[giapet]

Didn't find a thread on this, appreciate any thoughts!

I nicked another car-- no damage to the other car, but I destroyed the casing/shell on my passenger-side mirror. Looking to get it replaced or replace it, but I can only find information on replacing the entire mirror. I definitely can see I would have to buy the entire mirror part, but is it possible to replace only the casing? The mirror itself is still perfectly intact and functional.

I love my Forester but I'm not much a car person, so I don't even know if this is a stupid question! But it sorta looks/feels like I should be able to just snap on a new outer shell...though I know car parts aren't really designed to be that easy.

 

[Firetrux]

Yes you can, but it may cost the same as an entire mirror...

You may be able to find a color matched mirror on EBay and just remove the pieces you need. It appears to be the upper painted shell and the lower black trim piece.

Perhaps your dealer could help confirm the parts needed. It looks like you may have lucked out by the photo.

 

[cfodder]

As @Firetrux mentioned, you can certainly replace those pieces (or change them, if you installed the mirror turn signals and need different housings).

It may be an obvious solution, but in addition to eBay, you may also check with local salvage yards. Unless you have a really unique color, you may be able to get the housing (already properly painted) for fairly cheap! I know 2016 and 2018 housings are the same, so I assume it holds for the whole 2014-2018 range. That's assuming the dealer price isn't unreasonable.

 

[Peja]

Most dealers have a "bumps & bruises" painter to fix shipping mishaps. Some will do side work. I found one through the parts department at my dealer. I wanted a set of silver caps for my white touring OB. The top caps only come unpainted. The OB's were $7 each. The painter wanted $100 to paint the pair. So $114 for the set. I would expect the bottom piece to be about $7-$10. If you can find a painter it's got to be cheaper than a whole mirror.

 

[Jcollins]

I had the same mishap with my FXT '13 last year and thought I'd replace it w/ an off-shore import piece. BAD idea as fit and finish were sub-par. My second replacement was a used salvage yard find that I installed easily. Don't be like me... do it right or do it twice.

 

[mtfotonut]

I sorta crunched my passenger side mirror casing pulling out of garage. Someone decided more room was needed so in avoiding junk I got too close to the garage door frame. I duct taped the edge of the casing so that it is all intact. Mirror is unharmed. Went by Subie dealer...base amount $350 and more if needed. Wonder if I look around at junk yards for mirror casing if I can do it myself?

 

[Firetrux]

It is amazingly easy, after you get past the initial “pop” - if you still have the pieces of your broken one practice removing and reinstalling to get comfortable. Then go shopping for a new one!

They really could not have made it more repair friendly...

 

[Peja]

This will give you an idea what to expect. https://youtu.be/FOjCQDV1kK8?t=4