Cabrio maplight conversion link?

[E30 Cabrio]

Does anyone have the link to the site that shows how to do the Maplight mirror install on a cabby?

My computer died recently and I lost my bookmarks, including the one that describes this procedure.

I have a maplight mirror on the way and would like to install it when it arrives.

Thanks.

Edit: Found the link: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/339610/2

[BCMike]

I used THIS as a guide but ran the power out the back top of the mirror body and sleeved the wires in black shrink tapping into the overhead light power source.

[a32guy]

I used THIS as a guide but ran the power out the back top of the mirror body and sleeved the wires in black shrink tapping into the overhead light power source.

Nice, I think they should connect to the overhead lights anyway. E30's need more light when a door opens.

[Ablice]

I used the power sunroof wire.

Mine was a manual anyways, but wiring up the sunroof wire was a lot easier than threading the maplight wire through the A-pillar and gets lost down in the dash somewhere.

Except verts don't have sunroofs, but the wiring might still be there. People have done it off the check control wires.

[browntown]

^^ I'm going to have to look if I have the wiring, that would make things oh so much simpler over hacking into the check panel loom. good idea.

[DaveSmed]

Whats the big deal over this mirror? If your going to go through the trouble, put something nicer in that doesn't use $20 lightbulbs.

[mrl325i]

Whats the big deal over this mirror? If your going to go through the trouble, put something nicer in that doesn't use $20 lightbulbs.

Cool. More info, please.

[StereoInstaller1]

Yeah, Dave, moar info, please!

looks GMish. I totally agree E30s need more light, especially if tinted.

Luke

[smonkbmw]

that was my scheme, to wire it in with the door trigger.

[E30 Cabrio]

Don't need anything fancy, just would like to have the Maplights as I did in my old 325es

The link I posted has an excellent write-up on the how-to and wiring, so if any other Cabby owners are considering this mod, I recommend the link I posted above.

My Maplight should be arriving in a few days and I will try to install it and post feedback, but I may not have time this weekend.

[DaveSmed]

Good eye Luke, that mirror is from a Cadillac Deville. Tahoes, Suburbans, Blazers, Bonnevilles, etc. came with them too. (The Bonneville ones are nice because the lighting is almost a perfect match to the E30 dash lights)

Start looking in higher trim domestic cars in the junkyard for one, they are usually a good bet because later models end up in there sooner due to poor resale among other reasons so there is a good source of newer stuff to put in an old car.

Just make sure you get the button thats glued to the windshield after you get the mirror. (this one released by sliding a screwdriver into the bottom) Channel locks are a good bet usually. Any auto parts store sells the glue to attach the button on to your windshield. Make sure you test fit! Do not glue it where the old mount is. The mirror has something like 5-6 wires coming out of it, for stuff like making the drivers door mirror dim in sync with the inside mirror, going full bright in reverse, etc. I hooked up a switched 12v and a ground and it works fine.

There are a few different types of mirrors. If you just want map lights, instead of paying for an E30 map light mirror, rip one out of an old cutlass or some other GM pile from the late 80s-early 90s. Three wire hookup, 12v constant (or switched) for the map lights, ground, and dome! yes, dome light connection so you don't have to concoct something with the rare factory piece. 12v applied there, both lights light up no matter where the map light switch is.

Electrochromatic dimming is sweet, mine has that. Usually there is a little black circle on the glass or an auto button on it to turn it on or off. Automatically "smokes" the mirror in proportion to the glare in back of your car.

Compass mirrors have a big base where it attaches to the windshield, and a black rectangle in the corner.

They come in all kinds of combinations, some with map lights, dimming and compass, just dimming, dimming and compass, etc. My junkyard charges two bucks for a mirror (remember to unplug the wires and keep the pigtail in your pocket, wires can make the mirror cost more. ;-))

[StereoInstaller1]

Rockin' bit o' info there, Dave!

I think I just might have to make a quick trip out to my local pik-n-pull.

Bonnie, did you say?

As far as the "good eye" thing, I do spend a minute or two in a dashboard every day...quick little story for ya:

I was working in a little shop in San Diego years ago, like 1984/85, somewhere in there, and this guy rolls in a seriously custom Toy minitruck. First thing I noticed is that it had door handles from a Subaru XT. I asked him how much hassle it was to put them in...they guy just freaks out..."you are the first person to EVER know what these came off of!" Blew the guys mind, major-like.

Gotta love custom car guys!

Luke