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WTF rear view mirror glue

brans87

brans87

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Ok guy's what are you using for rear view mirror glue? I have glued mirror tab twice this week with Permatex rear view mirror glue and cleaned as directions said glued button on then waited over 48 hrs and each time mirror tab falls off when installing rear view mirror.

Has to be better product or something here right?
 
It's worked when I've used it. Scuff the metal tab that glues to the windshield.
 
I'm lucky to get a year or two out of the glue I used on a '93 Caravan--if I parked with it facing the sun on a hot summer day and the windows up,I'd find the mirror on the floor next time I got in it..

I used the typical Loctite/Permatex stuff,applied it as directed,after scraping the windshield clean with a razor blade,and using alcohol or carb cleaner on both the glass & the mounting bracket..then apply the primer...then the glue,and I'd tape the bracket in place and leave it till the next day...(after having it peel off if I tried mounting the mirror too soon )..

About the only time the glue worked great,was when I screwed up and mounted the bracket to the windshield upside down!..the stuff refused to budge,and I feared cracking the windshield trying to remove it--so I ended up gluing another bracket (from a boneyard) to that bracket...a year later the glue failed again,so I was able to correct my mistake...BTW,the salvage yard vehicle's bracket held so firmly it busted a chunk out of the glass!--(good thing it was already cracked !).

I had to use a propane torch on the brackets to get the two brackets separated..I think the glue is not heat resistant enough and if its been sitting on a store shelf for years before it was sold also is a factor on how well it'll hold..or how long it holds..

Some guys I know use regular super glue and had no issues..

I have not had to glue my pickup's mirror on yet--had it since 2003 and it gets a lot hotter in that cab than any of my other vehicles,yet the mirror is still on--on my van,some previous owner made a carpet covered wooden overhead "shelf" ,so I screwed the mirror right to that,instead of gluing it back on for the second time in a few years..

I opted to buy a rear view mirror in "Yankee/Deitz" brand that had a two screw mounting,for my '72 K5,and screwed it to the windshield frame,I got tired of the glue on one coming off repeatedly..
 
I had issues with high heat making the tab drop off.

As mentioned, scuff the glass with sandpaper a smidge, get a good rough surface. I switched to the gel super glue (still the cyanoacrylate stuff, just goopier) and in combo with glass prep, it hasn't fallen off yet. (Knock on wood, err, glass? :D )

-- A
 
I can't remember the name of the stuff I used, it was specific mirror glue from NAPA. It seems to have worked well so far.
 
A guy that replaced my windshield many years ago said to just call him up and stop by the location he would be at and he'd do it for $10. I'm sure he'd charge a few bucks more by now.
 
I think the glue they used on the mirrors when they first started putting them on windshields was not as good as today. I had to try to put on a lot of mirrors back in the day.
The only time I had any luck was with a new piece for the mirror. If the piece had any scratches or was uneven the glue would not work well.
I know the old super glues were stronger the smaller the gap.
One day I was working on a piece of equipment in a glass shop, and I asked how they did it. They said they just cleaned the glass, put on the glue and it worked.
I told him I had used the activator, special glue, and still only got about 50% success.
He said just bring it by. I did, and he put it on in about 30 seconds and it held as long as I owned the car.

After that, I always just took it to the glass shop. Most of the time they did not charge, but I always asked.
When they did, it was about $10.

I have not tried one in years. But if I did, I would use a new piece.
 
I have had some crap luck in the past with Permatex mirror glue myself. One prep trick that I have found that works is a fast shot of brake parts cleaner on the windshield, just on the spot you need to glue to (wipe down with clean rag), and the steel rear view mirror tab. Glass cleaner leaves a slight residue that the glue does not like to stick to. I am guessing you are gluing the steel tab by itself to the glass, and not the whole mirror. Then after the steel tab dries to the glass, you then install the mirror.
 
Only way I've ever had it work is if I sat there and held it firmly in place by hand until dry. Sucks, sitting there like that and my hand is numb by the time its dry but trying to hold it another way... I don't think you'd ever get it held firmly enough.
 
I had the problem last summer. Permatex didn't hold for more than a month. I drove down to my local body/glass shop and they glued it back on in 15min. I said cash, no paper-work needed. They charged me the same amount as the Permatex off the shelf ...about $15 here in Canada. No problems ever since. I have another vehicle to so, and I'll just go and do the cash thing at the glass place again.
 
sharpy marker . circle location on outside of old glue spot .

fresh razor blade old glue from glass .

I use good brake cleaner to wipe off glass .

remove glue from tab and SCUFF it up . I like scotch bright or zippy pad . brake clean it also .

ONLY GLUE TAB TO GLASS ! ! ! no mirror weight for 24hr's .

haven't had one fall off yet this way .
 
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