How the Frig do you glue a rear view mirror onto your windshield?

[Rusty Heap]

Got a Toyota RAV4 and with the warmer weather the Rear View Mirror factory tab glued to the windshield glass has fallen off, resulting in several challenges I've had fixing it.


Tried the "glass glue" from O'Rileys auto parts and it didn't work at all.

Tried Hobby Grade Super Glue with Accelerator to kick the glue, lasted a couple days.

Tried 5 minute epoxy, lasted a couple weeks.


I've buffed both surfaces with scotchbrite pad to roughen them up.


So what is the magic substance to affix your mirror to the windshield glass?


The Pelican Brain Trust has the answer, that's why we pay you so well.........

[GH85Carrera]

I used the rear view mirror glue from the FLAPS. Be sure the windshield glass, and the tab or mounting block are totally clean.

The stuff I used was a two part cleaner and glue that set up pretty fast. I let it sit for an hour or so, and it is still in place many years later.

Worst case, go to a windshield place, and ask them to glue it on. I can't imagine they will charge much.

[masraum]

I've had good luck with the usual rear view mirror adhesive in the past. I've also had a couple of times where I had the same experience that you've had.

I don't know if it's all about the prep of the windshield and tab/button or what.

[sc_rufctr]

Go to a busy windscreen replacement business and ask then what they use.

- They don't have time to "re-fix" a rear vision mirror. They may even give you a tube of glue for free.

[911Ghia]

Had the same problem, nothing I bought lasted any decent length of time. Went to the auto glass replacement guy in town, he came out glued it on, didn’t charge me and 4 years later when I sold the car it was still on.

Rich

[Otter74]

I used a normal reearview-mirror adhseive kit and followed the instructions. Good prep is important. Of course once my mirror was on the new windshield, I realized I'd put it on an inch too high and I can't fold my sun visors all the way down.

[Shifter]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Go to a busy windscreen replacement business and ask then what they use.

- They don't have time to "re-fix" a rear vision mirror. They may even give you a tube of glue for free.

This. Last time I had a mirror fall off, they glued it back on for me for free. Took like five minutes.

[stomachmonkey]

I've had hit or miss experiences from the auto parts store stuff.

Sometimes lasts forever, other times didn't last backing out of the driveway.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Otter74

I used a normal reearview-mirror adhseive kit and followed the instructions. Good prep is important. Of course once my mirror was on the new windshield, I realized I'd put it on an inch too high and I can't fold my sun visors all the way down.

My dad once glued one on upside down (U facing down vs up) and I think I or someone that I know once glued one on with the retaining flange nearest the glass instead of away from it.

[aschen]

I had this issue once with some auto store adhesive specifically for the pourpose. I had to do it 2 or 3 times following the directions precisely, don't know why the 1st 2 times failed in a few months but the 3rd attempt has been good for years. Seem crazy but maybe try again with the special adhesive

[manbridge 74]

The special adhesive is UV resistant and will not work if there is any gap at all. This means no roughing up and holding piece to glass with moderate pressure for twice as long as instructions say.

[Steve Carlton]

I tried to reattach the tab to a windshield once about 20 years ago and had no luck. I think guys that can do that are descendants of the Egyptians that built the pyramids. I'd spend $20 (if that) having one of those glass shop pharaohs do it and not spend hours fighting it.