HOrnbrod Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 I have a Homelink dimming rear view mirror and the stock mirror mount is not correct for the mirror. What's an easy way to get the old mount off the windshield w/o using a hammer and chisel and busting the windshield? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeepcoMJ Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Heat gun and smooth thick scraper...almost a putty knife.start by heating outside until too hot to touch more than a moment, then go inside and heat the metal. Should pop right off. Be careful you don't heat over 250 degrees or you will separate the laminate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted February 15, 2014 Author Share Posted February 15, 2014 Gracias Pat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeepcoMJ Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Not a problem. I'm not as lucky as you...have yet to own a vehicle for more than a few weeks with light colored interior, and every one I have bought has had the rear view simply fall off on the hottest day of summer. If you're not in a hurry, that works too...on old windshields. I assume the new mirror has map lights? Just ordered a garmin compatible auto dimming rear view with built in gps. The factory nav system that I could put in place of my head unit is a joke...have to put the nav disc in to use it, making the cd and dvd useless if driving distance, which is what I would need it for. Guess I will be going through the same thing you are, except with a new windshield install at the same time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted February 15, 2014 Author Share Posted February 15, 2014 Actually I've had the Gentex mirror for quite awhile, but it never fit quite right on the factory wedge - the wedge isn't quite wide enough. The Gentex has map lights, auto-dim, and Homelink which is the major reason I installed it. For GPS we use the JK - it has it built-in. :yes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeepcoMJ Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 The jk head unit is one hell of a lot better than the one available from 02 to 04....it is a joke. 1.5 din are junk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeepcoMJ Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 How do you like the gentex? I need backup camera for plowing...that is the main thing. Factory tint is too dark even with led backups, and you know I don't like adding lights on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted February 15, 2014 Author Share Posted February 15, 2014 I've had a few over the years - never a problem with any of them. No experience with their rear camera display models though. Sounds like a great idea for your purpose when backing up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbyrambler Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Heat gun and smooth thick scraper...almost a putty knife.start by heating outside until too hot to touch more than a moment, then go inside and heat the metal. Should pop right off. Be careful you don't heat over 250 degrees or you will separate the laminate I would not do this - - Not the outside part - - Inside - torch on the button for a sec & it will release - - I have done this many times over the years - - Am a retired glassworker & have many yrs knowledge of automotive glass - - Windshields are heat strengthened glass laminates - 1 pc vinyl sandwiched between 2 pcs glass - Trouble not guaranteed but asking for it going after adhesive from opposite side - Memento Murphy's Law - - - Given the age of your/our MJ & XJs I doubt if it has the original windshield - If it does or has an OEM PPG replacement odds are I supervised production of the glass - Fabrication would have been in Pennsylvania or Ohio - Not germain just sayin' I know automotive glass - - - - - - - I've used the Gentex mirrors with HomeLink, compass & map light for some time now - Don't recall the early model numbers but the newer/latest versions are gtx45 gtx50 or similar - - Had one put on the Mrs new minivan by dealer last year & they used an unswitched pwr source - No biggie since it's always garaged, but still - Memento Murphy's Law - - - - Before removing the button I use a crayon r sharpie to mark original location onna outside 4 a ref point - - - gonna be some residue spread around upon removal - not usually noticeable from a head on but more visible as viewing angle decreases esp from outside - usual pita whatever solvent works cleaning required - - - Adhesive for install gotta be UV resistant - I've had zero probs using permatex brand - - good luck :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted February 15, 2014 Author Share Posted February 15, 2014 Thanks Danby. "Use" a torch..." meaning a propane torch? I was planning on using a heat gun I use for heat shrink tubing, but do have a propane torch also. Either one be okay from the inside directly on the wedge? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeepcoMJ Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 I would follow his advice. My method works, but like he said, laminate seperation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbyrambler Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 I used a map torch couple yr ago on my 89 - Don't recall what used on the 87 but pretty sure was the same since the map is 1 of my most used household/shop tools - that & the fire extinguisher - Anyway, doesn't take much using a torch - half sec or so - Never popped one off - used pliers & twisting motion - Heat seems to take it out of whatever factory adhesive was used - Just figured it was similar to super glue & SG, like silicone is hell fer stout unless you twist it - - Just for the heck of it you might try twisting on yours sans heat - I removed a mirror from a dodge rampage once - It had been ina JY for a long time & the UV degradation must of been up there - gave it a twist & pop - - - I wouldn't worry too much about the delam thing - the vinyl has an expansion coefficient as near identical to the glass as can b made & without an air pathway not likely - more likely of a prob would be tiny, I mean small, nonhomogeneous piece of junk in the glass - Neither is likely but it could happen with lotsa heat - The most interesting man in the world said Heat carefully my friend :crossfingers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92tanMJ Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 I'm not sure what the temps are where you are but be careful with the torch as too much heat too quick on cold glass and it will crack. :thumbsup: But you already knew that lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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