2001 C70 rear mirror replacement

Nigel · Post by **Nigel** » 25 Nov 2019, 22:41

Hello all, has anyone done a rear mirror replace on a 2001 C70? I've unscrewed the 4 overhead panel hex screws, but it is still clipped in, by wires and the lights which are attached to the entire panel. Are these lights able to be popped out? Does anyone have advice for the best method to remove this panel so I can get to the mounting screws for the mirror itself

redc70 · Post by **redc70** » 26 Nov 2019, 04:48

Hi, I don't know if the cabrio is different, but I've had mine out several times to fix cracks and splits. Take out the four hex head bolts that hold the sun visors in. Drop them down enough to unplug the vanity lights and set the sun visors aside. If you then drop the panel enough you can unplug the switches for the interior lights on either side of the rear view mirror. The panel comes out pretty easy, but I would advise 2 people as once it is loose it is really flimsy. In short, yes all the lights can be unplugged and the panel should come out easy. Again, mine is a '99 C70 convertible so yours could be different. Mine was in such bad shape with cracks and not repairable that I had to buy one of different color off ebay, paint it and install. That was 2 years ago and needs to come out again to fix cracks ...again. Vet poor quality I think.
When you put it back in, don't tighten the four hex screw too much as they can crack the panel.
Hope this helps and good luck!

Nigel · Post by **Nigel** » 26 Nov 2019, 09:44

Thanks for the in depth reply. I keep getting held up by the lights themselves. Should the lights pop out of the panel itself, or should they unclip from the attachment points with the car? I've attached a picture.

redc70 · Post by **redc70** » 26 Nov 2019, 13:56

Mine came out from the car, ie popped out of their rectangle slots, and I also unclipped the little harnesses from the car. So, I had the lights, completely separated from both that panel and the car itself. It is somewhat difficult to get them back in flush with the panel on reinstall.
If I remember right, wiring clips from both vanity lights hook into the main light array next to the rear view mirror. No idea how the mirror is held in place.