Which Glue Works Best for a Rear View Mirror?
by Nick DavisIt happens eventually, your car's rear view mirror falls off the windshield while you are driving down the street, or you bump it while getting something from the overhead visor. Over the years, the factory adhesive holding your car's rear view mirror weakens and the mirror falls without warning. Reinstalling the mirror is not hard with the right glue and a few minutes.
Rear View Mirror Adhesive
The best glue for reinstalling your rear view mirror is a two-part epoxy like the product "Rear View Mirror Adhesive." This product can be found at your local auto parts store or retail superstore (like Walmart). Rear View Mirror Adhesive bonds rear view mirrors as well as latches, emblems and small antenna mounts. The product is priced under $10 as of 2009.
Reinstalling Mirror If Metal Plate Is Still on Windshield
Your rear view mirror has two parts---a metal plate that attaches to the windshield and the rear view mirror itself. The rear view mirror slides on to the metal plate and this is what holds the mirror on to the windshield. Check to see if the metal plate is still attached to the windshield. If the plate is on the windshield, apply some "Rear View Mirror Adhesive" to the part of the mirror that slides on to the metal plate. Quickly slide the mirror on to the metal plate and hold for the specified time on the adhesive's packaging.
Reinstalling Mirror If Metal Plate Is Not on Windshield
If the metal plate is still attached to the rear view mirror and not the windshield, clean the area of the windshield where the rear view mirror used to be with some glass cleaner. Then clean the metal plate to remove any old glue residue. Apply some "Rear View Mirror Adhesive" to the metal plate and attach the plate to the windshield. Place some tape over the metal plate to hold it in place. Let the glue seal according to the specified time on the packaging, then slide the rear view mirror on to the metal plate.
References
Writer Bio
Nick Davis is a freelance writer specializing in technical, travel and entertainment articles. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Memphis and an associate degree in computer information systems from the State Technical Institute at Memphis. His work has appeared in "Elite Memphis" and "The Daily Helmsman" in Memphis, Tenn. He is currently living in Albuquerque, N.M.
