I scraped the end of my 1998 XJ8 passenger side mirror...the plastic 'chrome' part, and was able to get a new chrome back. I've popped out the mirror from the cowling, but can't seem to figure out how to pop the chrome backing off of the cowling to pop the new one on...does anyone have experience with this? What's the trick?

Thanks muchly for your expertise.......


Chris

1998 XJ8 VDP Amaranth Pearl
2005 XJ8 VDP Sea Frost
1969 XKE FHC Signal Red
1969 Mg Midget Primrose Yellow

 

I had the same problem on my XK8. Try squeezing the top and bottom about 2 inches from each end. There are if I remember 4 tabs that latch it on. The plastice is flexible and squeezing should release the tabs. To install just line up the tabs and gently push on.

 

Yep, the chrome cover can be eased out with spade screwdrivers...the initial seam is *very* tight, so it needs a very small spade to wedge in there and begin working...think a screwdriver for glasses/electronics repair. Initially, use that to work the seam about a millimeter all around, then upgrade to a larger (but still small) screwdriver. Keep working your way around until the chrome back eases out of the black cowling. Putting it back on is much easier...just line it up and squeeze it on. All in all, a nice design/tight fit.

Here are the two tools I used to get the chrome back off:

 

use a utility knife with a slightly dull blade to get it started,start at the bottom.