How to properly glue the rear view mirror and choose the best tool
The question of how to glue a rear view mirror is very relevant for many people. To achieve a strong and reliable fixation, first of all, it is necessary to choose the right adhesive. Strict adherence to procedural technique is of no small importance. In order for the mirror to hold well, it is worth letting the glue dry completely.
What adhesives are used for mirrors
Motorists are sometimes confronted with chipping mirrors. However, experts advise against worrying about this. This problem can be solved.
There can be several reasons for peeling off. Most often this is caused by mechanical stress or the end of the life of the adhesive. To achieve good results in fixing the mirror, it is worth choosing a high-quality adhesive.
Professional craftsmen use substances to fix this element, which solidify and provide a strong connection under the influence of special ultraviolet lamps.
Such glue can be purchased in a special store. However, you should not use it yourself. Such a substance solidifies exclusively under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. This requires the use of special high-power lamps.
Abro
Abro adhesive composition is designed for strong attachment of glass and metal. This substance is characterized by the following characteristics:
- freezes quickly;
- it is very resistant to tearing and shocks;
- does not collapse under the influence of vibration;
- does not suffer from external factors - ultraviolet radiation or temperature extremes.
The instructions contain information that the glue is considered two-component. The action of the activator leads to its solidification. It is recommended to open the adhesive and activator before use.
Doneal DD6588
This is a two-component substance, the hardening of which is carried out under the influence of an activator. The glue hardens 70% after 15 minutes. Complete solidification is observed only after 24 hours. With the composition it is allowed to quickly glue the mirror. After a quarter of an hour you can use the car.
Permatex 81840
This is a readily available adhesive that securely attaches the rearview mirror and windshield. The makeup sets in seconds. After 15 minutes, the composition becomes as strong as possible.
The substance contains an adhesive and an activator. The set also contains a towel impregnated with reagents. With its help, it is recommended to process the base before applying the adhesive.This set allows you to fix the mirror off on the road.
Loctite 319
This manufacturer produces different types of glue. The composition can contain 10 nylon impregnators or a container with an activator. Both sets provide secure attachment of the mirror. In this case, it is recommended to apply the adhesive or impregnation to both surfaces to be joined.
An epoxy resin
This tool is distinguished by its affordable cost. At the same time, it provides secure fixation. However, using epoxy is not always practical. Hardening of the substance can take up to 10 hours.
epoxy based
This compound has an epoxy base. It contains a polymerizer. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve a quick grip.
KR-152
This is an affordable product from a domestic manufacturer. It has excellent adhesive properties.
An-110
This composition is produced by a Russian brand. It has a low cost and provides a secure fit.
An-105
The substance is produced by a Russian company. It's inexpensive but very effective.
3M
This popular adhesive is used by many craftsmen. The composition contains a liquid activator. Thanks to this component, it is possible to obtain a sticky mass.
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This glue is often used by professional craftsmen. With the help of the substance, it is possible to fix the metal brackets of the mirror brackets.
The composition is considered two-component. It hardens in 1 minute and is resistant to UV rays and temperature variations. The substance can tolerate strong vibrations.
It is often used to fix the swivel elements of exterior mirrors.
How to choose the right composition
In order to fix the mirror well, and that it does not come off, it is important to choose the right adhesive. It must meet the following requirements:
- Resists the mass of the element.The mirror includes metal elements, glass, plastic components.
- Maintain performance under heavy vibration. For example, Moment glue is not able to withstand vibrations. Therefore, when driving on a rough road, the rearview mirror may fall off.
- To tolerate temperature fluctuations. The windshield faces frequent temperature changes. The glue also suffers in part. It should not lose its characteristics under the influence of the sun or snowfall.
How to Properly Stick a Car Mirror to Your Windshield
To obtain a strong and reliable hold, it is important to learn how to use the adhesive correctly:
- It is best to mount the mirror in the center of the windshield. For the correct choice of the location of this element, it is necessary to apply strokes with a marker. It is recommended to do this outdoors. Thanks to this, it will be possible to immediately glue the mirror correctly and avoid having to change its location.
- It is imperative to get rid of glue residue. For this, it is recommended to use a clerical knife. To clean the metal of the stand from foreign bodies, it is recommended to preheat it. This can be done with a hair dryer. Thanks to this simple manipulation, the adhesive will be much easier to remove.
