Removing Rear View Mirror Wedge From Windshield

[HOrnbrod]

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?

[JeepcoMJ]

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

[HOrnbrod]

Gracias Pat. 

[JeepcoMJ]

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.

[HOrnbrod]

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:

[JeepcoMJ]

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.

[JeepcoMJ]

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.

[HOrnbrod]

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.

[danbyrambler]

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:

[HOrnbrod]

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.

[JeepcoMJ]

I would follow his advice.  My method works, but like he said, laminate seperation.

[danbyrambler]

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:

[92tanMJ]

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