I want to install aluminum covers my 07 XK. Is this a difficult install or a simple bolt-on? Dealer wants ridiculous amount to install them. does any1 got any pics of what the finished product will look like?

 

On a 2004 XJ, it takes ~1 minute each! Squeeze top and bottom slightly, pop off old one, snap on new one!! Labor charge should be $5-10

 

There are two types of covers...Aluminum and chrome. The Chrome ones are plastic and are just like the painted ones in that they snap on. You can do it yourself by removing the mirror (slide to the side and disengage the mirror and remove). Use a screw driver from the inside of the mirror assembly to release the tabs holding the cover on. The new cover just snaps on. Interestingly the later J (2004 on) and K (2007 on) models appear to use the same cover...
Now the Aluminum cover (yes it is actually aluminum) are glued on and come with the adhesive but I have never found the adhesive any good with any of the ones I put on and just use silicone adhesive in place of it. Put some dabs of glue in place and tape the cover on to hold while drying and Wahhh Laaaa...done.
These two covers have the same profile but look distinctly different...the plastic snap on one is Shiny chrome and the Aluminum one is well...aluminum...I might add the aluminum one more closely matches the painted fender louvre, trunk trim, and wheels on my "R"
Funny enough the actual aluminum ones in my book are more substantial for all it is worth...and cheaper...go figure.

 

I read the post that these glue on. I asked the dealer to install and they would not because they don't have a body shop on location. How do you disengage the mirror? Slide mirror, Rt or left how much pressure before breaking?

 

The mirror slides to the side in the housing....try both ways (can't remember which way and in fact I think they are opposite for each side)....one way will be easier and should be apparent when you do it. It doesn't take too much force to slide the mirror to disengage it. When you slide it to the side the the mirror should lift out easily (lifting free end first). You then have access to the tabs that hold the cover on from inside the housing behind where the mirror was. As one of the other posts point out you can also squeeze the cover and pop it loose this way....I have done both. Both methods deserve ones full attention and a reasonable touch when doing to make sure you don't snap anything that shouldn't snap...

 

They are the aluminim covers and have been glued on. I tried to polish the ones on there now but what a pain. I worked 4 hours to get one down to 600 grit and still I am sure there is another 4 hours left just for one side. I understand there is a solvent that will not harm the paint. Do you know what that is?