Sticky Principles

The shield-shaped metal button (top left) should be glued to
the glass and cured for 12-24 hours before affixing the mirror.

The 18-year-old van had gone nine months without problems. Trouble was overdue. Fortunately, this time the issue was minor. The glue holding the rear view mirror to the windshield gave way.

Your humble handyman made several false starts with various adhesives, which entailed cleaning the surfaces with acetone and starting over. I should have started with epoxy. (Some mid-20th century products like epoxy glue and WD40 cannot be improved upon.)

The trick is not to rush. Detach the mirror from the metal "button". Clean all surfaces thoroughly. Allow the epoxy to set; the instructions say 12 hours, but take 24 to make sure. Finally, screw the mirror back on.

I just hope I remember all these instructions in 2033 when I have to do this again.