Maplight Fitment

[Japandrew73]

I recently bought a maplight mirror and I am having the absolute worst time fitting it. I understand how to wire it, but I need to know how to fit it into the hole up top! I dont have a check panel so I can't take the check panel out for help.


Any tips?

[BlackSpeed66]

Shake your fist and drop a few F-bombs. That's how I got mine in.:D

But seriously... you kinda fit one end in the one side, then push/pull/yank the other end till it snaps in.

[Japandrew73]

Shake your fist and drop a few F-bombs. That's how I got mine in.:D

But seriously... you kinda fit one end in the one side, then push/pull/yank the other end till it snaps in.

trust me there have been way to many f-bombs to count, and my old grandma neighbor was right next door and heard me

[mattdk318i]

i agree with above
i swore several times trying to get mine to fit. the spring is pretty fierce

[sennasixty8]

i used channel lock pliers to compress the spring, and used a midsize plastic wire tie laid just b/w the spring and where it rests. only one side is needed to keep it compressed when you release the pliers. next you manuever it into the opening, and rest one side into the rectangular opening. if you've got a friend or third arm, have them use the handle end of a hammer to push the compressed/wire tie side into the other end. once you've got it in you should be able to pull the wire tie out. make sure you use the thin end at the spring, its flat enough to pull out once the spring "seats" and releases.

[Japandrew73]

Hmm.... ok I'll give that a try thanks

[Schneller 3er]

This is how I did it and it worked. Press one side in by hand, take a hammer in the other hand, and use the back of the handle to push the other side in. You'll have to use some force. It should pop right in.
Hope that helps

[Japandrew73]

This is how I did it and it worked. Press one side in by hand, take a hammer in the other hand, and use the back of the handle to push the other side in. You'll have to use some force. It should pop right in.
Hope that helps

and when doing this my sun visor entire panel must be taken off I figure? I can't fit a hammer into it... If i take the whole thing off and hammer it in I still need to put the panel back on.... It gets very tricky

[Schneller 3er]

and when doing this my sun visor entire panel must be taken off I figure? I can't fit a hammer into it... If i take the whole thing off and hammer it in I still need to put the panel back on.... It gets very tricky

I didn't say use a mallet..just a reg. hammer will fit throught the check panel opening. And whatever you do, don't hammer it in. Just push on it.

[Japandrew73]

I didn't say use a mallet..just a reg. hammer will fit throught the check panel opening. And whatever you do, don't hammer it in. Just push on it.

Well that's what the problem is, I have an 84 318i so I don't have a check panel. I don't even have a check panel blank. I have one point of access to the mirror hole and it's through the back.

[sennasixty8]

pull the panel down, it will make it alot easier. I neglected to notice your mention of that problem. also, get an extra hand to help line things up and maybe even tap the head of the hammer (since you're using the HANDLE as your point of impact). it wont take much effort, just a nice solid open palm "thump"

[Schneller 3er]

Well that's what the problem is, I have an 84 318i so I don't have a check panel. I don't even have a check panel blank. I have one point of access to the mirror hole and it's through the back.

yea, I missed that part....see if you can fit the hammer through the opening where the rubber grommet fits in the panel.
good luck

[sennasixty8]

yea, I missed that part....see if you can fit the hammer through the opening where the rubber grommet fits in the panel.
good luck

I really don't think he'll have the leverage he needs at that angle, not to mention the windshield would also be in the way...

save yourself the grief, and pull the panel...

[Japandrew73]

rigth i don't mind pulling the panel but think about it. I pull the panel, have room and hammer the mirror in, now how do i fit the panel back up over the mirror? it won't fit...

[Jean]

Look at the base of the mirror, then when you try to install it get one side of it IN and then press hard to get the other side in as well. That's all I had to do. Now, when I replaced the front headliner piece for late model it sure makes the job easier as you can remove the check panel..but you should be able to install it w/o it. Just watch the glass and try not to break it...