Procedure for removing and replacing a power mirror motor on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8 engine, including door panel removal and mirror assembly access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power mirror motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Door panel retaining clips (if broken) × 1 — GM door panel clips

Preparation

1. Disconnect battery negative terminal and secure away from post
2. Roll window fully up to access upper door panel fasteners
3. Ensure adequate lighting inside vehicle and work area
4. Have replacement door panel clips available in case originals break during removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove window crank handle
   Using a flat blade screwdriver or door panel tool, carefully pry out the C-clip retainer behind the window crank handle. Slide the handle off the regulator shaft and set aside with the retaining clip.
2. 2

   Remove door lock knob and escutcheon
   Unscrew the door lock knob by rotating counterclockwise. Remove the escutcheon plate by pulling straight up and away from the door panel.
3. 3

   Remove armrest assembly
   Locate the 2 Phillips head screws securing the armrest to the door panel. Remove both screws and lift the armrest assembly away from the door panel, setting it aside with hardware.
4. 4

   Remove door panel retaining screws
   Remove 4 Phillips head screws around the perimeter of the door panel. Locations are typically at the front edge, rear edge, bottom front corner, and bottom rear corner of the panel.
5. 5

   Detach door panel from door
   Starting at the bottom front corner, carefully pry the door panel away from the door frame using a trim stick or flat blade screwdriver wrapped in cloth. Work around the perimeter to release all retaining clips. Lift the panel up and away from the door, clearing the door lock rod through its opening.
6. 6

   Access mirror assembly from inside door
   With door panel removed, locate the mirror motor assembly. On aftermarket power mirror installations the motor may be integrated into the exterior mirror housing or mounted to the door. Peel back the moisture barrier partially if necessary to access the mirror mounting area. Mirror mounting fastener count and location vary by installation — verify the actual hardware before removal.
7. 7

   Disconnect mirror motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector leading to the mirror motor. Note wire color coding for reinstallation. Disconnect the connector by pressing any locking tab and pulling apart. If wires are spliced rather than using a connector, carefully cut wires leaving sufficient length for reconnection, and mark polarity.
8. 8

   Remove mirror mounting nuts from inside door
   Remove the nuts/screws securing the mirror base to the door from inside the door cavity (verify the actual fastener size and count for your specific installation). Support the mirror from outside with your free hand to prevent it from falling. Remove the mirror assembly once all fasteners are removed.
9. 9

   Separate motor from mirror housing
   With mirror assembly on workbench, locate the 2 screws or nuts securing the motor to the mirror housing back plate. Remove fasteners and carefully separate the motor from the mirror housing, noting the orientation of the motor drive mechanism to the mirror adjustment ball.
10. 10

    Install new mirror motor
    Position the new mirror motor onto the mirror housing with drive mechanism properly aligned to the mirror adjustment ball. Install 2 mounting fasteners and tighten securely. Test motor operation by briefly connecting to 12V power source to verify proper function before reinstallation.
11. 11

    Reinstall mirror assembly to door
    From outside the vehicle, position the mirror assembly onto the door with studs protruding through mounting holes. From inside door cavity, thread the mounting nuts/screws onto the studs by hand, then tighten evenly with the appropriate wrench (verify size and count for your installation). Do not overtighten as this may crack the mirror base.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the mirror motor electrical connector, ensuring positive and negative wires are correctly oriented according to previous notes. If wires were cut, strip ends, twist together matching colors, crimp with appropriate connectors, and wrap with electrical tape for weather protection.
13. 13

    Test mirror operation
    Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal and test mirror adjustment in all directions using the aftermarket mirror control switch (note: there is no factory mirror switch on a 1966 Corvette). Verify whether the circuit is switched or constant-power and operate accordingly. Verify smooth operation and full range of motion. Disconnect battery again before final reassembly.

Reassembly

1. Reposition moisture barrier against door frame, ensuring complete coverage
2. Align door panel over door lock rod and door frame, seating upper edge first
3. Press door panel firmly around perimeter to engage all retaining clips
4. Install 4 door panel perimeter screws and tighten securely
5. Install armrest assembly with 2 Phillips screws
6. Install door lock escutcheon and knob, threading knob clockwise until snug
7. Install window crank handle onto shaft, secure with C-clip retainer
8. Reconnect battery negative terminal and verify mirror operation one final time

Verification

• Test mirror adjustment in all directions (up, down, left, right) using control switch
• Verify mirror returns to center position smoothly without binding
• Check that door panel is secure with no rattles or loose clips
• Confirm all door panel hardware and trim pieces are reinstalled
• Verify window crank and door lock operate normally after reassembly

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