I want to replace my rearview mirror but can't get the old button glued to the windshield off. heated it for as much as 45 minutes with a hair dryer, twisted with vice grips at the same time, no budge. Although the metal parts attached to the button bent and broke off completely.
Anyone have a suggestion regarding a solvent or anything?
thanks

 

The only thing that worked for me was to keep trying till I broke the windshield and then buy a new one. If you can't mount the new mirror on the old mount then glue a new button next to the old one. If a hair dryer was enough to remove it they would all be falling of when parked in the sun on a hot day.

 

I can't help much with the removal, but I have a related question for the reinstall. What is the best adhesive to reattach the mirror?

Good luck.

David

 

Most auto parts stores sell a kit to attach the button to the windshield. It's an epoxy not an adhesive. They include an alcohol swab to clean the glass but you should wash the glass before you use it. Tape the button in place overnight and then mount the mirror. If you do it right it will never come off.

 

Why are you taking the button off?? Just get a new OEM mirror and slap it on there. Cheaper then a new windshield.

-Matt

 

It is a new windshield, and it came with a button attached. I could put in an original mirror, but i have an autodimming mirror which uses a different button that i'd like to use instead.

 

I bet you could epoxy the new button onto the old button and no one would be able to tell,they are not very thick.Just a thought. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

i wondered whether it would stick metal to metal. I'd have to grind the button on the windshield smooth so it'd stick. maybe a dremel tool.
i asked at a car glass place today, and they say heat is the only way, but with more heat than a hairdryer you run a chance of cracking the glass or bubbling the laminate. How much heat is right? I guess you could set the temperature on a soldering iron and hold it on the button till it releases too.