Learn the hard way. Side view mirror covers

[Grinchoffl]

Hi all,

So I ordered a set of APR carbon fiber mirror covers for my Bullitt. Got them in today and found a video on youtube of what seemed like a very straight forward removal. Using a plastic pry tool I worked the cover to remove both sides ...Success....or so I thought.

I noticed the mounting tab/clip on the bottom of the factory covers were not their, but just a straight blade format, and couldn't find any missing piece in the mirror housing. Looked at the APR covers and they were good with the clip intact (see photo for reference).

Thought to myself, maybe that's the way they were installed from factory, but I'm guessing I fubarred the step for removing the OEM covers.

So installing the APR covers the passenger side settled in nicely, but the driver side alignment/install wasn't complying, and sure enough hook/clip piece for the bottom mounting tab snapped. Trying to crazy glue and let it cure, but this is not my ideal solution (see picture).

A) Does anyone know where APR sources the mounting tab you see in the pic? I'd like to correct the new cover and my OEM covers as well
B) Anyone else had this frustrating experience on what should have been simple, and can offer an alternative that still resulted in a solid fitment with their covers?

Thank you all,

-Nick

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[Johnny Rockit]

Epoxy probably would have been a better choice I think. That is all I got.

 

[MiamiGT350]

I recommend using JB Weld Black Plastic Bonder on anything plastic, instead of super glue. I use micro brush applicators to apply it to broken trim pieces, etc.

 

[K4fxd]

What about plastic welding? Is it stronger than epoxy?

 

[MD18EcoStang]

I recommend using JB Weld Black Plastic Bonder on anything plastic, instead of super glue. I use micro brush applicators to apply it to broken trim pieces, etc.

+1. I'd be shocked if super glue worked. It's not really the ideal application for that product. Btw, I'm having trouble identifying exactly what's in the OP's picture. Maybe zoom out a little? I removed my covers to have them wrapped. Turned out nice and wasn't hard to remove or reinstall.

 

[MiamiGT350]

What about plastic welding? Is it stronger than epoxy?

Super glues create a strong direct bond, but if you pull the pieces apart at an angle, the bond is weak. Most everyone has probably fixed a piece of plastic and felt the glue was strong, only to have it immediately snap off under little pressure.

JB-Weldo Plastic Bonder is a urethane and JB-Weld PlasticWeld is an epoxy. I have experience with the bonder, which is why i recommended it. Generally, epoxies are more tolerant to high heat and chemicals. Urethanes are more tolerant to flex and repeated expansion/contraction.

Both products look to be similar in set time, strength, etc, so both might work fine in this case.
https://www.grainger.com/product/J-B-WELD-Urethane-Adhesive-Plastic-453U40 (urethane)
https://www.grainger.com/product/J-B-WELD-Epoxy-Adhesive-PlasticWeld-39F869 (epoxy)

For anything exceeding 248F/150C temperatures, be sure to use something labeled "high heat"

 

[K4fxd]

Has anyone used a plastic welder?

 

[Grinchoffl]

+1. I'd be shocked if super glue worked. It's not really the ideal application for that product. Btw, I'm having trouble identifying exactly what's in the OP's picture. Maybe zoom out a little? I removed my covers to have them wrapped. Turned out nice and wasn't hard to remove or reinstall.

Hey bud and all else....Thanks for the additional reccomendations!....so the krazyglue did in fact work after letting it cure overnight....to ensure a firmer grip I laced the mirror with very thin 3m double sided clear strips at different contact points, and all worked out.

I'm still trying to get APR to help me source or sell me the clip you see at the bottom of the pic posted...the oem covers have the clips molded as part of the cover. the APR covers have the clips as a piece glued to their covers.

in any case it worked out!

 

[MD18EcoStang]

Excellent! Adding the 3M tape should make it solid. Looks good!

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