Installing pass side mirror... Options

[SKL1]

This may be in a thread somewhere but I've never been good with the search function, if so, please supply a link. Otherwise, here goes...

Finally installing a pass side mirror and will be taking off the door card, etc. I assume I'll want to drill a small pilot hole from the inside through the nut so the holes are in the right place.

Any other suggestions so as to not "hurt" a perfectly good door and paint job??

TIA.

[technicalninja]

I have done this without removing the window or the window track.

I carefully taped over the spot on the door where the mirror would mount with blue painters tape. Then I used a 6mm automatic center punch. I put it inside the nut plate and pushed on it until it clicked. That dimples the metal outward on the outside of the door. I then carefully reversed the dimple with a punch, and used a drill with a 7mm drill bit to carefully drill out the mirror mounting holes.

Then just touch up the paint so it doesn't rust, remove the blue painter's tape, and mount the mirror.

@ClayPerrine
You have a spring-loaded center punch that has a 6mm shank like a high end "transfer" punch?
That's FREAKING cool!
I want a set!
6/8/10/12 would work great!

This is "The Way" for centering holes for this process.

I was planning on making a "center-punch mandrel" out of a 6X1 bolt.
machine the end of it to create a little protrusion in the center and then screw it into the nut-plate from the inside until you can apply pressure to the skin and lightly tap the outside with a dowel/hammer to make the centering mark.

Having the perfectly sized auto punch would make that much easier!