Rear view mirror adhesive help please.

[greenhorn male]

I didn't want to use the permatex 2 part rear view mirror adhesive because it seemed a waste of money ($2.50-$3.50) using one drop and throwing it away and not being sure it would work. Specially when less expensive multi-use adhesives in larger containers claim good for use on metal or glass and could be used on other stuff as well. Well I should have listened to that nagging voice in my head instead of giving in and buying the only adhesive advertised for rear view mirror use. So I purchased the permatex mirror adhesive, cleaned the glass and removed any dirt and old adhesive with nail polish remover. Wiped it clean with alcohol and allowed to dry. Scraped the old adhesive from the metal mount, cleaned with nail polish remover and alcohol and dried. Followed instructions: applied activator on glass, waited 2 minutes until dry, placed a drop of adhesive on metal mount and stuck together. Instructions said it will set in 15 minutes. I gave it 3 days, put the mirror on and while tightening the mirror it fell off. Adhesive was obviously stuck on the metal but not on the glass. Glass was still wet from the adhesive. So, I figured I did something wrong and bought another package scraped the adhesive off the metal and cleaned everything like before only this time did it after dark, same instructions, but this time put tape over the mount and waited 20 hours. Put mirror on tightened hex nut and the whole thing fell of again
Ok done venting.... This time I asked for a refund at the parts store. Tell me, silicone adhesives or other multi use adhesives for use on both metal and glass would work. I used silcone to install my speakers in an oak veneer box for my home speakers and when I changed drivers one day it ripped the veneer off. I had to use a blade to cut the veneer around the speaker to save the box.

What have you used with success? I want the rear view mirror back on my burb.

[AspecialZ]

sounds to me like you need to hit the local auto zone/advance and just drop the 3 bucks on the new metal plate with 3m adhesive already attached, just peel and stick..but make sure you clean that window off good...

[ureckme]

I used some clear silicone on my mirror about 10 years ago its still holding. Matt

[N2TRUX]

I don't know why you are having trouble. I have used the Permatex adhisive many times with great results. I scrape a clean just like you did. The only thing I can say that I have done different is I put a piece of masking tape on the metal piece to prevent it from sliding until it dries. I "always" let it dry over night though.

It's worked for me....

[ureckme]

You cant have any air bubbles at all and tape it to the glass. what he said

[hobbz]

just go to walmart and buy the kit. it comes with glue and a new pastic piece instead of using the origional metal one. works much better than other stuff

[a28doc]

I use JB Weld to put mirrors back on I gaurantee that if the window ever breaks the mirror will still be stuck to a piece of glass lol
Doc

[greenhorn male]

Asp...I went to Autozone twice and permatex was all they could recommend. I wish they had told me about a new metal piece with peel off as I would have bought one for myself and my neighbor. The second time they refunded my money ( I returned the empty package) and still couldn't recommend anything else.

hobbz...My neighbors Miata has a plastic window piece which he replaced a couple of times because the edge of the plastic eventually wears off and his mirror falls off with the plastic still attached to the windshield.

N2trux, Ureckme...I mentioned in my first post that the second time I taped it and waited 20 hours before removing tape.

Either something is wrong with my timing, the way I am applying the activator or the conditions at the time as there is tacky (wet) adhesive on the winshield that is not drying. If I'm doing something wrong, it has to be the way I am applying the activator. Tell me if I am doing this correctly. After making sure windshield is clean and dry, I break the activator glass, squeeze activator through plastic and swab and wipe it on area where metal is to stick. Wait 2 minutes, maybe a little longer. apply drop of adhesive on metal center, attach to glass and tape. I am thinking the previous owner may have had the same problem because the mirror was in the glovebox. I bought it from a used car lot and you think they would have fixed the mirror also.

I have JB weld in my garage cabinet, clear silicone, aircraft grade silicone adhesive, and super glue but I bought the permatex because that's what the parts store recommended. I used to be a master of improvising because I would improvise with what I have available rather than go get the exact application, but this time I thought I'd play it by the book. I figured there has got to be a reason why I can't use the other stuff.

Thanks guys, I'm using the silicone adhesive I used with my speakers. If I can't pull it off my metal speaker frame and smooth oak veneer even when I applied it without cleaning them, it should stick the mirror to the glass and I have a big reusable tube of it.

[86swb]

Originally Posted by a28doc

I use JB Weld to put mirrors back on I gaurantee that if the window ever breaks the mirror will still be stuck to a piece of glass lol
Doc

JB Weld works on just about anything. That is one of the best things that ever came along. I always keep some around.

[PHOENIX]

I havent read the entire thread.
I use super glue to attach my rear view mirror to the windshield.
Mine would fall off every once in awhile when the sterio was loud or it
was hot outside and I tried to adjust it. I started using super glue gel
and it lasts much longer. Been using it for awhile now.

