How to Remove the Side Mirror on a 2005 Lincoln LS V8
- 1). Make a note of the vehicle color code. This code is either on the driver's door identification plate, on the firewall or under the trunk lid. The code consists of two digits, which could be a combination of a letter and number, two numbers or two letters. The owner's manual will not give the code but will explain where to find it. The number will be directly above the words "exterior paint" on the plate. Use this number to purchase the proper color touch-up spray paint. Whichever color the paint is, make sure the primer and clear-coat are of the same type paint. Most of the paint found at the auto parts stores will be enamel or urethane. The two are not compatible with each other. The clear and primer must be the same as the paint.
- 2). Mask the glass on the mirror with masking tape to keep it from being painted. Clean the surface of the new mirror woth alcohol or prepsol and a rag. Hang the mirror up with a suitable piece of wire through the mounting hole or sit it mirror down on a flat clean surface.
- 3). Spray the mirror with one coat of primer, holding the can 12 inches from the surface. Allow 30 minutes to dry.
- 4). Spray the mirror with a very light tack coat of color. Allow this to dry for 15 minutes and spray a final color coat on the mirror. Allow 30 minutes to dry.
- 5). Spray the mirror with two light coats of clear paint, allowing 15 minutes between coats. Allow two days to dry.
- 6). Remove the Phillips screws on the bottom of the door panel and on both sides near the top. Remove the plastic cover under the inside door handle using a small screwdriver to pry it out. Remove the two Phillips screws behind the door handle.
- 7). Pry the window switch panel up and disconnect the electrical connectors. Lift the door panel up to disengage the top sill clips and move the panel away from the door. Disconnect the side view mirror wire connector, which is stuck in a hole below and to the rear of the mirror.
- 8). Remove the three nuts holding the mirror to the door. Hold the mirror before removing the last nut. Pull the mirror from the door along with the wire connector, which will pass through the large hole in the mounting station.
- 9). Insert the newly painted mirror's wire connector through the hole in the door, followed by the three studs in the mirror. Spin the three nuts on the mirror studs and tighten them with a socket. Connect the electrical connector pigtail to the connector in the door.
- 10
Install the door panel by hooking the top of the panel on the ledge and lowering the panel down. Install the screws previously extracted. Plug the window switch connectors into the switch and snap the switch into its pocket in the door panel.
Source...