How to Remove the Metal Button From the Rearview Mirror

I recently set out to replace the cracked rear view mirror on the windshield of my car. The task was not as easy as it looked, but after a little frustration I was able to successfully complete the job. When looking for a replacement mirror, I quickly learned there are many types of review mirrors; and different ways they attach to the inside of a car. With many newer model cars or trucks the mirror is attached to the ceiling rather than the glass. This made it a little more difficult to find a replacement as I was dealing with an early 90's model Ford. I needed a mirror that you could simply glue to the inside of the windshield. After visiting a couple of junk yards I was able to find the type I needed. Now came the task of removing the old mirror. You can not just pull it off of the windshield as you risk cracking the glass. The most difficult part is removing the mirror from the metal button that attaches it to the windshield. This is the piece that is glued to the glass. After pulling my hair out trying to remove the mirror from the metal button, I realized (after calling a friend) there is a little tab inside of the mounting piece. Once this tab is pushed in, the mirror slides right off of the metal button. The difficult part is finding something that is small enough and strong enough to do this. There is a small hole at the bottom of the mount where the mirror fits onto the metal piece. It is a very small hole. I ended up using a very small screwdriver, but it did take some maneuvering and some time. Since then, I have learned there is a special tool made to remove the mirror. It slides up into the hole of the mount and compresses the little tab inside, allowing the mirror to side off. This tool can be purchased at your local auto parts store and I would recommend it over using something lying around the house. Once the mirror is removed from the metal button, use a flat blade tool to scrap the metal button from the windshield. It will take some time and some elbow grease, but it will eventually pop off. Once the mirror and metal button are removed, simply follow the instructions of the reattachment kit to attach the new mirror. This kit will cost about $3.00 at your local auto parts store. It includes a cleaner for the windshield and metal button, and glue to reattach the button to the glass. It comes with easy to follow instructions and will take about 20 minutes to complete the installation of the new mirror.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Special Tool
• Very Small Screwdriver
• Flat Blade Tool (Thick Paint Scrapper or something similar)
• Mirror Reattachment Kit (for attaching new mirror)

1. Use the store purchased special tool or a very small screwdriver. Slide the tool into the hole at the bottom of the mirror mount. The tool will compress the tab inside and the mirror will slide off of the metal button. You may have to wiggle it around a bit to compress the tab.
2. Use a flat blade tool (similar to a thick paint scraper) to scrape the metal button off of the windshield. It will take some time, but it will eventually come off.
3. Follow the instructions in the mirror reattachment kit to attach the new mirror.

Tips & Warnings

• Patience
• Be careful not to pull on the mirror or metal button. The pressure could crack the windshield.