[live85]

I used super glue one time and the mirror fell off again, but it brought a chunk of glass with it. I'm not sure if it was permatex or not, but the stuff you buy at walmart that comes in two little containers worked well on mine.

[Captkaos]

I bought the permatex kit Laborday weekend. If the button isn't EXTREMELY smooth, it won't stick. When I got my truck the previous owner apparently "reglued" it and when I went to adjust the mirror, it fell off. When I bought the kit it came with and alcohol patch, some cleaner/activator, a razor blade, sandpaper and the glue. When I went to "fix" the buton it had DEEP scratches/gouges in it so I got a new button. Followed the instructions and 30 minutes later I was using the mirror pulling my boat.

If the button you are trying to stick to the glass is not smooth, it won't stick.

[PhilaTruck]

Originally Posted by Captkaos

...30 minutes later I was using the mirror pulling my boat.

CaptKaos: Are you saying that you were pulling your boat by the mirror? Okay, okay, just kidding. I couldn't resist.

This is a great thread. Who NEVER had a mirror drop off?

[greenhorn male]

Common PhilaTruck! Don't tell me you never heard of towing mirrors. Aren't these made for towing. I think they extend the rope out so you don't scratch your doors.

[PhilaTruck]

If you saw my truck, you'd understand why I didn't think of that. Oh, it looks better than this, but not much.

[BudTX]

Originally Posted by PhilaTruck

If you saw my truck, you'd understand why I didn't think of that. Oh, it looks better than this, but not much.

Mine's a beater too; your looks a bit better than mine.

Your tires look like I painted the wheels, though!

[86 GMG]

here is how i have always done mine remove any dirt grease adhesive ect from glass with alcohal and maybe a flat scraper blade take the metal tab and grind with abench grinder all extra glass that might be on there from previous windshield like everyone else has mentiond it ahs to be smooth / but i like to have a lite amount of sanded area basically to smooth areas to be glued is going to require less glue but sanding grooves that you really cant see but can feel will allow glue to flow in the little groove and bond i also scratch or sand the spot on the windshield were this will be mounted (take a piece of sandpapper in your hand cover your thumb and basically grind in a circle the 1 inch area re clean with alcohal and then apply the adhesive that come in the package made for rear view mirrors after placing the tab on the windshield i will split a piece of duct tape down the middle and place in a cross or lower case T position i have never had problems doing it this way you have mentioned of two diffrent attempts so one quick question is this an aftermarket mirror that is heavier?

[greenhorn male]

The mirror appears stock. The adhesive is sticking to the metal tab, I have to scrape it off and sand it to get it off. It's just not sticking to the glass. Something must be impregnated into my windshield galss that glue won't stick. I used automotive "goop" the other day with the same results. I thought of sanding the glass too and now that I know someone has done this I will do it as well. It makes sense having a rougher mounting surface, besides you never have to mark the location again if the glass is sanded.

[Jonboy]

Clean both surfaces very well. take the metal piece and rub it on the sidewalk. spray the activator on the windshield, and the adhesive on the metal piece, and attach it. You may have waited too long, and the activator dried up.

[jimfulco]

I had problems with the Permatex glue not holding a couple of times, but the $1.98 kit with the cheesy-looking black plastic plate & silicone-like adhesive (from AutoZone) worked fine.

[greenhorn male]

I finally got the mirror not to fall off while tightening the set screw. I sanded the area on the windshield and cleaned as usual. Applied Automotive goop and left it on for 4 days. I couldn't find my JB weld. This is the first time I was able to tighten the set screw without the metal tab coming off the windshield. I hope it stays on for good.

[86 GMG]

great news glade to here you got it repaired i cant stand not to have a rearview in my truck i notice i use it more in my truck than any other vehicle

[86swb]

Originally Posted by 86 GMG

great news glade to here you got it repaired i cant stand not to have a rearview in my truck i notice i use it more in my truck than any other vehicle

The reason for you using the mirror more in your classic is because you are more concerned about anybody hitting your truck. Your are just being more protective of your pride and joy. As you should be. I know I am.

[piecesparts]

Have you tried cleaning the windshield with either "Carb cleaner" of "Laquer thinner"? Both of these products can cut oils and greases off of items and not leave a residue. I would also follow that up with a small amount of rubbing alcohol to take away any fingerprints. If your glue is NOT sticking, it may be due to someone using a silscone sealer as a cement in the past. That stuff will leave a fairly permanent residue trace for a long time.

[86swb]

I have been told that smoking a lot in a vehickle will put something on the glass that might cause a problem with sticking. I do not smoke so do not have this problem (if it is really a problem?).