirrors) fold in like the 1st gens to? At least like the 1st gens do after you hit them on something once.

~Mark

 

[CDW6212R]

They do, only slightly easier than the pre 95's. I have my left one pulled back from normal about 1/4", to get a better range for the mirror. As I said the aftermarket units don't move as far as OEM mirrors. Find a good used Ford mirror, say a late Sport truck. You can but replacement mirror glass if needed for signalling/heating. Muth had them long ago, though no one mentions them these days. They were about $170 a pair years ago.