Cannot take off metal plate on back of rear view mirror to reattach to windshield.

If you glued the wrong side to the window you will have to take it off and flip it over. Otherwise the mirror should just slide over the metal piece and there is a real small alan screw to tighten once you slide it on.

1. Slide the metal disc off the base of the rear view mirror assemble. For newer models of cars the metal plate may have to be removed with a properly sized Allen wrench. These are L shaped wrenches that are designed to remove hex head screws and can be purchased at any hardware store. While there you should also pick up a razor blade scraper and some masking tape.
2. Head to your local Schuck's or other automotive store and purchase a rear view mirror adhesive kit for around $3. This super strong adhesive is a two part system that comes with a tube of glue and a vial of accelerant.
3. From the outside of the car, use masking tape to mark the area where the old glue adhesive still remains.
4. From the inside, scrape off whatever is left of the glue residual.
5. Since this glue only works in temperatures of 60 or above, you will have to make special provisions when the weather is cold. The car should be placed in a warmed garage or facing the sunlight. A blow dryer can also be used to heat up the windshield, although don't hold it too close to avoid cracking the glass.
6. Once the glue has been scraped off the windshield, wipe down the area with rubbing alcohol. The metal plate should also be wiped down with alcohol.
7. Apply the accelerant directly to the mounting area on the windshield. Allow to let dry 5 minutes. In the meantime, apply the accelerant to the flat part of the base plate as well and let dry.
8. Slather on the adhesive on the back of base plate and press it onto the glass. Hold in place for about 2 minutes until the glue begins to set up. Let the glue dry overnight before reattaching the rear view mirror.

Super glue

remove, little plate with correct size allen wrench. Next, buy rear view mirror glue kit, at any automotive store, and follow directions. re-attach mirror to plate, once dried on windshield, and re-tighten allen screw.

It may be held on by small set screw. (Allen wrench type) Or it just pops on and off, with effort.
To pop it off, hold the mirror as it would normally sit, and with that position in mind, you want to slide the metal plate down and out of the mirror clip, and you may have to pry on it a bit to get it started.

After you have reattached the plate to the windshield, you will have to apply almost the same force to clip the mirror back on.

Tips: Mark the location of the metal plate with a piece of tape on the outside of the windshield.
Make sure you clean the old glue off both the plate and windshield. Do not scratch metal plate.
Make sure you glue the plate on correctly. Do a trial fit on the mirror just prior to glueing.

there should be a set screw that comes loose with an allen wrench. Get a mirror kit from the parts store to glue it back on the windshield. After it dries, reattach the mirror.

There is a set screw in it,just remove it,if it does not come off,then use finger polish remover,or acid tone,to remove the glue,it is not supposed to have glue holding it to the mirror ,but some may have got in there,if this was helpful,please rate,and thank you.

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Replacing the rear view mirror on a Ford Explorer is easy. The only obstacle you might encounter is fear of breaking the glued metal plate off the windshield. Do not sweat it. You can buy glues at the auto parts store to reattach the mirror to the windshield (Difficulty: Moderately Easy).

Instructions:

1. Tap gently at the base of the mirror where it slides on over the metal plate glued to the windshield and pull upward. Some rear view mirrors have a small Allen screw that tightens the base of the rear view mirror to the metal plate. Disconnect the electrical plugs if your rear view mirror has them.
2. Pull the rear view mirror clear of the metal plate. Clean around the metal plate glued to the windshield. If the metal plate has come off because of harsh weather or from hammering too hard at it, reattach it with glue designed for this job.
   
3. Clean the area where you will be attaching the metal plate on the windshield. Apply the glue evenly on the surface of the metal plate that will go against the window. Be sure to clean and scrape off all the old glue before applying the new glue. Gently push the metal plate against the windshield in the spot you wanted it and hold tight for five minutes.
   
4. Wait a day before putting the base of the mirror or replacement rear view mirror onto the metal plate. Do not force the base over the plate. Forcing it will likely dislodge it again. Press firmly until it will not slide along the grooves of the metal plate. Reconnect your electrical plugs and tighten the Allen screw if your new mirror has one. Adjust the mirror according to your safe viewing preference
   

Hope help with this (remember rated this help). Good luck.

there is a small alan screw in the base of the backup mirror. loose it and slide the mirror back on to teh base on the windshield and tighten down the alan screw.

I had to pry mine out w a knife. Now, after mounting it to the windshield i can't get the mirror back onto it...