Gluing Rearview Mirror on Windshield

[TransAmMike]

As many know I'm not new to building model cars but I'm posing this question not only for me but I'm sure others that may have an interest here.

I'm using white Testors Clear Parts cement and this mirror on my current build has been fighting me all afternoon. I can't hold it steady enough for long enough for it to set.

What do you guys' do??? 

[Rick L]

I would put a tiny drop of CA where you want the mirror located on the windshield. Grab the mirror with a pair of tweezers, dab the base of the mirror with a tiny bit of accelerator and place the mirror on.  Be careful this is a one shot deal. Being experienced you know it’s going to kick the minute the two components touch. Obviously the smallest amount you use the better it will look.

[MrMiles]

I use a drop of model master glue. I let it sit without putting the piece on it for about 1 minute. Then after a minute I put the piece on and hold it stead for a minute. The I put the whole window face down on napkin and let gravity keep it in place until fully dry. 

[Khils]

I use a small dab of clear silicone....quite tacky! Plenty of time to align & thick enough to hold & leave it the heck alone til cured.

If still not quite right...peel it off & do it again.

Edited February 28, 2022 by Khils

[TransAmMike]

Thanks guys. I hesitate using the CA fearing fogging the clear plastic. 

What MM glue are you referring to Miles? 

I like the Silicone idea. Gotta see if I have any that's not dried up?

[Classicgas]

I use 5 minute epoxy.  Just let it almost set, a little dollop on the mirror and set in place. 

[MrObsessive]

I did what Lee mentioned to my Turbine Car windshield. Mixed up a small amount of five minute epoxy, waited till it started to set up, put my base into place (a cut off pin with the head filed flat), then I put my mirror on after I let it set up overnight to make sure it was rock solid.

 

[jaymcminn]

I like Micro Krystal Klear. Thick consistency, cleans up with water. 

[rightrudder]

Pacer canopy glue works great too. Dries clear, won't fog plastic, and will wipe off if you make a mistake.

I let it set up and thicken a little before use.

[Pete J.]

Pacer formula 560.  It is a canopy glue that gets tacky very quickly and dries clear.   I use it when I have to attach parts to painted surfaces as well as windows.   Good thing to have around. 

[Dave G.]

I haven't had any trouble with the Testors clear parts glue in the little square  bottle ( actually labeled Model Master). Let it partially set up before mounting the mirror, it should more or less just sit there. You may have to touch it periodically to keep from leaning and such but you don't need to hold it in place. I use tweezers.

My biggest problem with this stuff is it's stringiness coming out of the bottle but it seems to hold well.

Edited March 2, 2022 by Dave G.

[ksnow]

I've had good luck with G S Hypo cement. As fast as CA, clear and I have never had it fog. I use it for exterior chrome trim also (wipers, mirrors and such). Comes in a little tube.

[Dutch]

Mike,

Thanks for posting this topic. And thanks to all the others who have responded.  I have learned so much and will try one or two methods on my next builds.

Kind regards,

Dutch

[TransAmMike]

I did post this for my benefit and thought it would be helpful.  I had some silicone type glue but but still had a problem with using too much and got a small blob (if that makes sense).  But, it was sticky enough that it only took a few seconds holding it for it to stay in place.. I'll have to do better next time.