Side View Mirror Replacement

[hammishsqueak]

I am looking to replace my passenger side view mirror that was damaged awhile back on my 99 Dodge Caravan. I found instructions for replacement online and it looks simple enough to do myself. I would like to get the part from a local junk yard as I think a brand new mirror would look odd on an old van. Do I have to disconnect the battery from the junk van before removing its mirror and while removing the damaged mirror from my own van? Also, does the battery have to remain disconnected while putting the new mirror back on my van? I just don't want to get shocked and hurt myself over something so small. TIA!

[huntr1]

Junkyard van won't have a battery. They pull them for recycling/hazardous waste/pollution.
No, you don't have to disconnect your battery to work on it.
Ebay is a better place to get a mirror than Brandywine, just make sure it's an OEM, not aftermarket, mirror.

[Justme2]

Originally Posted by hammishsqueak

I am looking to replace my passenger side view mirror that was damaged awhile back on my 99 Dodge Caravan. I found instructions for replacement online and it looks simple enough to do myself. I would like to get the part from a local junk yard as I think a brand new mirror would look odd on an old van. Do I have to disconnect the battery from the junk van before removing its mirror and while removing the damaged mirror from my own van? Also, does the battery have to remain disconnected while putting the new mirror back on my van? I just don't want to get shocked and hurt myself over something so small. TIA!

Is it painted watch what you ask for

[hammishsqueak]

Thanks! I just don't feel like frying myself if I touch the wrong wire. I will definitely look on Ebay, although I may soon be in the area of Crazy Ray's (Baltimore) to see what they have.

[hammishsqueak]

Originally Posted by Justme2

Is it painted watch what you ask for

Nah, it's just a plain black, plastic mirror. I'll even stick a non-power side view mirror on if I have to (I won't have the van too much longer), I just want to be able to see my right side better. I currently have one of those "cut out" mirror stickers from Pep Boys on it right now, but it isn't that great. Just an okay temp fix.

[foodcritic]

Originally Posted by hammishsqueak

Thanks! I just don't feel like frying myself if I touch the wrong wire. I will definitely look on Ebay, although I may soon be in the area of Crazy Ray's (Baltimore) to see what they have.

We are talking about a car right?

Go to a mechanic.

[hammishsqueak]

Originally Posted by foodcritic

We are talking about a car right?

Go to a mechanic.

I heard that you can get shocked from some wires in the car if you mess them up on accident I'll have my brother help out when he's back in town.

[aps45819]

Originally Posted by hammishsqueak

I heard that you can get shocked from some wires in the car if you mess them up on accident I'll have my brother help out when he's back in town.

It's always a good idea to disconnect your battery when working on your car.