jdw Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 Is it relatively easy to move the mirror on the windshield? I sit kinda tall in my 2003 Legacy wagaon, and the mirror is right at eye level - creating a blind spot in my vision. I was thinking of moving it up a few inches, and have the following questions: How would I remove the mirror - I assume that it is attached with some adhesive? How would I reattach it? And I want to reattach it in the area of the windshield with the black pattern on it - should I scrape that off with a razor blade before reattaching it? Thanks, Jonathan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Clark Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 You can break the windshield if you are not careful, but I don't know of any tricks. There have been window guys posting here in the past. Are you sure if it is that high that you'll be able to see everything out the rear window? If you do get it off, they make a glue to put it back on, sold at any automotive place. Maybe you should just take it to a windshield place and let the experts do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottbaru Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 I used to be an engineer at the place that makes most of the worlds auto mirrors (Donnelly), I'd have this one done. Mirror mounting kits seem to fall off, removing occasionally breaks the glass. I haven't done it, but guys I know have had bad luck. Good time to snag an auto dimmer with compass from a junkyard, they're starting to show up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdw Posted February 21, 2005 Author Share Posted February 21, 2005 Thanks for the replies! You're right - I going to check how that affects the view out the rear window before I do it. I was hoping that the mirror attached to a base that was glued to the windshield - then I could just remove the mirror (leaving the base), and attach the mirror to another base glued higher on the windshield. Looking at the mirror, I wasn't able to tell if there was a separate base or not. Anyway, it isn't worth potentially breaking the windshield, so maybe I'll get a pro to give me a quote. Thanks, Jonathan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubaruLegacy2003 Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 I had the same problem, drove me nuts for a couple of months until I realized that the supporting arm to the mirror has 2 articulating points. Cram the joint near the windshields all the way up, and then adjust joint closer to mirror so you can see. I gained a couple of inches this way..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sydfloyd44 Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 Follow the advice from SubaruLegacy2003 first. This is very common. The joint closest to the windshield can be moved as high as possible, then adjust the mirror joint to fit your taste. Look at your windshield at the mirror (outside the vehicle). Do you see a black patch where the mirror is mounted? This is a frit (ceramic). Will look the same as the black around the perimeter of your windshield. I believe your car should have this. These mirrors are NOT mounted using standard rear view mirror adhesive!!!!! They use EPOXY!! If you attempt to remove, you will more than likely break the windshield. If you do get it off and you try to reattach to the frit using standard adhesive, the windshield will also break in due time. Had the same problem in my 2001 Gr. Cherokee Limited (LEMON!!) and I was able to relocate since I didn't have the frit issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdw Posted February 22, 2005 Author Share Posted February 22, 2005 I had the same problem, drove me nuts for a couple of months until I realized that the supporting arm to the mirror has 2 articulating points. Cram the joint near the windshields all the way up, and then adjust joint closer to mirror so you can see. I gained a couple of inches this way..... Thanks! I feel kinda stupid for not seeing this myself. I just never would've guessed that there would be an articulating joint at the windshield end of the arm! I adjusted it and it is better - probably good enough to not want to go through anything more serious. Jonathan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubaruLegacy2003 Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 Yeah, well if it makes you feel anybetter I felt just as dumb...it's always the easiest of fixes that seems to ellude you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 Heating up most adhesives will make it easier to loosen them. Also, if you really wanna break down the stuff, let it sit under a UV lamp for a night. Of course, you need to pull it off slowly if your going to avoid breaking the glass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcoaster Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 This might sound silly, but... Have you tried lowering the seat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottbaru Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 Heating up most adhesives will make it easier to loosen them. Also, if you really wanna break down the stuff, let it sit under a UV lamp for a night. Of course, you need to pull it off slowly if your going to avoid breaking the glass. Careful, the windshield can delaminate at high temps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 Syeah! Like don't use a flame. A hair dryer is plenty! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger83 Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 You can buy the windshield adhesive at almost any auto parts store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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