TL Spec Mirror Installation Instructions

Whats Included

  • LH & RH Mirror Assemblies
  • 5mm Mirror Adjustment Allen Key

🛠️ Tools required:

  • Trim removal tool (Or similar alternative)
  • 5mm Allen Key (Included)
  • 3mm Allen Key
  • 4mm Allen Key
  • (Optional) Adhesive E.g. Sikaflex/Tigerseal

Disclaimer

 

These installation instructions are provided as a guide only. Installation of aftermarket components is undertaken entirely at the installer's own risk. The installer is responsible for ensuring the product is fitted correctly, all fasteners are secure, and the vehicle remains safe and roadworthy after installation.

TL Spec accepts no liability for any injury, loss, damage, or consequential loss arising from the installation, use, misuse, or modification of this product. Vehicle specifications and fixings may vary between model years and variants; installers should verify compatibility and suitability before proceeding.

If you are unsure about any aspect of the installation, seek assistance.

 

Need Help?

If you experience any issues during installation, please get in touch and I'll be happy to help.

If you're happy with your purchase, I'd greatly appreciate you sharing it within your favourite Lotus Facebook groups or on social media. Thank you for your support!

 

Step 1: OEM Mirror Removal

The OEM mirror is secured with three M5 Allen bolts.

Two bolts use a 4 mm Allen key and one uses a 3 mm Allen key, as labelled below. (There is chance that these Allen sizes change between years and models but start with this as a guide)

Accessing the Bolts

  1. Open the door and sit in a comfortable position (sitting on the sill usually works best).
  2. Lower the window completely.

Lowering the window gives you access to the bolts and creates a small viewing gap through the window seal to help locate them.

The bolts can be difficult to see. You may need to shine a torch through the gaps and or locate them by feel with the Allen keys until they engage.

 

 

Bolt Removal Order

The bolts should be removed in the following order.

1. Top Bolt (4 mm Allen Key)

The first bolt is located at the top of the mirror mount.

Access it by:

  • Lifting the door seal
  • Peeling back the black sticker covering the access hole

This bolt is difficult to see from the gap in the door but can be located by feeling around with the Allen key until it engages.


Once loose, remove this bolt completely. It will not be reused.

Tip:

To avoid dropping the bolt inside the door:

  • Use a magnetised Allen key, Or:
  • Place masking tape / electrical tape over the Allen key tip for a tighter fit, Or:
  • A small drop of superglue can also temporarily hold the bolt to the key

If a bolt is dropped inside the door, it can usually be retrieved with a magnet. Removing the door card may make this easier.

2. Second Bolt (4 mm Allen Key)

The second bolt is directly below the first and is also accessed behind the door seal.

You will need to angle the Allen key upwards to locate it. To protect the paint, it is recommended to place masking tape on the door where the tool may contact the surface.

Loosen this bolt but leave a few threads engaged. You will return to it shortly.

 

 

3. Final Bolt (3 mm Allen Key)

The final bolt is accessed through a blanking plug which is removed using a trim removal tool or similar.

While supporting the mirror with one hand, loosen this bolt using a 3mm Allen key.



The aim is to maintain slight outward tension on the mirror, this helps pull the remaining bolts outward as they loosen so they stay in place rather than falling into the door.

Once the bolt is loose:

  1. Temporarily tape the Allen key to the door so it does not move.
  2. Return to the previous bolt and do the same.

You can now remove the OEM mirror leaving the bolts ready for the new one.


 

Step 2: Mirror Installation

 

Optional Adhesive Step (Recommended)

To add some additional strength and redundancy against bolts vibrating loose, you may apply small beads of adhesive (such as Tigerseal or Sikaflex) to the door frame in the locations shown.

First clean the area and allow it to dry. Then use the witness marks left by the OEM wing mirror and apply sealant approx. 10mm inboard in a thin bead so that it does not squeeze out once the mirror is installed.

If too much sealant is applied, it can easily be removed using a small amount of brake cleaner and a rag whilst avoiding the mirror base as it could affect the coating.

 

 

Installing the Mirror

  1. Carefully offer the new mirror up to the first bolt left in the door.
  2. Avoid knocking the second bolt or smearing the sealant.
  3. Thread the first bolt into the mirror mount by a few turns until loose but secure.
      4. Repeat the process with the second bolt.

Once both bolts are engaged:

  1. Tighten them evenly.

⚠ Important

  • Do not overtighten the bolts.
  • Moderate effort with the small end of the alley key should be adequate.
  • If unsure, err on the side of caution and check the bolts after the first few drives to ensure they are still tight.

 

 

Mirror Adjustment

⚠ Important – Read Before Adjusting

Mirror adjustment occurs at the joint between the mirror base and the carbon fibre mirror body.

This joint is secured with three pre-installed M3 bolts and contains a rubber friction disc designed to prevent loosening due to vibration while driving.

Because the rubber disc provides a lot of friction, forcing the mirror when the joint is tight risks damage to the Carbon mirror.

⚠ Adjustment Safety Rules

Do not attempt to adjust the mirror unless the joint is loose and moves freely.

If the joint has a lot of resistance:

  1. Stop adjusting
  2. Check that the three bolts are sufficiently loosened

If the bolts are loose, the clamping plate may be sticking and causing the joint to be tight. To rectify:

  • Whilst holding the mirror, gently move the clamping plate away from the ball joint by hand
  • Wiggle the mirror slightly to confirm loose
  • Whilst adjusting, it may help to move the mirror in small circular motions to prevent the plate from binding

Only continue once the joint moves smoothly and freely.

Setting the Mirror Position

  1. Sit in the driver’s seat.
  2. Ask a helper to adjust the mirrors while you check the position. (This can be done alone, but it will take longer.)

If needed, loosen the three M3 bolts until the mirror moves freely.

Ideally, you should be able to find a point where the mirror:

  • Holds its position when let go of
  • Can still be moved without excessive resistance

This will make adjustment easier, but ensure to avoid any resistance in the joint when adjusting

Once the mirror is correctly positioned:

  1. Tighten the bolts evenly
  2. Ensure they are secure but not overtightened. Again, if unsure, err on the side of caution and perform periodic inspection of all fastners during vehicle use.

A 2–3 mm gap between the clamping plate and the mirror is normal.

The rubber friction disc ensures the mirror holds firmly without excessive bolt torque.

Once both mirrors are installed and adjusted, step back and see how the car should have left the factory!