Date:         Mon, 17 Feb 2003 08:32:45 EST
Reply-To:     THX0001@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         George Goff <THX0001@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Power mirror conversion how to??
Comments: To: bbutler@PRODIGY.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 2/17/03 2:30:19 AM, bbutler@PRODIGY.NET writes:

<< how easy....or not.... the conversion is electrically. >>

Brian, my man, it all depends on your threshold of pain.  In order to make a
respectable job of it, the most direct path to your end is to get the factory
wiring harnesses.  You may also need the rubber door looms from a later model
to accommodate the increased number of conductors.  I just replaced a half
dozen of the conductors which run from the left side of the dash to the
drivers door for the power mirrors.  If I had to do it again, I might remove
the dashboard to speed up the process.  If I were installing power mirrors in
a van not so equipped, I would DEFINITELY remove the dashboard.

One thing to check is whether or not your van has the necessary connectors
under the dash wired but spared.  They could be missing from the early model
years which would greatly escalate the amount of work involved.  Not counting
the grounding, there are 10 multipin connectors incorporated into the wiring
configuration of the power mirrors and wires to every one of them.

Now if you are just after that svelte look of power mirrors, or if you want
mirrors which don't flop in the breeze, just mount the mirrors without the
attendant hassle of wiring them.  The power mirrors can be adjusted manually
and they will hold the adjustment.

After working on a Vanagon's power mirrors, I appreciate even more Volvo's
solution for the same design problem: a simple, foolproof, mechanical
connection to the exterior mirrors.  And, you don't even have to toggle the
ignition switch to use it.

George