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So I got my toll-tags today. Before affixing the sticker on the windshield, I tried to clean the windshield. While moving the rear-view mirror around, it just popped off the windshield!
Now I need to fix it back. Googling told me that I need to remove the metallic base as shown in the picture but I just can't remove it. Does any one have any idea how do I do it?
That part has a slight wedge shape, correct? If so, I would position the mirror on a block of wood or something similar so that you can tap the metal piece with a punch gently tapped by a hammer. The piece should free itself if you tap it in the correct direction.
There's usually a tiny screw that holds the slidey-over part of the arm tight against the metal mounting base. You'll need to loosen that screw before attempting to remove the base.
I've had similar problems before and bought a re-gluing kit to re-attach the mount to the windshield. I never could get it to stay, so I ended up taking to an auto-glass place that re-mounted it for me for ten bucks.
The ones I've seen have either a screw, spring, or just gravity holding the mirror onto the little metal piece. Once you determine how it's held on, it should come off easily. Keep in mind that the intent is for the mirror to come off the windshield fairly easily, so you shouldn't have to use a bunch of force to get it off that metal plate. I've taken both of my current mirrors off several times for various reasons including cleaning the windshield (much easier with the mirror gone).
There are remount kits that have the correct glue and even a replacement metal pad. I've never had a problem with them, but I can see how it can happen.
Location: Democratic Peoples Republic of Redneckistan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drover
There's usually a tiny screw that holds the slidey-over part of the arm tight against the metal mounting base. You'll need to loosen that screw before attempting to remove the base.
I've had similar problems before and bought a re-gluing kit to re-attach the mount to the windshield. I never could get it to stay, so I ended up taking to an auto-glass place that re-mounted it for me for ten bucks.
Same here Drover...I've tried to re glue those things back on dozens of times over the years and it seems like the first hot day that you have,you come back to find your mirror on the floorboard....auto glass shops are the way to go...I don't know if the glue they use is not available to the general public,to expensive or has to be bought in bulk or what, but whatever it is,it's good.
Take it to a glass shop or to a dealership. They'll reglue the metal piece back to the windshield. You'll need to wait a few days for it to harden and dry since it is currently winter. After that you can slide the mirror back on.
Thank you all for guiding me on this. I could get the metal strip off after sliding a flat head screwdriver through the hole in a bottom and pressing down on a plate, which reduced the tension on the metal plate long enough to slide it off.
Now that the metal plate has been removed, should I give the re-mounting kit a shot? I am in DFW, so I guess the temperature will not be a problem in getting the glue to properly harden.
Any idea how much a glass-shop would charge for this? And what exactly does a glass-shop means? Sorry for asking a stupid question but I have been in US for only 1 year now so still learning my way around.
One final question. Is it illegal to drive without the rear-view mirror in place? Can I get a ticket for this?
I have replaced maybe a half dozen mirrors in the past. I have never had a problem installing them with the glue on kit. What I would do is follow the directions on the label and then after the small flat piece is attatched to the window let it set for maybe 3 or 4 hours. After that place your mirror on it and you should be good to go.
Now that the metal plate has been removed, should I give the re-mounting kit a shot? I am in DFW, so I guess the temperature will not be a problem in getting the glue to properly harden.
Any idea how much a glass-shop would charge for this? And what exactly does a glass-shop means? Sorry for asking a stupid question but I have been in US for only 1 year now so still learning my way around.
One final question. Is it illegal to drive without the rear-view mirror in place? Can I get a ticket for this?
I'd just take it to an auto glass shop. These are places that specialize in repairing/replacing chipped/broken car windows including windshields. You might want to price around in your area, but I found they charge little more, and sometimes less, than the cost of a re-mounting glue kit.
I don't know if it's illegal to drive without one, but I wouldn't do it any longer than is necessary -- it's one of those things you never realize how much you use it until suddenly you don't have it any more.
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