03' - 07' Tow Mirrors for an 02'

[02' 7.3]

I want to swap out my current power tow mirrors for the 03' - 07' style that have the turn signals and are heated. I know there's several threads floating around about this, but I can't find an answer to a couple specific questions I have before I do it:

1) Which aftermarket brand is the best? (ie; identical to OEM / Factory in appearance? I don't want to put anything on my truck that doesn't look like it's supposed to be on there.

2) I've read that some people are hooking up the heated mirrors to an ignition source for power, so that means the defrosters on the mirrors are on anytime the ignition is on. I don't want to do that, seems like that'd burn them out quick.....how are they controlled on the 03' - 07''s? I haven't come accross one to look at yet. I'm assuming there's a "factory" switch for them somewhere on the dash. Could I not wire these up with a factory switch to cut on / off?

I'm pretty particular about keeping my truck looking "original" and not like something that's had stuff added to it.... Any info, especially pics would be greatly appreciated.

[larsj53]

Part 1)You could probably find a used set of oem mirrors for cheap, that is what I did, under 200 for the pair, off an 07, look brand new. Unless you are looking for something brand new. I don't have any experience with aftermarket mirrors.

Part 2) on the 03-07 they are always on, my friends are on when the truck is on, no switch, just on. I just installed a set of 07 mirrors on my early 03 dually, I just took the wire for the heater and wired it up to a switch in the dash and an ignition power source. You can turn the heat on and off when you desire, and they can't be left on with the truck off. I didn't use a factory switch, I just used a small round lighted switch. I put the switch to the left of the little cubby on the lower dash panel, right where it curves under. It does not visually stand out at all. I feel the same way about my truck, don't want it looking like crap is just stuck all over the place.

[kburton66]

I got a pair for my 2000 from American Van and Truck, 15775 Telegraph Road, Redford, MI 48239-3529, (313) 255-6226. They were a perfect OEM match and they were quite a bit cheaper than anywhere else I looked. They might be out of business but it might be a chain.

[P-13]

Why dont you get some 08s? you dont wanna drive around and have people thinkin you drive a 6liter, lol