removing rear view mirror

[richingalveston]

Does anyone know of a way to remove the rear view mirror from the windshield. I need to recenter it and lower it about an inch to make room for my license plate. I installed the shelf where the visors are installed and due to my winch install, I need to relocate my front license plate. I am going to install it in the center of the windshield above the mirror and behind the shelf.

Is there some type of solvent that can be used to remove the metal mount from the windshield without breaking the windsheild.

Thanks,
Rich

 

[FireFighterHill]

Ive heard of people using a mono-filament line or a piece of very fine but strong wire and using a sawing motion to remove them.

 

[FireFighterHill]

You could also try heating it with a heat gun and using a plastic scraper to pry it off.

 

[richingalveston]

I have a heat gun and some braided fishing line. I will try both methods.
Thanks.
Rich

 

[ducer]

I used to be a line tech. for a Buick dealer. The only thing I have seen work is heat from a heat gun. And only 50% of the time, even the glass companys used to break them quite often. Lots of heat but be careful, and use a single edged razor blade to kind of cut the glue and gently pry up, a plastic scraper will only melt. Too much centralized heat will crack a windshield so be careful and spread the heat around the glass also. After you get it off use ONLY windex or ammonia to clean glass after scraping both CLEAN with a razor blade. DO NOT use any type of solvents to clean the pieces, any adhesive residue left on a microscopic level and there will be some no matter how clean you get it will absorb it and cause a faiure in the future. DO NOT clean anything with a wire wheel, wire brush or sandpaper or anything else that will scratch it. The adhesive relies on oxygen deprivation to help it cure. Gently warm the glass and block and carefuly follow the instructions on the adhesive kit. Use ONLY a adhesive kit designed for rearview mirrors do not try to substitute any other type of adhesive it WILL NOT WORK! When done DO NOT park it in the sun keep it shaded and wait 24 hours if possible to rehang mirror. I have never had one fall off yet following these instructions and I have reattached hundreds. GOOD LUCK and I hope this helps you.

Sorry so long winded,
Denny

It took longer to write this than it would to actualy do it. If you want to drive up to Indiana I could pop it on for you real Quick.

 

[Gripy]

I just zip tied my front license plate to the brush guard. Seems like less of a hassle than taking the mirror off.

 

[ducer]

Another thing I wanted to mention if I were you I would check with your local L.E.A. and state police if putting the licence plate there is legal. I know Ill. (Chicago) gets pi$$y about such things.

Denny

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

I am going to install it in the center of the windshield above the mirror and behind the shelf.

Where will you mount it after you are ticketed and told to remove it from your windshield because it is blocking too much of your view?


And will this exercise be worth the cost and effort? Or would it be easier to just find another place to mount it now, and skip the middle step of mounting it in your windshield?

 

[doghead]

Why not bolt it to your front axle?

 

[Recovry4x4]

Back to the original question, here's how I've done it with pretty decent success. Need a heat gun, a few single edge razor blades, a small piece of nylon block and a non metal hammer, I have a light plastic one I use. I lay the razor flat on the window at the lower right corner and lightly tap it in between the glass and puck, just enough to hold itself in place. The razor needs to be flat against the glass so I use the nylon block against the razor and tap the block. Apply heat. Very gentile taps while heating and after a while it pops off. Be very patient and your success rate increases exponentially.

License plate display. I used to have a problem with this when I lived in OH. It was either the lack of a front plate or a light on the rear one. I ended up putting one on the roll bar up high like a wrecker and had a utility flood light in the bed shining on it. There was so much light hitting it you could barely read it. That didn't go over very well either.

 

[dstang97]

1 vote for no plate. My state has very struck laws about vehicles. I have never been pulled over in my cucv.

 

[richingalveston]

texas requires a front plate. IF the vehicle does not have a place to mount it on the front bumper then you are required to add a place OR keep the plate visable in the front windshield they do not specify where in the windshield. I will check with my local police to make sure that being that high on the windsheild is not a problem. I do not think that they would accept being on the front axle since it is to far under the truck. The license plate in this location does not block my view unless I am trying to look at an airplane. It is actually within the limits of where the visor strip of tint can be applied wich will be done on each side of the plate.
The front plate is not required to be lighted, only the rear plate must have a light.
I will double check prior to continuing work on it but I have seen many in this location. If I have to I will make a mount that connects to the front of the winch. My winch will be capable of being removed and put on the back when I get the rear receiver hitch but It will stay on the front 99% of the time.

My mirror is currently not centered and I need to recenter it anyway and it only has to be lowered 1/2 inch to make room for the plate. I need to recenter it so that the passenger visor will clear and not hit it when you fold it down to use it.

Thanks for the input. I will let everyone know what my local police have to say about it after I get a chance to talk to them

 

[dstang97]

Does your winch have the rollers on them? The fairlead if so I think warn makes a bracket to attach it the them.

 

[richingalveston]

It does have the rollers and I have looked at the roller mount. I beleive it removes to easily. Here in the Houston area if it is not bolted and locked down people will steal it just to piss you off. The front plate is not something you notice when it is not there, Thus you don't realize it was stolen until the cop pulls you over.
I would like it bolted down or even better kept behind the glass. Also I like to keep the winch cover on and it covers the rollers so I would have to modify the cover a little. If I have to mount it on the front of the truck I am considering gettting another bridge plate for the passenger side to mount the plate to. This way it is bolted on and cannot be removed without taking some time and it will not tear up the grill by the use of tie wraps.

 

[Recovry4x4]

If the popo give you grief for the plate being in the window, they are having a bad day. Anyone who goes to that much effort to comply with the law should be left alone.

 

[ryan77]

Usually mine falls off on its own and i have to re glue it on! Never tried removing one......lol