Lighting and Folding Mirrors

I remember in a previous post Phil asking something about electric folding mirrors. It just so happened I got a pair shipped from japan for my car. Can't wait to get them all plugged in and working. Before I do that though, I was thiking of putting some kind of lighting behind the mirror itself so that just the glow would show around the rim of the mirror. Does anyone have any ideas on this? I remember Neonstyl had them on his car. He did it with neon, but I can't seem to find any pictures of it anymore. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?!

I would think a few LEDs would work nicely. They're very small, and as long as they are behind the mirror, pointing out, you won't see the LED.

Yeah just figure out how to get the glass part off. Maybe you just pull it off with force. I was too afraid to break mine. I've been thinking of just buying a $40 mirror on eBay to mess with it.

How much did your JDM powerfolding cost? I talked to a Japanese guy over there and he found out for me... The cost if he went to the dealership was $600

If you take the glass off and take the mirror apart, please take some pictures of the folding mechanism, the motor, etc... I might be able to make my own.

I know don't know if folding mirrors were made for all types of vehicles in Japan. The ones I got were for a very good price. 200 Canadian for the pair and all the wiring (its good to have some kind of connections). They were used though (I don't even want to know what it would be from a dealership!) I do have to replace the one mirror because the magnification is different, but otherwise they are just a bolt in kinda deal.

I will surely take some pictures of it when I have it apart. I remember that neonstyl used sg neons behind his mirrors. Would those produce a more even glow? I am not looking for something super bright, but with the mirror housing being not all that big I don't know how well leds would work unless I got a whole bunch or something.

you could scour for some small Cathodes. I have 4" ones, but no one seems to be able to get them anymore. They will kill a neon in brightness.

Or what about a ICELED flood thingy.

Long time, no see everyone !! Lots has changed here, Phil has done an excellent job with the site and adding new things to it!

I've been pretty busy lately and haven't really checked these boards until recently when Mikerosoft here contacted me. I've already sent Mike an email back, but for anyone else interested I have uploaded some pics to phil's nice new Gallery system, viewable HERE (check the "Exterior" section for pics of the mirror neon) and included a brief explanation below.

I used 3-inch SG Mini purple neon tubes, siliconed them up real good and slid them behind the piece of mirror glass in the side mirror housing. I was able to fit them in through a small opening where the factory wires (for power mirrors) went to the inside of the mirror. You have to remove the side mirrors from the car to get at this small opening tho. When re-installed the small opening and all wires are completely conceiled. Then I just ran the wires thru the door frame into the car thru the factory grommet in the door (used for all the factory wires like door speakers, power locks, etc.). Hooked it up to my switches and viola!

I never had to remove my piece of mirror glass, however I have heard of people removing it by simply heating up the epoxy glue that holds most mirror glass into place with a heat gun & *carefully* prying it away from the side mirror housing. I know this works on most Dodge Neon's, however I'm not sure if it differs any with other makes/models. If you do attempt this tho, please be careful as that piece of mirror glass is VERY FRAGILE!

I'll try to drop back by these forums every now & then in case any more questions should arise .

Again, excellent work on the site, Phil!! It looks great .

L8R all,

if your looking for 4'' cathodes, here is a place to get them, and shipping is free! http://www.pcmods.com/index.asp?PageAction=REMOVEPROD&ProdID=21&DetailsID=19416

so has anyone ordered (sp?) any 4's?