Installing 997 Mirrors to 986 Mounts
 

As part of my 1998 Boxster Renovation, I am installing newer 997 Mirrors instead of the standard 986 ones.

Renovation: http://986forum.com/forums/show-tell-gallery/43078-1998-boxster-project-complete-restoration.html

Here are some basic instructions for the project. I purchased my mirror housings from Xtreme Motorcars.

Disassembly

This is the 986 Driver Side Mirror with the glass removed. To remove it, you need to pry it off with your fingers. It will pop out.

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On the inside of the mirror mount, you will remove the foam backing. Then remove the two screws holding the black plastic to the metal frame. And remove the two screws holding the wiring harness to the metal frame.

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The mirror motor needs to be removed. There are three long screws inside the motor next to the white plastic bar that need to be removed. There are also three screws holding the metal frame to the mirror housing. Remove them.

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Unplug the mirror motor and set aside.

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You will need to remove the wires from the plug. Mark the plug so you know how to put the wires back.

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Once the plug is removed, pull the wiring harness out and set aside.

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Remove the black plastic bottom from the metal housing. I am pointing to the clips holding it in place.

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The next part is pretty challenging. You will need a special tool to compress the spring that holds the mirror to the mount. I fabricated a tool myself by cutting a half-inch of 3/4 inch pipe. Then I cut two notches in one end. Using a bolt and washers I was able to compress the spring to remove the retaining clip.

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Installing the new mirrors is almost the complete opposite.

Put the new mirror on the mount. Using the same tool, compress the spring and secure it with the retaining clip.

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Thread the wiring harness through the back of the mount and up threw the center of the spring.

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Then thread it through the hole that enters into the inside of the mirror housing. The picture shows the plug already reattached. However it was threaded before the plug was reattached.

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Before you reattach the plug you set aside, check to see if the harness needs the wires lengthened. One of the sides does and the other does not. If it does, cut the wires and solder about 3 inches of wire for each of the 3 wires. Then reattach the plug using the marking for the Black, White and Red wires.

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Attach the plug to the back of the motor. Then mount the motor to the mirror housing using the 3 long screws you removed earlier.

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Attach the 2 brown wires to the back of the mirror glass. Then pop the glass back into the motor.

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Repeat for the other side and you're done!

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Love it, I never considered this before. Nice build BTW.

Awesome!!!

Very cool!

love it.
now i need to get 987 mirrors :D

Here they are on ebay.

Porsche 986 Boxster 996 911 997 Style Mirrors New | eBay

thanks for the link, but this is an after market part, that is a direct fit (includes the base). sure i can find an OEM part from a dismantler for a much more reasonable price.
thanks again.

I'm not sure if OEM 997 mirrors will mount to a 986. Would be cool it they did though. The price for the mirror in the ebay link can be lower. Jeff, at Xtreme Motorcars was pretty cool about giving a better deal than he has on ebay.

got you.
thanks.
i was sure your mod is using a 997 OEM mirror from a dismantler and installing it on the boxster mirror base.
i was under the impression that the after market part includes the base.

Very interested in this thread..Great look...Have sourced some keenly priced mirrors from a 2005 987
Which looks to be exactly the same mirrors..

Question is will i be able to fit these to my 986...??

Hey Porsche Pete,

I would love to know/see if OEM 987 mirrors work. Mine are an aftermarket conversion for our 986 units. If so, please post pics of the installation process. Thanks!

very nice mod!