Side Mirror Assembly

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the driver or passenger side mirror assembly on a 1972 Ford F-100, including door-mounted hardware removal and mirror adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Mirror mounting gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Mirror mounting hardware kit × 1 — Typically includes nuts and washers

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Roll down the window on the side where mirror work will be performed for easier access.
3. If working on driver side mirror, ensure adequate working space to open door fully.
4. Clean the mirror mounting area on door exterior to identify all fasteners.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access interior door panel near mirror mount
   From inside the cab, locate the interior door panel area directly behind the mirror mounting location. On 1972 F-100 models, the mirror typically mounts to the door exterior skin with mounting screws; some configurations may use through-fasteners accessible from inside the door cavity. Verify the specific mounting style on your truck before proceeding. If equipped with a full door panel, you may need to partially remove or access behind the panel in the upper forward corner.
2. 2

   Remove window crank and door hardware if necessary
   If interior door panel must be partially removed for access, remove the window crank handle by pushing the escutcheon toward the door panel and removing the retaining clip with a flat blade screwdriver or trim tool. Remove the interior door handle escutcheon if it obstructs access to the upper door panel area.
3. 3

   Access mirror mounting nuts
   Locate the 2 mirror mounting studs that protrude through the door from the exterior mirror base. These will have nuts and washers on the interior side of the door. You may need to peel back the moisture barrier or reach through the door access opening to locate them in the upper forward corner of the door.
4. 4

   Support mirror from exterior
   From outside the vehicle, place one hand on the mirror assembly to support it and prevent it from falling when mounting nuts are removed. If working alone, apply masking tape from the mirror base to the door panel to temporarily hold the mirror in position.
5. 5

   Remove mirror mounting nuts
   Using the appropriately sized socket or wrench, remove the fasteners securing the mirror to the door. Verify fastener size and location (exterior screws or interior nuts) based on your mirror's mounting style. Keep washers and nuts organized for reinstallation. The mirror assembly will now be free from the door.
6. 6

   Remove mirror assembly from door exterior
   From the exterior of the vehicle, carefully pull the mirror assembly away from the door. The mounting studs will withdraw through the door holes. Remove the old mounting gasket from the door if it remains stuck to the surface.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surface
   Clean the door mounting surface where the mirror base mates to the door exterior. Remove any old gasket material, dirt, or corrosion. Ensure the mounting holes are clear of debris.
8. 8

   Install new mounting gasket
   Position the new mirror mounting gasket over the mounting holes on the door exterior. The gasket prevents water intrusion and provides a sealed interface between the mirror base and painted door surface.
9. 9

   Position new mirror assembly
   From the exterior, align the new mirror assembly mounting studs with the holes in the door and gasket. Push the mirror base firmly against the door surface, ensuring the gasket is properly seated and the studs protrude through to the interior.
10. 10

    Install mounting hardware
    From inside the door, install the washers and nuts onto the mirror mounting studs. Hand-tighten the nuts initially to ensure proper thread engagement and mirror alignment.
11. 11

    Tighten mounting nuts
    Using a 7/16" wrench or socket, tighten the 2 mounting nuts securely. Tighten evenly and alternately to ensure even pressure on the mirror base and gasket. Do not overtighten, as excessive force can crack the mirror base or compress the gasket excessively. Tighten the fasteners until the mirror base is firmly seated against the door without deflecting or cracking the base; avoid overtightening into thin door sheet metal.
12. 12

    Adjust mirror position
    From the driver seat, reach out and manually adjust the mirror head to the desired viewing angle. The 1972 F-100 mirror head may use a friction/pivot adjustment or may be a fixed-position mirror depending on the option installed. Adjust as applicable for your mirror type. Set the tension tight enough to hold position during driving but allow manual adjustment.

Reassembly

1. If door panel components were removed, reinstall the window crank handle by aligning the handle with the regulator shaft splines and pressing the retaining clip into place.
2. Reinstall any door panel hardware or escutcheons that were removed for access.
3. Ensure the interior moisture barrier is properly positioned if it was disturbed during mirror access.

Verification

• Verify mirror assembly is firmly mounted with no movement at the base when manually pushed or pulled.
• Check that mirror head holds adjusted position and does not droop or move during light vibration.
• Inspect for proper gasket seal around mirror base with no visible gaps that could allow water intrusion.
• From driver seat, verify mirror provides adequate rearward visibility and can be easily adjusted by hand.
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds to confirm mirror remains stable with no vibration or movement.

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