I've been wanting an auto-dimming mirror like the ones installed by several forums members here, but did not want to pay for a new unit or replace the mounting button (hecash provides excellent instructions here). Fortunately the exact mirror I wanted showed up on eBay for a great price and I was able to modify the mount to work with the existing button. Here are some notes along with instructions on how to complete the mod.

Pros:
* relatively low cost
* mounting button does not need to be replaced
* mod takes very little time

Cons:
* high mounting position (some people don't like this and mirror may not tilt high enough for taller drivers)
* original mirror is destroyed
* tool purchase may be required

Parts & tools needed:
* OEM mirror
* Gentex mirror with hollow mounting ball
* Hacksaw (cheapest at Home Depot is under $5)
* file or grinder
* epoxy or JB Weld
* optional: drill and small screw

Here is a picture of the OEM mirror mount



Here is a picture of the used auto-dimming mirror mount. Unfortunately I am unable to confirm the exact model vehicle this mirror was removed from, however the key is to find a mirror with a hollow mounting ball.



First, cut the mount off the OEM mirror. Make sure the cut is as close to the ball as possible.



Next, cut the ball off the new mirror's mount. This time, be sure to retain as much of the stem as possible.



Here are the two pieces you are left with. Be sure to file or grind the exposed edges smooth and paint black if desired.



At this point, a hole will need to be drilled somewhere in the back of the new mirror and the wired pulled through since the hole in the mounting ball will soon be blocked. Once this is done, fill the new mounting ball with a small amount of epoxy or JB Weld, then slide the stem from the OEM mount into the ball. The finished product should look something like this.





For added security, a hole can be drilled through the top of the stem and a screw installed. The new mirror can now be mounted in your S2000 without replacing the original mounting button, and without paying full price for a new mirror. Once the mirror is installed, just run the power wires up to the dome lights and you are all set!

* Daytime pictures of installed mirror to come tomorrow!

EDIT: Ugh, major failure to focus this morning...here it is installed.

 

nice

 

im sure I am missing something, but wouldnt it be easier to just use a heat gun, soften up the adhesive on the stock button, pull it off and then install the 'new' mirror with its correct button mount instead of mangling two good mirrors?

I did that with my prelude and it worked fine, I got a new mazda auto-dim mirror off ebay for 90$ shipped with temperature and compass + all wiring and paid another 9$ for a button mount that fits that mirror. Havent done the swap out yet though, trying to wrap up some other projects first...

 

I didn't want to risk cracking or delaminating the windshield. With my luck (and lack of skill) it would have been one or the other. Just thought I'd share an alternative to replacing the button.

 

Interesting, my Gentex uses a standard wedge mount. The neck on my Gentex also has 2 points of adjustment which is nice. Looks like the OP's has just the one at the mirror itself with this mounting approach. Is the open ball joint above missing the mounting plate?

It's very easy to crack the windshield. Ask me how.

The "button" on the S isn't a button at all. It's a fairly large chunk of metal.

 

[QUOTE=takeshi,Nov 16 2010, 08:00 AM]Interesting, my Gentex uses a standard wedge mount.

 

I just swapped out my mirror assembly this weekend with a Mazda Temp/Compass model. Getting the old honda button off was a piece of cake, just kept the other side of the windshield cooled down with water and a sponge while I used a pencil torch to heat the button on the other side. I doubt I had the torch on the button more than 30 or 40 seconds and was a able to twist the button off with very little effort.

Unfortunately i mounted the new button a bit high so dont have the range of motion I would like, but it works

 

Decided this method was the one I was going to go with since new windshields come with buttons installed anyway and I wouldn't have to try and remove it.

So I bought a rear view mirror off ebay which looked close enough to this mount. For future reference, it came off a 2005 Hyundai XG. There were a bunch of different Hyundai rear view mirrors with this type of mount as well.

Also, for future reference, here is the only wiring color diagram I had found for this mirror online. Once I get the modifications done and the mirror installed, I will verify them:

Yellow - Ground
Black/white - Car on
Orange - Power Constant
Green - Reverse light, When you reverse it will turn off the mirror so you can see while backing up.

Anyone know of a good source to tap into for the reverse lights.

EDIT: I missed the part where it doesn't quite focus correctly. I can actually get it focused right for me, but it then sits loose in the mirror mount as it's all pushed slightly downwards.