- Sand the glass in the bonding area with fine emery paper. Lightly rubbing the surfaces is enough. This will help increase the adhesion of the parts.
- Wipe the glass and the support with a degreaser. To do this, it is not enough to treat the surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in acetone. For good results, one cloth should be dipped in acetone and applied to the glass to dissolve the grease, and the other should be to remove any remaining dirt.
- Remove the metal bracket. It is recommended to slide it down.If this is not possible, it is necessary to think beforehand about the support of the mirror during the period of hardening of the glue.
- Proceed to the bonding process. This is done after the surfaces have dried. Before using the substance, you should carefully study the instructions.It is worth paying attention to the areas of application of the adhesive and activator. Bonding time is also important.
- Secure the mirror for the curing period. A good glue will not harden in minutes. Therefore, for the duration of drying, the rear view mirror of the car must be firmly fixed. It is recommended to attach a strong magnet to the outside of the windshield. If this is not the case, it is permissible to use tape or modeling clay. However, subsequently there will be a need for excipient cleanup.
What to do if the glass is heated
The original heated mirror is easy to use. It does not fog up or become covered with water droplets in high humidity conditions. Such a mirror practically does not differ from the usual.
The only difference is the presence of heating parts. Therefore, you can safely use the same adhesives. Before using them, you should definitely read the instructions.
How to manage mirrors
If the exterior mirror comes off while driving, the driver experiences significant discomfort. The lack of a full view negatively affects the quality of driving and can lead to the creation of accidents.
For gluing the exterior mirror, it is recommended to use special compounds. If they are not at hand, it is worth using liquid nails.
Double-sided tape
You can buy this attachment at a consignment store.At the same time, experienced craftsmen do not advise using double-sided tape to fix car mirrors. It does not provide reliable fixation and can be considered a temporary measure.
Acrylic adhesive
One-component acrylic glue hardens in 1-3 days. Initial fixation takes no more than a quarter of an hour. When applying the activator to 2 surfaces, it will be possible to achieve rapid setting of the substance. It doesn't take more than a minute.
The instructions for the adhesive composition indicate that not all degreasers are suitable for surface treatment. With the wrong choice of substance, the adhesive characteristics deteriorate.
Autoglue Sealant
Autoglue glue-sealant is suitable for gluing various elements. The composition provides a secure hold.
Mounting the DVR
A VCR is one of the most important accessories of a modern driver's car. This device helps you prove yourself on the road. It helps to solve controversial problems that arise when driving a vehicle.
A novice motorist may not know how to properly attach the recorder to the windshield. To mount the camera, it is allowed to use special suction cups. These elements provide a strong grip for a long period of time.
If the suction cups fall off or don't stick, replacement is required. It is not difficult to do this. It should be borne in mind that over time rubber or silicone products lose their ability to fix and become unusable. If dropped, even from a small height, the DVR can be seriously damaged. Therefore, the replacement of suction cups should be carried out in a timely manner.
Possible problems when gluing car mirrors
Many people face various problems when repairing car mirrors. To eliminate the influence of negative factors, they must be identified.
bad glue
The main reason for the insufficiently strong fixing of a car mirror is considered to be the use of poor-quality adhesive composition. The choice of this substance should be taken very carefully.
Surfaces too cold
It is recommended to warm up the surfaces before attaching the mirror. This can be done with an ordinary hair dryer. If this is not done, good adhesion will not be achieved.
Breach of technology
Improper execution of the work will not help to fix the mirror securely. If you do not degrease the surface, rub the glass with sandpaper or clean it from old glue, the mirror will not hold.
Operation started too quickly
Each adhesive has a specific cure time. If you start using the car in advance, the rearview mirror will come off.
Additional tips and tricks
To successfully repair a car rearview mirror, you must follow these recommendations:
- The activator should be applied to the glass, and the base of the stand should be treated with an adhesive. The activator contains a chemical compound of copper and salt. Its basis is acetone. It is completely safe for glass.
- The mirror adhesive dries slowly. Therefore, it is so important to ensure reliable fixation of the device during this period. For this, masking tape is suitable. It is also allowed to support the mirror with a stick with a soft sponge. This will help prevent damage to the elements.
- Adhesives often have a strong odor. To make it skate faster, it is recommended to ventilate the interior.
Fixing the mirror can be done in different ways.To achieve good results, you need to choose the right adhesive and follow the technology of its application.