Windshield mounted rear-view mirrors rest on a mirror mounting button. That button is adhered to the windshield glass with a special glass adhesive. Due to the nature of the adhesive, trying to remove the mirror improperly can result in damage to the windshield, mirror or both. Since most vehicles need a fully functioning windshield mounted rear-view mirror, replacing yours as soon as it incurs damage or is no longer functional is paramount. Before removing the mirror, you should mark the mirror's location on the outside of the windshield with a grease pencil so you know where to mount the replacement mirror.
Instructions
- 1
Slide the razor edge of the razor scraper between the mirror mounting button and the windshield.
2Cut away at the adhesive between the button and glass slowly, working your way completely around it with even, slight pressure. Continue to work around the button, cutting deeper into the adhesive with each revolution around the button.
3Hold the mirror with one hand while cutting the adhesive with the other when you're about to cut through the final segment of adhesive to keep the mirror from falling and incurring damage.
4Cut any leftover adhesive off the windshield using the razor scraper. Clean the area with the alcohol swab provided in the rear view mirror adhesive kit. Clean the sealing side of the mirror button with the scraper and alcohol swab to prepare the button for reattachment.
5Apply a pea-sized drop of rear view mirror adhesive onto the sealing side of the new mirror button. Allow the adhesive to cure for the time prescribed on the back of the rear view mirror adhesive kit (this is usually one minute).
6Hold the mirror button against the windshield firmly for one minute to bond it to the windshield. Do not push too hard, because you can fracture the windshield by applying too much force against the small contact area of the button.
7Slide the new mirror down onto the mounting button. Tighten the new mirror onto the button by turning the set screw with an Allen wrench (supplied with the new mirror), if so equipped. Many mirrors employ a metal tension clip in their base to secure them to the button in lieu of a set screw.
