first of all, thanks to OntarioTL for the idea
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/auto-dimming-rear-view-mirror-compass-643867/

But i did mine a little differently.

here's what mine looked like originally:

yes, its about 70% black


I ordered this GNTX-177 (generic rear view mirror for GM vehicles)


This particular model was off of a 97 Tahoe, and I stole it for about 20 bucks from ebay.
It also has a built in Compass.


the back view:



So I went and got this bracket (that the rear view mirror's back slides on to) from a GM parts department.
(I will get back w/ the part number of this item soon)
Also buy some adhesive for this bracket. The parts guy should know which one.

Put it right below the old bracket.
Install it in a way so that when u slide the mirror on, u'll have to do it from the top.



On the back of this GNTX-177, it has a plug w/ 3 wires coming out. Pink, Green, and Black



The wire harness that I had coming from the original mirror also had 3 wires. Black, white, and gray.

Connect

Black/Black

White/Pink

Gray/Green

it should start up like this:


Now put the mirror on and put everything back together.



Oh yeah, the old mirror. I did mess around w/ it a little.




I figured out how it works though.

When ever u put it on Auto, if the sensor on the front side detects light, it'll dim the mirror.

Try it by using ur cellphone, even in the day time. Put ur phone or any kind of light over the sensor (while the auto is on) and watch it dim.

 

Wow, that's nice.
First time seeing this.

 

are there any diy for a straight swap of the oem mirror? can you give directions on how to remove the mirror?

 

for the oem mirror, there two plastic cap on the mounting clip of the mirror. pop those off.

unscrew one of the torx screws in the mounting clip of the mirror

Take off the courtesy light, its held by 4 Philip screws.

unplug the harness for the mirror.

Slide the whole mirror down in the same angle as the windshield and it should come right off.