bureau13

I feel like this should be obvious, but I'm hesitant to pry on 30 year-old plastic without knowing exactly how best to do it.

My current rear view mirror (windshield) is crumbling away into nothingness, so have a replacement. The replacement has the button attached, but really, my existing windshield button is fine. However, I'm not sure how to either get the existing mirror off its button, or the new one off of its button. The little "tab" that the loop on the end of the button slides over looks like maybe you should pry it one direction or the other, but it really isn't moving much either way, and like I said...I'm not sure which way I need to push it, if in fact that's what I need to do.

Any hints would be greatly appreciated!

davek9

The button is glued to the windshield and if it comes off can be re-glued, I know that's not your question

That metal Tab needs to be slightly levered towards the mirror, not the windshield.
Then using a small hammer and a small block of hard wood (that is what I have used) gently tap the fixture up towards the headliner and the fixture will come out of a slot on the button.
It's always very scary working w/ a hammer next to glass, just take your time and tap int off.

Happy New Year

Dave K

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

I agree with Dave's advice above. Keep in mind that your windshield may crack while doing this, in spite of a all the care you could possibly exercise. Obviously apply the least amount of impact force needed to do the job. Best of luck,
Dave

Mrmerlin

tape a piece of cardboard to the glass on the side you will be using the hammer,
a slight miss can crack the glass
to remove the button use a good pair of pliers and BIC lighter , heat the button for about 20 seconds then twist the button off the glass with the pliers
NOTE dont pry on the button it can de-laminate the glass and pull a chunk out of the glass

bureau13

Thanks for the info, guys.

For what it's worth, my goal was to leave the button on the glass as is, and use the new mirror with the old button. I'm not entirely sure that's the best way to do it, but it seemed like a good idea....

Speedtoys

So..whats the best way to put on a new mirror?

Tap it down too?

Mrmerlin

tap it into place

buccicone

I did a couple this year on the GT & GTS windshield replacements. I had to file & trim the mirror base because it was so tight to fit into the new button that came on the windshield. Very gentle tapping is in order.

Speedtoys

Ok..doesnt go into place by hand..been on the list to "finish" for a while..ha.

zaevor2000

Man, you guys are scaring me...
Got a replacement rear view mirror for my 928S and with the comments on here and me not having nimble fingers I too am afraid of cracking the windshield in the process.
Anyone in Dallas that can help me with installing the new one I will be happy to reimburse you for your time.
I don't want to f*(& it up and crack a perfectly good windshield on top of it.

soontobered84

Frank, just bring it to the next breakfast. I'll help you get the mirror installed. I've done it a bunch of times.

zaevor2000

Thank you very much for that!