Rearview Mirror Broke Off!

AA wrote:

GM's shop manual assumes the adhesive should release under a certain level of stress. Their instructions for removal of the rearview mirror say to literally grab the mirror and give it a firm jerk.

Actually, their literal instructions for removing the mirror from the tab are:

- Adjust the mirror to the full down position.
- Using both hands, grasp both sides of the mirror at the top.
- Remove the mirror assembly from the button by rotating the mirror in a downward-rearward motion.

Actually I think they mean downward-forward motion, relative to the car itself. However, I don't doubt that you'd probably end up removing the tab as well, since just sliding that spring-clip onto the tab "requires at least 20 pounds of force"...

A previous owner thought it would be a good idea to GORILLA GLUE the quick release tab for the mirror to the windshield. It looks awful from the outside and not so great inside either. Is there anyway to clean the stuff off? I am thinking it will probably be impossible since it is GORILLA GLUE. Must I get a new windshield to get a clean windshield?

razor blade on a hot summer day and some alcohol (not the drinking kind). maybe even some acetone if you are really careful

oh and if its not in the 90's in Ohio still (it is down here) you can use a heat gun or a hairdryer to soften the glue.

I agree with Matt. I used a brand new razor blade to get rid of the excess adhesive on mine and it worked well. Not sure if Gorilla is different. 91% rubbing alcohol after to remove any excess.

Good luck!!

This stuff is super glue though, it's like cement. I doubt heat and a knife will take it off!

the actual "rear view mirror glue" is WAY stronger than gorilla glue. and i can get that off with heat and a razor.

Ok, I will take a hairdryer to it when I get the chance and see what happens.

The gorilla glue website recommends removing the glue with warm soap water(really?) or acetone. Well, actually soaking the piece in either. But how do you soak something upside down!? I need a suction cup that will hold the acetone against the part on the windshield or something. Or tape a soaked rag against the glass. I don't know but I will get it off!!! Stupid sloppy work with stupid glue! GLUE

New question - how does one get the tab out of the deluxe mirror to reglue it to the windshield?

These mirrors always seem to fall on the really hot days!

Maybe it's technically not the correct procedure, but I mounted mine with the tab still connected to the mirror. Cleaned the tab and glass, applied the adhesive, and pressed the entire assembly, holding it for about a minute. Hasn't come down since!

drdivo wrote:

New question - how does one get the tab out of the deluxe mirror to reglue it to the windshield?

There is a set screw you loosen, and the tab slides out. haven't looked at my Riv, but that is usually how they go together.

On my other cars that I've made this repair to, I've used this procedure. I mark the tab location on the OUTSIDE of the windshield using a grease pencil. I then clean the inside area of the windshield very well using alcohol. It's really important to make sure you mount the tab correctly on the windshield. There is an up and down side and back and front. If you mount it incorrectly, you will not get it off the windshield without breaking the windshield. Make sure you have it right before you glue it. Hope that helps.

On our stretch of recent somewhat warmer weather, only 70s-80s mostly, I just came out to my car and my mirror is dangling. Except the adhesive didn't give out. The little mounting tab split smooth down the center. Half is still in the mirror and the other half is still on the window.... I think the easiest thing to do is just line up and epoxy the two together or....?

Might just work. Scuff and clean the mating surfaces. Be sure the parts are cool when you try it, or use a 5-minute epoxy. Some of the quicker-setting types (1 minute) may kick off too fast when applied to warm parts. Good luck!

Go to Safelite, they do it for free and it's done in 10 minutes. Believe me, there is no glue you can buy in a store that will cure properly and hold for years, let alone a few days.

For free really? I'll have to give em a call n see as the nearest location is a good hour from here

I've had some good and some bad luck with rearview mirror adhesive. They do sell replacement metal tabs. If Safelite does it free, though, go for it!!!

Indeed, I just got off the phone and they said it was free so I'm off to safelite. Albeit with no hindsight. Ha

IBx1 wrote:

Go to Safelite, they do it for free and it's done in 10 minutes.  Believe me, there is no glue you can buy in a store that will cure properly and hold for years, let alone a few days.

Actually there is, WalMarts sell it in the automotive section, auto parts stores generally carry it and it's with the adhesives, it's sold specifically as rear view mirror mount cement. Would cost you about $5 or less.

FYI the stuff basically is a clear epoxy.

It's nice to know Safelite does the reattachment for free, I kinda wonder why? Somebody pays for that.

Albertj

I can see how they would replace the adhesive, but I'm surprised they will fix the broken mount for free.

Quote :

Except the adhesive didn't give out. The little mounting tab split smooth down the center.

All I know is I used seven rear view glue kits on my Si and they all failed within five minutes of hanging the mirror, even after letting the metal shoe cure for 24 hours on the windshield, but I went to Safelite and it was finished while I was still waiting at the counter for the guy to tell me to bring the car into the service bay.

IBx1 wrote:

... I went to Safelite and it was finished while I was still waiting at the counter for the guy to tell me to bring the car into the service bay.

This was my experience today. Highly recommended for free

IBx1 wrote:

All I know is I used seven rear view glue kits on my Si and they all failed within five minutes of hanging the mirror, even after letting the metal shoe cure for 24 hours on the windshield, but I went to Safelite and it was finished while I was still waiting at the counter for the guy to tell me to bring the car into the service bay.

No insult intended, but I'd suspect you did not get the glass clean enough (it is difficult to do and the "wipes" in the kits are inadequate depending on what's on there in the first place), you did not get the benefit of enough UV light for a sound glue cure, or possibly the kits you got had issues.

Honestly it could have had to do with any number of factors; I scraped the window with a razor and the button itself had a glaze over the metal from the original adhesive that I couldn't remove, but I went to the dealership before finding out Safelite does it for free. The dealership polished everything off for the best adhesive conditions, let it cure, and when they drove it out of the service bay and into the parking lot, it just fell off. They didn't charge me anything since it didn't work, but after half a year of jury-rigging it with EZ-Pass style velcro, I was ready to spend $30 to have it done right.

Funny this thread is active again. Must be the dog days of summer. Sure enough, I went out to my car after work yesterday and the mirror was hanging. I got 2 years out of my last repair. BUT, the last time it happened, I had to drive to the store without a mirror. I thought then: what about next time? So I put together a repair kit and stashed in the glove box.

The kit consists of a few simple items in a 4x6" zip-lock bag:

(1) #9 razor blade, in cardboard sheath
(1) piece 180 grit sandpaper
(2) sealed alcohol towelettes
(1) tube Permatex rearview mirror adhesive

It's very simple to perform the fix:

1) Use the razor to scrape off the old adhesive.
2) Use the sandpaper to scuff the metal mounting face.
3) Clean the mounting face and the glass with alcohol.
4) Apply the adhesive to the center of the mounting face.
5) Align and install the mount to the glass.
6) Hold firmly in place for 1-2 minutes.

The entire process took 8 minutes, and the kit cost all of $5. Good for another couple years, maybe longer.

I always thought the reattaching of the mirror was done with glue then Ultraviolet light to really make it stick?