Will this connect to my factory wiring harness?

Yes. This mirror uses OEM connector pinouts—plug it into the existing harness at the door jamb. Power and heating both work through factory circuits.

Can I send this to a body shop for paint, or do I need to prep it first?

Send it as-is. The primer-ready finish is what body shops expect. They'll sand, prime, and paint in one cycle. No special stripping or chemical prep required on your end.

What if the heating element doesn't work after install?

Check the door switch operation first—if the blower and defrost work elsewhere, the mirror should heat. If it doesn't, trace the connector at the door harness for loose pins. If that's clean and heat still fails, contact support with photos of the connector.