Gluing rearview mirror to windshield

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turtlevette

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The permetex kit doesn't want to stick to the glass. I read one article saying the glue has a very limited shelf life.

Or maybe I should rough up the glass with some sandpaper?
 
Last edited:
1. Get the glass windshield super clean with alcohol
2. Get the mirror mount super clean with alcohol
3. Make sure both surfaces are completely dry
4. Apply GE 100% silicone to mirror mount
5. Apply mirror mount to glass
6. Hold mirror mount to glass for 10 minutes
7. Let go of mirror mount
8. Apply rear view mirror to mirror mount
 
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
1. Get the glass windshield super clean with alcohol
2. Get the mirror mount super clean with alcohol
3. Make sure both surfaces are completely dry
4. Apply GE 100% silicone to mirror mount
5. Apply mirror mount to glass
6. Hold mirror mount to glass for 10 minutes
7. Let go of mirror mount
8. Apply rear view mirror to mirror mount


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I have been able to achieve it with that adhesive in the kit. You have to really, really push it on there for a decent amount of time, I do 5 minutes or more of hard pressure application, then let it sit and dry then the mirror should go on no problem.

Do not put metal piece on backwards!
smirk.gif
 
Just for census reasons I report doing mirror mount glue jobs twice with success using the small kits commonly available from the likes of NAPA or local AP stores.

+1 on holding the glued metal part in place HARD for the 5 minutes.
 
Silicone for the mirror? I never would have thought that would hold, but I'll have to try it next time.
 
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
I forgot one very important step: let the silicone dry and cure for 24 hours before applying mirror.


Seems like a common problem for you.

Remember your hemorrhoid/enema instructions? Forgot to tell us to remove "nozzle" after 20 minutes! That was a long day for me.

And your Viagra recommendations. Forgot to tell us about that 4 hour rule. That was a long night for her.

lol.gif
Everyone have a good weekend. Do something nice.
 
Yes, you have to clean the surface good and use sand paper to rough up both sides that stick together.
I have used the Permatex kit and it has lasted more than 5 years so far.
 
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Have also had decent luck with (I think it was permatex) kit from the local parts store. I've done two mirrors using them with no problems - both lasted over 5 years before I sold the cars.

As pointed out, they key was following the prep instructions, and then holding it firmly in place for around 10 minutes. I also did this when I didn't need to drive the car for some time too.
 
Originally Posted By: DBMaster
Silicone for the mirror? I never would have thought that would hold, but I'll have to try it next time.


Don't. There is no "silicone" in mirror adhesive kits, whoever said that is wrong. Silicone rubber (RTV) doesn't have the strength to hold a mirror. IIRC, the kits use a cyanoacrylate adhesive (same class of adhesives as 'superglues') and they key to making it last is in the surface prep (both the glass and the metal mirror "puck" have to be very, VERY clean and the right amount of adhesive has to be used.)

FTR- I've had good luck with the parts-store kits as well.
 
When I did mine, after gluing in the metal piece to the windshield, I taped it on to hold it in place and left it like that for at least several days, possibly a week, before I removed the tape and reinstalled the rear view mirror. Of course I had another car to drive.

The glue was from one of those kits and yes I cleaned everything with acetone.

That was several years ago (I think 5) and it's still holding fine today.
 
I've used the kits in the past and they worked just fine. Don't adjust the mirror more than necessary and don't hang anything from it.
 
Last time I had the windshield replaced, they glued the mirror back on, but it lasted less than a year. Rather than go back and have them do it again, I just picked up a $2 packet from Autozone and it's held for several years, still holding now. As others said, just follow the directions, I think it even came with an alcohol pad to clean the glass.
 
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Don't. There is no "silicone" in mirror adhesive kits, whoever said that is wrong.


It makes a very strong bond for metal to glass. And I never said "RTV."
 
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: DBMaster
Silicone for the mirror? I never would have thought that would hold, but I'll have to try it next time.


Don't. There is no "silicone" in mirror adhesive kits, whoever said that is wrong. Silicone rubber (RTV) doesn't have the strength to hold a mirror. IIRC, the kits use a cyanoacrylate adhesive (same class of adhesives as 'superglues') and they key to making it last is in the surface prep (both the glass and the metal mirror "puck" have to be very, VERY clean and the right amount of adhesive has to be used.)

FTR- I've had good luck with the parts-store kits as well.



Yep that silicone is SOOOO good that absolutely no OEM Mfgrs use it...
 
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Don't. There is no "silicone" in mirror adhesive kits, whoever said that is wrong.

It makes a very strong bond for metal to glass. And I never said "RTV."


What kind of silicone adhesive is there besides an RTV? Especially since you said "GE 100% silicone". That's not an RTV?
 
Originally Posted By: kschachn
What kind of silicone adhesive is there besides an RTV? Especially since you said "GE 100% silicone". That's not an RTV?


No it's not RTV like the automotive sealants. It's the stuff the HVAC guys use to seal ducts and stuff. I found out how strong that stuff is when I went to pull the old A/C unit out of the house. The only way to break the bond with that stuff is to cut around the mating surfaces with a utility knife.
 
Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
I forgot one very important step: let the silicone dry and cure for 24 hours before applying mirror.


Seems like a common problem for you.

Remember your hemorrhoid/enema instructions? Forgot to tell us to remove "nozzle" after 20 minutes! That was a long day for me.

And your Viagra recommendations. Forgot to tell us about that 4 hour rule. That was a long night for her.

lol.gif
Everyone have a good weekend. Do something nice.



OMG!!! That made me spit soda out my nose!
 
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