How to reattach a rear view mirror

I've had to reattach my rear view mirror twice in my life. The first time was when I was taking my daughter, Corinne, and her two friends camping in Galveston for Corinne's birthday. On the way to Galveston, the rear view mirror decided to fall down en route. (Good thing it didn't break!) As soon as we got into Galveston (and because I couldn't stand not seeing what's behind me), I went to Walmart and bought some special glue that is made just for rear view mirrors. We got back in the car and proceeded to start to reattach the mirror. Somewhere in the directions, it says not to move the car for 45 minutes so that it will have time to set. We even had to hold on to the mirror in the same spot for 45 mintues. Corinne and I took turns while her two friends looked at us like we were crazy. I know what they were thinking: Is this what you brought us to Galveston for? We sat in the car for 45 minutes, trying to start conversations. There was already an argument between the girls, so the conversation was strained. I should have known that the mirror falling down was just another sign that the whole weekend was a bust. But somehow, we managed to get through the whole 45 minute ordeal, and I had a rear view mirror again. I can't say the same for the weekend, though.

Those 45 minutes were a piece of cake to what I was about to endure...

The second time was last Saturday. I was taking Corinne to work. I hit a pothole in the road a little too hard, and suddenly the mirror just plopped down on the dash. It kind of scared me because I wasn't expecting it. After I took Corinne to work, I went grocery shopping, and had about $4 left over. I went over to Walgreens and bought the glue for the rear view mirror. (I was asked why didn't I buy Super Glue? I had looked on the package and it said that you can't use it to reattach rear view mirrors. Why? I don't know. I'm just the idiot who follows directions). So, with my last bit of money, I bought this glue. Unfortunately, I didn't try to attach it immediately. I waited. It was way too hot to reattach anything. (The heat index was 105+ on Saturday).

So, Sunday morning, I was taking my daughter back to work, and we decided that it was the perfect time to reattach the mirror. We attempted to reattach it (these instructions weren't as complicated as those in Galveston). We had to use an "activator" (included) to activate the glue. Then we were to apply the glue and hold the metal button in place for about 1 - 2 minutes, enough time for it set. Everything was going well, until we came to the glue. The glue was solid. Somehow, it was gelled, and nothing was coming out of the tube. Fortunately, we were close to Walgreens, so Corinne gave me more money, and I ran in there to buy another set. At that point, I drove Corinne to work, and we made a second attempt in the parking lot of her job. She held on to that metal button, and it wouldn't stick. Finally, she did get to stick, so we decided to leave it alone for awhile so that it will set. I drove to work, spend about 2 hours at work, then decided that it had enough time to sit. I attempted to reattach the rest of the mirror housing to the windshield, then, PLOP! It fell again. Now, mind you, the heat index was already over 105+ again, so maybe that had something to do with it????

I was getting upset that the mirror wouldn't stick to the windshield. The Galveston incident was a piece of cake compared to this incident, even with three mad teenagers in the car. I decided to call for help. I called one of the guys from the car clinic to help me with this problem. He told me the next time he can help me would be on Wednesday. So, I had to wait another 3 days.

This time he bought the glue. We went to the car, and I noticed that it wasn't as hot as the other day. The directions were the same: Activator, then glue. He must have the magic touch, because it stuck immediately. Just to be sure, we didn't attach the rest of the housing until we were sure it was going to stick. I left, and drove and worked at someone's house for about two hours, then went and picked up my daughter from work. At this point, it had been three hours since he attached the metal button the windshield. Now, was the moment of truth. When Corinne got in the car, I put the housing on the button, AND IT STUCK!!! Corinne hurried up and tightened the screw in and we left for home, hoping it won't fall again.

I'm happy to report that after 3 days, the rear view mirror is STILL on the windshield.