How to remove the interior rear view mirror base?

[Andrew]

Hello everyone:

5052's interior rear view mirror has been missing since it arrived in my driveway; however, the metal mounting base is still attached to the windshield. Any suggestions on how I remove the base without cracking the windshield?

I was thinking of trying mineral spirits along with the heat of a hairdryer.

Any insight / recommendations would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Andrew

[Utah DeLorean]

I thought that it was just like a 3M pad of sorts. You should be able to remove it with a straight blade if that is the case. Instead of removing it why not get a rear-view mirror to put up?

[DMCMW Dave]

Warm it up a bit or park it in the sun. Use a small paint scraper, it will let go. NEVER glue it back on. Use the 3M tape.

BTW it's plastic.

And I've never found a good way to snap a new one onto that mount without risk of cracking the glass. It takes an amazing amount of force.

[Andrew]

Thank you! All these years I always thought the base was metal.

[DMCMW Dave]

Thank you! All these years I always thought the base was metal.

I could be wrong, never cut into one. Might be aluminum. It's just very light.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

The mirror base is aluminum.
Rob

I could be wrong, never cut into one. Might be aluminum. It's just very light.

[DMC5180]

Aluminum just loves to expand and contract with heat (solar effect). Hence the need for the 3M pad vs typical mirror mount adhesives.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

Heat is the key for removal whether provided by the sun or a heatgun/hairdryer. A razor blade with some sort of holder will give you the sharp edge and force neccesary to get under the adhesive pad or double-face tape normally securing the base. Just remember that too much of either heat or force can crack the shield but the combination of the two in moderation should do the trick. Never use the GM style clear adhesive in place of the pad or tape as it will crack the shield every time!
Rob
QUOTE=Andrew;173820]Hello everyone:

5052's interior rear view mirror has been missing since it arrived in my driveway; however, the metal mounting base is still attached to the windshield. Any suggestions on how I remove the base without cracking the windshield?

I was thinking of trying mineral spirits along with the heat of a hairdryer.

Any insight / recommendations would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Andrew[/QUOTE]

[Andrew]

Thanks again for the insight! It's going to be a warm weekend, so I'll leave it in the sun for a bit and try to gently remove it.