I just broke my windshield!
#1
I just broke my windshield!
I purchased a Gentex Homelink Auto-dimming Mirror with Compass a while back and have been trying to install it for the last several weeks. I'd work at it for a time and then walk away frustrated. No matter what I tried I could not get the stock mirror off the button on the windshield. I read numerous forum entries about how to get the mirror off, bought a special mirror removal tool, used another mirror to look at how the mirror was mounted to the button and was extremely cautious. I read all the warnings from others who had broken their windshield and was determined I wasn't going to be one of them. I never pulled away from the windshield, always along its plane. Today I was working at it again, being as gentle as I possibly could, but I broke my windshield.
I still can't get the freaking button out of the mirros base!
This is a warning to all that try this on their own - don't! Take your car to a glass shop and have them do it. Don't join the "I broke my windshield crew"!
Martin
I still can't get the freaking button out of the mirros base!
This is a warning to all that try this on their own - don't! Take your car to a glass shop and have them do it. Don't join the "I broke my windshield crew"!
Martin
Last edited by adrenalin; 5/2/08 at 06:25 AM. Reason: bypassing language filters
#3
That sucks dude! When I installed a Homelink mirror on my old 05 Mustang I didn't have nearly the trouble that you had. The only difference I can see was that instead of the fancy little mirror removal tool I used a small bladed flat screwdriver. I simply fitted it under the bottom of the mirror base and slowly used leverage to lift the base of the mirror. It took 10 or 15 minutes but the base lifted and the mirror slid right off.
#6
Sorry you had such trouble. I got my mirror off the first time I tried, following the instructions I downloaded. I also just had to have my windshield replaced due to a rock cracking it. Wow. You better be sitting down when you price that thing.
For future reference for others: "Insert a small blade screwdriver in the slot at the top of mirror bracket located at the windshield. Gently pry the mirror bracket away from the windshield while pushing the mirror upward and off. It was that easy!"
For future reference for others: "Insert a small blade screwdriver in the slot at the top of mirror bracket located at the windshield. Gently pry the mirror bracket away from the windshield while pushing the mirror upward and off. It was that easy!"
Last edited by 2k5GTC; 5/1/08 at 08:02 PM.
#7
Hey Steve, if a rock cracked your windshield, why didn't you just submit it through your auto insurance? Windshield claims don't make your rates go higher. Its why they have their own deductible options when you sign up for a policy. This would be much cheaper than paying for it out of pocket.
#8
I did the exact same thing! Incredibly frustrating. I was trying to be extremely careful and crack! The guys are the glass shop were surprised to see the adhesive was still wet around parts of the original windshield because the car was so new at the time.
I strongly agree with your warning!!
This is a warning to all that try this on their own - don't! Take your car to a glass shop and have them do it. Don't join the "I broke my windshield crew"!
I strongly agree with your warning!!
This is a warning to all that try this on their own - don't! Take your car to a glass shop and have them do it. Don't join the "I broke my windshield crew"!
Last edited by adrenalin; 5/2/08 at 06:26 AM.
#10
Sorry you had such trouble. I got my mirror off the first time I tried, following the instructions I downloaded. I also just had to have my windshield replaced due to a rock cracking it. Wow. You better be sitting down when you price that thing.
For future reference for others: "Insert a small blade screwdriver in the slot at the top of mirror bracket located at the windshield. Gently pry the mirror bracket away from the windshield while pushing the mirror upward and off. It was that easy!"
For future reference for others: "Insert a small blade screwdriver in the slot at the top of mirror bracket located at the windshield. Gently pry the mirror bracket away from the windshield while pushing the mirror upward and off. It was that easy!"
The windshield is $280 delivered and installed (factory Ford Carlite glass that includes the mirror button). Not too bad. I'm paying for it out of pocket - my screw-up - I don't believe in ripping anyone off, especially when it comes out of your and my pocket in the long run.
Martin
Last edited by mhconley; 5/1/08 at 10:21 PM.
#11
Good pic. I just posted in the other thread. Your bracket is the same as mine, and different than the bracket on at least some of the other mirrors. Same thing for me, broken windshield. But the pro did it. Horrible design.
#12
Sorry that is simply BS.
My State Farm agent insisted the same thing to me, until Corporate jacked my ZERO deductible policy up to $500 because of four glass claims in 2 years.
The useless agent claimed there was nothing he could do about it...
My State Farm agent insisted the same thing to me, until Corporate jacked my ZERO deductible policy up to $500 because of four glass claims in 2 years.
The useless agent claimed there was nothing he could do about it...
Hey Steve, if a rock cracked your windshield, why didn't you just submit it through your auto insurance? Windshield claims don't make your rates go higher. Its why they have their own deductible options when you sign up for a policy. This would be much cheaper than paying for it out of pocket.
#18
The Ford design on attaching the mirror is awful. I would definitely go to a glass shop to get the mirror off. A glass guy I used came to my house and removed the mirror and didn't charge me anything. The Gentex that replaces the OEM mirror comes with a T 20 Torx screw. I noticed the other day that the OEM mirror on my Dakota truck comes with a set screw but you know Ford they probably saved $.05 a vehicle by using this crappy spring.
#20