Technical Attaching the rear view mirror

[spiritof1976]

Hi all

I recently got a Fiat Punto 1.1 55S. When I got it the car only had one of those cheap suction rear view mirrors that you can pick up in Halfords. I don't find it particularly satisfactory as the view in it isn't great - I have to sit further forward than I normally would in order to get a proper view out back. Also, the suction mirror popped off the other day and I'd hate that to happen when I driving down the M4.

So, I've ordered a proper Punto rear view mirror from eBay, and it's arrived. Here's my question.

The mirror kind of looks to me like it's meant to clip onto something. Is there meant to be some sort of mounting plate that you glue to the windscreen and then clip the mirror onto that? Or do you simply glue the mirror straight onto the glass? If it's the former, where can I get the mounting plate from?

Cheers

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

Either way, you need a special type of glue.
Most glue don't work on glass, so go to a carparts shop and buy this special car mirror glue!

 

[spiritof1976]

Yeah, I think I've seen those. Loctite sell them, right?

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

Yes, Loctite is a good brand.
Read the instructions very carefully before use.
Watch the outside temperatures, maybe wait until spring, or use it in a heated garage...

 

[puntomadboy]

pro seal is a good brand too, they make glue especially for rear view mirrors..

http://proseal.supergluecorp.com/

 

[spiritof1976]

Cheers for the feedback regarding glue types, guys. I'll bear those in mind.

Going back to the original question, should there be some sort of mounting bracket or plate that I'm supposed to attach to the glass and then attach the mirror to, or should I just glue the mirror straight to the glass.

I notice for loctite rear-view mirror adhesive it says that it's only suitable for metal and glass, but the swivelly-head thing (possibly not the technical term) on the mirror is made of plastic, so I'm guessing that means something metal needs to go between it and the glass.

 

[sendell]

Yea there normally is a pre bonded bit attached to the windscreen which the mirror slides onto, which is how you can replace a windscreen without buying a mirror aswell. I headbutted mine (don't ask) and it came off so i took it to autoglass and they sorted it out for me for free. I'm not sure they will have the plate bit for the windscreen, but i'd assume they do and that the plate thats already attached to teh windscreen is a generic shape as otheriwse the manufacturers would need to use different ones for every car.

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

No car junkyards around where you live?
Go there and have a look....
Otherwise go to a Fiat dealer, they can look it up for you in the parts computer, wouldn't be an expensive part....!

 

[spiritof1976]

No car junkyards around where you live?
Go there and have a look....
Otherwise go to a Fiat dealer, they can look it up for you in the parts computer, wouldn't be an expensive part....!

Good point.

I got the rear view mirror off eBay, so I've e-mailed the seller to ask if he also has any of the mounting plates. If not I'll follow your suggestion.

 

[inki]

Hi, an alternative to glue is a adhesive patch which is double sided green in colour & available from Halfords where the fuses/oddpacks are.

 

[spiritof1976]

Hi, an alternative to glue is a adhesive patch which is double sided green in colour & available from Halfords where the fuses/oddpacks are.

Yeahm, I've seen those, but I think I've heard some people say they have a tendency to fall off. Is that true?

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

The problem is UV-rays from the sun, most glue can not stand UV rays, so unless it says it's UV-safe, it will come of.
The special mirror glue is UV safe of course....!

 

[nigel207]

Yes, those pads are hopeless. We tried them on my son's punto when the mirror dropped off. As soon as he tried to adjust the mirror it came off - yes, the screen was spotlessly clean. Halfords do a Loctite(?) mirror fitting kit (it's amongst the glues - superglue etc). You do need the missing plate though before you try.

 

[inki]

If you warm up the part that attaches to the screen with a hairdrier and then apply patch, and then if poss warm the area on the screen, remove the backing strip & apply, leave for a while for a good bond, Ford use them as standed for years with no problem.

 

[nigel207]

Did that and it didn't work. I know the Ford versions (we used them at work to stick on second mirrors, and they did), but the Halfords ones are quite thick which causes problems in itself.

 

[inki]

Yeah,I must admit the ones I used were original Ford so maybe a trip to Ford dealer for the Punto problem would be better.

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

Very important to use the glue or patches under extremely dry conditions, even the moisture in your breath will affect the results, so holding your breath while applying isn't a bad idea....!

 

[spiritof1976]

Looks like my problem is now solved. The eBay seller who sold me the original rear view mirror has offered to send me the mounting plate free of charge.

Since the seller isn't even asking for postage costs, the eBay ID is angelsliveere - recommended by me as a seller who's giving good service in supplying parts.

I think I'll wait for the mounting plate to arrive rather than bother with the adhesive pads. Better to do it properly.