The drivers side rear view mirror on my 2003 Corvette began to delaminate about 2.5 years ago. Initially the local Chevrolet dealer wanted to replace the whole assembly and charge me around $650 for the repair. I decided not to do the repair but it had got to the point here I could no longer see out the mirror so something had to be done.
After searching the web I found a site called CULTRAG Performance. I gave them a call and they were able to find what I was looking for.
My car has the heated and auto dim features so that makes the cost significantly higher but still less than half what the dealer was going to charge. I have included a video and photos below showing how to do this repair.
Tools / Parts:
2003 C5 Left Hand Glass Only - Heated - Auto Dimming $323.00 (Order Here)
Trim Removal Tools
2’’ x 3’’ Wood Block
Small Soft Cloth
Flat Head Screwdrivers
Everything I found online had very little detail on how to do this so I hope this helps someone who is having the same issue.
If you have any questions about the process feel free to contact me below.
Watch Video Below For More Detailed Instruction
Step 1:
Carefully remove mirror by prying glass from housing. I used a trim removal tool for this. Be careful not to damage the actuator arms and clips inside the mirror assembly.
Here you can see the connection points behind the mirror. These all have to align when reinstalling mirror. Using a flashlight during removal and install can be helpful to make sure everything is aligned properly.
Step 2:
Using two flat head screwdrivers carefully remove two connector rods from old mirror. These are ball joints and are made of plastic. Make sure to apply slow even pressure to making sure to not damage them.
Orient new mirror to match old mirror and install connector rods from old mirror on your new mirror.
I used a small piece of wood to press ball joints into new mirror. Carefully use firm even pressure during this process you don’t want to damage new mirror by using too much force.
Step 3:
Install new mirror by aligning all connector rods and ball joints. Using a 2’’ x 3’’ wood block with a soft cloth placed between the block and mirror carefully but firmly press the center of the mirror toward the housing. You will hear several pops as the ball joints and other connectors snap into place.
Inspect mirror to make sure it operates normally and is not loose.
Once you do this you are done!