DARJIX

Some Douchecan* performed a hit-and-run on my car and destroyed my drivers’ side mirror. So I decided to replace the mirror myself, rather than spending an absurd amount at the body shop. Of course I have a $500 deductible, so I couldn’t even make an insurance claim.

_{* = Douchecan might as well be trademarked by Tracey.}

The first step was ordering the replacement part. Because the mirror was smashed and the joint was broken, it made sense just to get a full replacement assembly. This was 150 dollars, including tax and shipping, at Bernardi Honda. You can get cheaper parts, but this was made by Honda and is color matched.

The second step is to remove the door panel. This is pretty easy. You have to take the cover off the inside of the mirror assembly. This is held in with 2 clips, so it just pops out. Next you have to remove two screws, one on the inside of the door latch and one on the inside of the door handle. The door panel should be loose at this point.

The hardest part was figuring out how to unhook the door latch from the door. It is surprisingly easy once you figure it out. You can use a screwdriver to “pop” up the metal latch, and that releases the door panel. The door panel is held in place with a bunch of clips all the way around, and these just pop free with a little bit of pressure.

Once the door panel is off, there are three bolts holding the entire mirror assembly to the door. Remove the nuts and replace the assembly. Don’t forget to hook up the wiring, otherwise you’ll be taking the panel off again. The panel goes back on pretty easily, and you can whack it pretty hard to set all the clips.

I love my Honda – it is so easy to work on. I can’t ever imagine buying anything else. It was pretty funny because my neighbor was also working on his ’89 Jeep today. He’s getting ready to sell it. That car is easy to work on in a different, much more minimalist, way.