rear view window "button" removal?

[SnakeCharmer]

I have a nice auto dimming mirror I want to install in my SportTrac but the little button on the window is a different size. Evan though I have had plenty of rear view mirrirs come off in my hand over the years, this one seems to be stuck pretty good and I dont want to pull on it and risk a cracked windshield. Any idea how to get this thing off?

 

[gijoecam]

Call a local glass shop that deals with automotive windshields. They may have some tricks.... I don't personally know of any way to remove 'em once they're stuck.

-Joe

 

[toypaseo]

Have the windshield place glue the correct one over the top of the old one. A guy I work bought a used Chevy truck with a new windshield already installed. Some some reason the windshield place glued a different mounting button over the existing one.

 

[budwich]

I do believe acetone is used to "free" them up but am not sure.

search of the internet suggests a crecent wrench "twisting" motion causes an "easy removal".... http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4202332.html

 

[gijoecam]

I've seen that done before too, but there you're going metal-to-metal and regular mirror base adhesive probably won't last very long.

IIRC, they have a tool that shears the old one off... IIRC, they lock something on and whack it sideways and it shears the adhesive.

The other thing you could do is glue it right above or below or to the side of the original one. It wouldn't be as pretty, but should be just as effective, and you'd probably never see it.

Just another thought: Doesn't someone make an adapter to go from the smaller one to the larger one? I could swear I remember seeing them at one point in time....

-Joe