Side mirror mod question

[Ruflyf]

A while back I saw a mod I wanted to do, but it was before I had the vx. Now that I have one, I am looking for comments, suggestions, guides, etc. The mod involves the side mirrors, and it opens and closes them as the ignition is turned off and on. Making it less likely someone will accidently take a mirror off when its parked, plus it looks cool. The only place I have seen a guide was on one of the Japanese sites, I could probably find it again, but would rather a english guide. Now for the questions:

1) Has anyone done this mod?
2) If yes, are you satisfied with the results?
3) Has anyone seen any english guides?
4) Places to get the parts needed?
5) Any reasons NOT to do the mod?

Thx

[VehiX]

If I'm not mistaken, this was a feature on some Trooper models that had been adapted to some of the Japanese spec model VX's. You should be able to source down the hardware you need for this mod from your local isuzu dealer

[Joe_Black]

Both my '93 and '95 Trooper had this feature, and IIRC so did the JDM Rodeos. If I'm not further mistaken doesn't the VX use Rodeo mirrors? If so, you should be able to get Rodeo power mirrors from overseas and then a simple relay circuit off the ignition power will do exactly what you want.

If you put a switch inside to manually control the folding be sure that it's out of the passengers reach. With the Troopers my friends would constantly be folding the mirrors in and out while I was trying to deal with folk at a drive-thru.

[Ruflyf]

lol, thats too funny...thx for the tip...in the trooper did you like it? Didnt cause any additional vibration?

You mention "overseas," that the only ones that came with the feature?

[VehiX]

If I'm not further mistaken doesn't the VX use Rodeo mirrors? If so, you should be able to get Rodeo power mirrors from overseas and then a simple relay circuit off the ignition power will do exactly what you want.

I was told that the mirrors on the Rodeo and Trooper look very similar to the VX but are NOT a direct swap. I believe the screws do not line up on the bottom of the mirror. Don't quote me on this though

[Joe_Black]

Trooper mirrors are VERY different from the VX, which is why I was leaning more to the Rodeo/Passport connection with VX mirrors. Troopers have more squarish, paddle-shaped units, and the powered models didn't vibrate or behave any differently than non-powered. I never used the folding feature, just a luxury for passengers to annoy me with.

I think the cladding actually is wider than the outside of the mirrors, so folding really wouldn't be much use methinks. Then again, one more quirky thing for the VX to do in the face of befuddled masses.

[Ruflyf]

Joe, what did you mean overseas? Is that where I would need to try to locate one from?

Also the mirrors do stick out a lil further than the cladding, but not much.....still would look cool though

[Joe_Black]

Joe, what did you mean overseas? Is that where I would need to try to locate one from?

Sorry, meant to clarify that I think only non-US Rodeos had folding mirrors in the event the mirror crossed with the VX. The bases are different between the Trooper and VX, so doubtful the mechanism could be easily adapted. But if you're a whiz-bang fabricatin' kinda dude, then you're all set!

[kpaske]

That would be a cool mod... if you do figure out how to do it, please share your experiences.

[etlsport]

was this ever done? it would be hella cool!

[Triathlete]

I can verify that the VX mirrors stick out beyond the cladding! When laying on the wall on Hells Gate the passenger mirror would have been toast if my passenger didn't fold my mirror in for me (thanks Larry). As long as you have a passenger you don't need power mirrors!
Although its always nice when someone finds something new and shares!

[hyperkid]

I went searching and found this thread - I really want to do this mod. Couldnt we get someone overseas to order the internal components to make the mirrors fold? Has anyone been able to get this mod to work?

[johnnyapollo]

It's my understanding that the JDM mirror is completely different from the US version. There was a thread about this and how they had to be one-off-ed for the US market. As memory serves the shape is similar to the Rodeo but the guts and mounting are unique to the VX. JDM parts are extremely difficult to obtain - you basically have to have a JDM VIN to order and many are no longer available (last JDM model was 99).

-- John

[hyperkid]

I guess more specifically I was wondering if I could retrofit the servo motors to work with the US version. As long as I could get the motors I might be able to make something work.