My rearview mirror won't stick

Z71 · September 11, 2003

This is becoming very frustrating to me. My rearview mirror won't stay put, the button keeps falling off of the glass.

I have tried 4 different rearview mirror repair kits, the latest being from the GM dealer. On every kit, as soon as I mount the mirror again, the button pops off of the glass again.

Tell me if I am missing something.

- razor blade the glass and remove all glue

- wipe the area down with a clean paper towl and denatured alcohol

- razor blade the backside of the button

- sand the button with some sandpaper

- wipe the button down with denatured alcohol

- apply a coat of activator (the one that you squeeze the tube and break)

- wait 1 or 2 minutes (depending on kit)

- apply a drop of the other stuff to the back side of the button

- hold button to glass for 1 minute

- let sit for at least 30 minutes (I usually do all this at night then actually mount the mirror in the morning)

- remount mirror

At this point, I'm willing to JB Weld that d**n thing up there. Maybe it would help if I try to sand/itch the glass a bit also?

Any ideas? Any other products I can use? JB Weld? Super Glue? 2-part epoxy? at this point I dont care what it looks like. LOL

Shaners · September 11, 2003

If you don't care what it looks like they say that "Gorilla Glue" is some pretty good stuff!!!

However, I wouldn't mess everything all up.

Your procedure seems correct... I guess I would just try my hardest to make sure that all areas are clean and lint free and free of all fingerprints.

I've replaced mirrors before using the generic kit from Walmart and had good luck...

CMNTMXR81 · September 12, 2003

Dunno what to tell you. I've done hundreds of rear view mirrors and to be honest, the repair kit is stronger than the factory fglue job because GM skimps on the glue. With the repair kit you can gob it on.

The only problem using JB Weld would be the gray splotch of the button on the windshield, but I suppose it'd hold.

bowtie_pasta · September 12, 2003

That's weird. On my old truck I've had to do it maybe 3 or 4 times, but it usually lasts for quite a while. If it's came off for me it's been when it's a billion degrees outside and I go to adjust the mirror.

I haven't had to redo it for about 2 years now though, it's holding good.

SxViper · September 12, 2003

Z71 is it getting cold where you are at night? Could be that you should try in during the day when its hot and the glue will set right. Try it on a day you don't plan on driving your truck for a while. Just an idea..

sincityZ71 · September 12, 2003

Z71 is it getting cold where you are at night? Could be that you should try in during the day when its hot and the glue will set right. Try it on a day you don't plan on driving your truck for a while. Just an idea..

Ha...he lives here in Vegas and it sure as hell ain't cold here right now...lol Though it is in the 90s which is much cooler then it has been

Pewter Pro-Tec · September 12, 2003

I don't know what to tell you as well because on my Mustang I have to remount the mirror about every 6 months. I guess I just got used to doing it.

A friend of mine said that he bought a complete new rear-view mirror, not a genuine one, I think he got it from NAPA. The button that comes with the NAPA mirror is not metal, it's like a plastic or some kind of polymer and he said it has held for over 2 years. The vehicle in question is a Dodge Caravan.

Z71 · September 15, 2003

It seems like that when I tighten the grub screw to secure the mirror to the button, that there is a section around the base that hits the windshield. It seems that as I tighten the grub screw, it's actually starts to pull the button away from the glass instead of the mirror just sitting on it.

Cold isn't a problem, I was doing at night because I though the temps were to hot during the day. Still over 100 degrees at the time, and glass temp was pushing 130.

CMNTMXR81 · September 15, 2003

I think he's referring to the sudden change in temps though.

Remember a piece of glass in 110+ degree sun is well more than 110 degrees. Then the minute that sun goes down, it cools drastically, therefore cause contraction of the glue used then it snaps off. Perhaps installing it in your garage or under some cover next time and let it cure over night may be the magic potion.

Z71 · September 16, 2003

I was letting cure over night but I will try one more time and let it cure while I am away on vacation.

Thx for the help. As always, you guys come through.

CMNTMXR81 · September 16, 2003

You may have let it cure overnight, but when you applied the primer then the glue initially, did you do it in direct sunlight? That may be the issue . You may want to do that in the garage also out of direct sunlight.