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@TDF017 is there a trick to getting the stock mirror mount off? i keep trying to rotate it (quarter turn CCW) but im afraid to apply more pressure and break something its not budging at all :blush: Theres gotta be something im missing.

Ive got the master tailgater adapter and Dremel standing bye for install
I had the same feeling. I was terrified that I would break the mount. The mounting plate is actually a lot tougher than I thought. There are 3 metal tabs holding the mirror to the hex nut. They flex when you twist with enough force. The 3 round guide pins (on the outter casting) fit on the circular ring around the hex nut. The metal tab on TDC of the outter casting aligns with the notch above the hex nut. The amount of force required is heavy but not insane. I think it also helps to pull "down" a little as you twist... just enough to flex those 3 tabs. Twist it and it will release. Be committed.
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@TDF017 is there a trick to getting the stock mirror mount off? i keep trying to rotate it (quarter turn CCW) but im afraid to apply more pressure and break something its not budging at all :blush: Theres gotta be something im missing.

Ive got the master tailgater adapter and Dremel standing bye for install
The real fun happens when you try putting the world's tiniest allen wrench into the world's tiniest set-screw that only rotates ÂĽ turn at a time,,, upside down and backwards.

And when you think you've got it,,, you don't. Triple test it to make sure it's "locked in". I thought I had it secure and it fell off a week later. Hit the set screw with 1 drop of Blue LockTite before you start. It also helps if you can grow a 3rd arm and bend your spine into the shape of a question mark.

I invented 4 new swear words while installing that adapter.

Enjoy...
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mtsoxfan

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While I enjoy seeing the mods of others, and all the issues that come with them, I'm glad I'm an "old man" and don't have the need for them.
I remember working for a dealer in the 80's, and doing electrical work in the same manner you described your mirror experience. Don't miss that. Sometimes you need to be rubberbandman. Now try to get that tune out of your head.
 

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The real fun happens when you try putting the world's tiniest allen wrench into the world's tiniest set-screw that only rotates ÂĽ turn at a time,,, upside down and backwards.

And when you think you've got it,,, you don't. Triple test it to make sure it's "locked in". I thought I had it secure and it fell off a week later. Hit the set screw with 1 drop of Blue LockTite before you start. It also helps if you can grow a 3rd arm and bend your spine into the shape of a question mark.

I invented 4 new swear words while installing that adapter.

Enjoy...
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Hey Tim - I’m glad I have the skinny non-auto-dimming mirror - doesn’t look bad at all, strapped in.

Does that adapter not twist and lock like the OEM stalk? Just relies on the set screw?
 


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I too have the skinny mirror, since I have the adapter I’ll give it a go but if my patience wears thin maybe I’ll just fall back on the piggy back method.
 
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@TDF017 is there a trick to getting the stock mirror mount off? i keep trying to rotate it (quarter turn CCW) but im afraid to apply more pressure and break something its not budging at all :blush: Theres gotta be something im missing.

Ive got the master tailgater adapter and Dremel standing bye for install
1 trick that helped me (on my 2nd try) was to run the set-screw a few turns in and then place the adapter on the hex nut. IF it goes on easy,,, take it off and turn the set-screw a little more.

Continue doing that until the adapter won't go over the hex nut. Then, dial it back just enough for the adapter to go into place.

From there,,, you only need to suffer a little bit to get the last few turns with the allen wrench.
 

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Just the Set-Screw...
:facepalm:

A 13-year old could 3D print one that would work properly if their dad asked but not at Master Tailgaters.
 
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:facepalm:

A 13-year old could 3D print one that would work properly if their dad asked but not at Master Tailgaters.
It would have been a lot easier if they had placed the set-screw on TOP of the adapter instead of at the bottom where it's hardest to reach.
 

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I too have the skinny mirror, since I have the adapter I’ll give it a go but if my patience wears thin maybe I’ll just fall back on the piggy back method.
I strapped the Wolfbox on to do my dry-fit and was happy with it, so I left it. I also didn’t want to Dremel the cover.

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I sandwiched a piece of rubber toolbox drawer liner in to protect the OEM mirror.
 
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I strapped the Wolfbox on to do my dry-fit and was happy with it, so I left it. I also didn’t want to Dremel the cover.

IMG_1125.webp


I sandwiched a piece of rubber toolbox drawer liner in to protect the OEM mirror.
The thinner OEM mirror is much better for this application. I didn't like the huge MASS hanging there on my fatter mirror.
 

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The thinner OEM mirror is much better for this application. I didn't like the huge MASS hanging there on my fatter mirror.
Agree. If I had that thicker, auto-dimming mirror, I’d be looking for an alternative.
 

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1 trick that helped me (on my 2nd try) was to run the set-screw a few turns in and then place the adapter on the hex nut. IF it goes on easy,,, take it off and turn the set-screw a little more.

Continue doing that until the adapter won't go over the hex nut. Then, dial it back just enough for the adapter to go into place.

From there,,, you only need to suffer a little bit to get the last few turns with the allen wrench.
THIS👆👆
From someone who deals with flight deck - knobs and switches frequently - this helps and most have 2 setscrews to secure the knob. so, picture the shallow space between the knob and the panel - no room for the tool to rotate full travel (360 Deg) - this is where the above step will make it quicker and easier to secure the screw. (approx. 1 to 1.5 full turns and your secure)
 

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Thanks for the tips, a work glove and some commitment make quick work of the stock mirror removal. The adapter was a PITA but with your tips it wasn’t horrible. I’m gonna drive around a bit without installing the top molding piece and make sure I like the mount and placement before I break out the dremel. But seems like I’m headed in the right direction.
 
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Thanks for the tips, a work glove and some commitment make quick work of the stock mirror removal. The adapter was a PITA but with your tips it wasn’t horrible. I’m gonna drive around a bit without installing the top molding piece and make sure I like the mount and placement before I break out the dremel. But seems like I’m headed in the right direction.
I'm glad you didn't have to suffer as much as I did...
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