Most auto parts stores stock an adhesive specifically for this purpose. I bought in Queens, and paid $4.
The key is the "button" for the mirror. This is the piece that physically attaches to the window glass. The mirror then attaches to the button. It was not immediately apparent to me that I even had a "button" and I wasn't looking for it when the process started. Fortunately, the adhesive packaging mentioned it in the instructions. I had to figure out how to detach the "button" from the mirror which had fallen off the windshield.
For my model of Subaru, it turns out the mirror and button are held together by a very tight spring clip. To separate them I had to twist them, almost to the point where it felt as though it was breaking. But then, snap, they were apart.
The rest is pretty straightforward. Clean the glass, clean the button. Apply the adhesive activator to the windshield. Apply the adhesive to the button and hold in place for two minutes. Supposedly I can attach the mirror after 20 minutes, but I let the chemicals cure overnight instead. Air temperature didn't drop below 60 F (package instructions advised to use above 50 F). The next morning I snapped the mirror back onto the button, which was by now firmly affixed to the windshield. That was a week ago, and things are still good, so I suppose I didn't muck things up.
One more thing, my mirror has an auto-dim feature, and an electronic compass. I had to recalibrate the compass after plugging the connections together. This involved driving slowly in a circle about three times. Everything is good again.
I was surprised how good visibility is out of the front without a mirror in the way. But changing lanes is a bit scary.
No comments:
Post a Comment