i have a 04 xlt and am planning on painting the side mirrors (just the top half). i have searched around and can't find a for sure answer, does the top half come off or do i have to take the entire mirror off? thanks

 

No it doesn't come off like that. Tilt mirror glass out so you can access the clips that hold the glass in, pop those and then you will see 4 screws inside that hold the two halves together. Remove the screws and pull the front half off. Now you can paint the top portion of the removable section.