Mirror Glass Fell Off, Glue Type?

[MrAl]

Hello there,

Well Volvo strange problem #154385 and counting

The passenger side mirror glass (only the glass) fell off.
The qusetion is, can this be glued back on and if so what kind of glue has been tried and proven to work long term?

I have used silicone adhesive in the past it holds to glass for a long time it is used on making fish tanks that do not need a steel framework to hold the glass first, it just bonds the edges of one side to the flat side of the front or back. Amazingly this even works on large tanks. I've made a few myself in the past although they were smaller tanks 10 gallons or less. I can say with confidence that silicone works really well for glass.
The catch is it has to be held it place for several hours unlike some other fast acting glue.

I have read they make an adhesive sheet for this, but i would prefer another solution like a type of glue. The main point though is what is the absolute best to use for this. Maybe a list of preference from best to less than best.

Thanks again

PS I can offer Matt a $20 donation but i need an address to send it to. I can have it out the next day.

[454cid]

I have not done this on my Volvo, but on my Chevy truck. I used silicone, as you already mentioned. I had the piece the glass mounts to out of the mirror housing, and secured with spring clamps. I would think that you could still hold the glass with the mirror completely assembled, Though. Use something like a chunk of Styrofoam on the glass and then put multiple rubber bands around the mirror housing and Styrofoam.

[June]

At least for the 2004 P2 the replacement mirror insert was less than $100 about two years ago when it happened to my car. Obviously your car is older than a 04 and not a P2. So far I replaced both mirror inserts outside as both failed within months of each other. On my model each piece of the outside mirrors are available as separate pieces. The car wash ate the painted shell about four years ago and my dealer replaced that for about $100. Nice of Volvo to offer pieces! Cheaper manufacturers don't. June

[scot850]

I am confused as the mirror is held in by a plastic ring with clips. See attached Youtube video:



So I am confused why you are trying to stick this back in. Has the mirror glass and plastic backing separated?

Neil.

[454cid]

I am confused as the mirror is held in by a plastic ring with clips. See attached Youtube video:



So I am confused why you are trying to stick this back in. Has the mirror glass and plastic backing separated?

Neil.

When I did my passenger side truck mirror I could get a glass replacement, or glass with the plastic mount. It's more expensive with the mount, of course. The plastic mount must be a fairly standard thing, as the mirror in the video uses a mount much like my Chevy truck.

Having seen the video, I'd suggest the OP removes the plastic backing and uses spring clamps with silicone glue to re-mount his mirror glass. It looks like the Volvo glass mount may come off easier then the one on my truck.

[MrAl]

I have not done this on my Volvo, but on my Chevy truck. I used silicone, as you already mentioned. I had the piece the glass mounts to out of the mirror housing, and secured with spring clamps. I would think that you could still hold the glass with the mirror completely assembled, Though. Use something like a chunk of Styrofoam on the glass and then put multiple rubber bands around the mirror housing and Styrofoam.

Hi,

Ok thanks. I am starting to notice other things though, that the inside may be tricky to glue too.
I have to get out there and check it out more carefully. I did not find the mirror my neighbor did and he brought it to me so i didnt see the mirror assembly inside yet.

[MrAl]

I am confused as the mirror is held in by a plastic ring with clips. See attached Youtube video:



So I am confused why you are trying to stick this back in. Has the mirror glass and plastic backing separated?

Neil.

Hi

Thanks, i'll check that video out.
I did not see the mirror inside yet, a neighbor bright the glass in to me. I have to get out there to examine it.
But yeah ive seen some pics on the web and it looks strange inside.
If there is a plastic backing, then yes the glass came loose from that.
How big is the plastic backing?

Ok i looked at the video and i can see there is no plastic backing on the glass.
Ill check it out soon to see what is inside the mirror cup itself.

Ok just went out there to check it out.
Yes there is a smooth plastic plate insdie filling up the whole entrance of the mirror cup.
So yes the glass separated from the plastic.
The plastice may have warped slightly so the glass probably wont fit flat aganist the plastic so i guess a lot of glue filler will be needed. Well, a little more than usual i guess but no big deal.

Now does silicone stick well to plastic, that's the question. It has to stay on or else it could drop of on the road somewhere i might not even notice it right away. Dont want to have to buy a whole new mirror

You know what else is strange, there is no glue on the mirror or the plastic backing.

[MrAl]

At least for the 2004 P2 the replacement mirror insert was less than $100 about two years ago when it happened to my car. Obviously your car is older than a 04 and not a P2. So far I replaced both mirror inserts outside as both failed within months of each other. On my model each piece of the outside mirrors are available as separate pieces. The car wash ate the painted shell about four years ago and my dealer replaced that for about $100. Nice of Volvo to offer pieces! Cheaper manufacturers don't. June

In my almost 50 years of driving cars of different types i NEVER had a mirror fall off like that, ever.
I had this car for about 6 years now and i hardly drive it yet have had strange problems with it.
I didnt really want to spend 100 dollars (USD) on it just wanted to stick it back in somehow.
It looks doable, just have to make sure i use the right glue and have to do it in warmer weather.

I am also thinking of a backup plan to keep it attached at least somewhat if the glue comes loose again.
For example, if i could drill a tiny hole in the glass i could wire it to the frame. if the glue gives out, the mirror will pop out but wont hit the ground. I'll probably see it then pull over and take it off.
That's just one idea though not too easy to do i dont have a drill press. But perhaps something else.
Put a little net around it (ha ha) so it holds it there if it pops out.
Maybe even just two thin stainless steel wires one on each side that also silicone glue to the front of the mirror at the very sides.
If the glass pops out, the wires will hold it temporarily. I could use the flexible type wire that will still allow the mirror to move. Maybe some fishing line, or some dyneema thread. Have to tame this wild monkey mirror

[Sveedy]

Well personally, if my mirror fell off and didn't break, then the first thing I'd do is go buy a lottery ticket.
Then try taking it to your local auto glass shop and ask them about it. Good to have a relationship with one of those shops anyway for obvious reasons. They probably have the proper glue. I'm guessing it's an epoxy, as opposed to the butyl type. If your lucky, they won't charge you anything, thinking about your potential future business ( windshield ).

[June]

Go to junkyard and pop the mirror with plastic back still attached and install it in your housing. That plastic backplate pops off the electric motors. So when the glue fails and the mirror glass is gone, get a used one. I had the mirror re bonded by a glass shop and it was gone by the time I made it home. So when the second did the same thing I went straight for a new replacement. I broke the mirror on a 2012 Prius and the replacement was $1,500. I drove it only once... June