How to Replace the Mirror Glass in a 2001 Honda Accord

Over time, the reflective paint used on the rearview mirror for your 2001 Honda Accord may start to deteriorate. This causes yellow patches to appear on the mirror, thus preventing you from seeing everything going on behind you. A small amount of yellowing may not cause a problem but as the issue progresses, you may fail inspection. Honda dealerships can get you a replacement mirror but it only takes a few minutes to install it. To avoid paying the dealership to install the mirror, complete the job on your own.

Instructions

1

Remove the set-screw from the base of the rearview mirror. The set-screw holds the mirror onto the mounting tab. Use a number 8 Torx driver to remove the screw.

2

Side the rearview mirror upward off the mounting tab glued to the windshield of the Accord.

3

Slide the replacement mirror onto the mounting tab.

4

Secure the mirror to the mounting tab with the set-screw.

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Saturn Passenger Door Glass Installation

While there are many uncomplicated Saturn repairs and part swap-outs you can do, door glass installation is not one of the easier ones. While the removal does not usually present too many problems, reinstallation can be challenging. Even body shop professionals who have done multiple Saturn door glass installations know to expect a challenge. You can align everything exactly as it is supposed to fit and still encounter problems because every piece of glass is slightly different and, therefore, adjusts differently. This difference can be tricky if you are not experienced.

Instructions

1

Remove the window roller handle from the inside door panel. Grasp the towel with your hands about 4 inches apart, creating a taut edge. Slip the edge of the towel underneath the base of the handle and push it further under the base by working it back and forth. Maneuver the towel under the base until you reach the handle stem; then move the towel around the stem until you hear the spring clip at the base of the door pop loose.

2




Remove the doors handle and latch.

Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the arm rest. Locate the screws at the bottom of the arm rest and unscrew them. Remove the doors interior handle in the same way, remembering to unhook the door lock clip just behind the handle. Take the interior door panel off. Use the straight slot screwdriver to unsnap the clips around the perimeter of the panel. Lay the panel aside.

3

Peel off the protective plastic shield that is exposed when you remove the door interior panel and lay it aside with the sealant side up. Take the clip off the window roller and slip it back onto the stem. Roll the window down until you see the glass retainer bolts are accessible.

4




Lift the window glass up over the frame of the door.

Remove the bolts using the ratchet and lay them aside. Lift the new glass up over the outside of the door. Insert the glasss front corner, nearest the door hinges, into the glass slot at the top of the door. Set it firmly into the track at the bottom of the window where you rolled it.

5

Pull up slightly on the window to settle it into the track so it is completely level. Push the window and its track down to align with the retainer bolt holes. Use the ratchet to reinstall the bolts into the retainer assembly. Use the roller to roll the window up and down, making sure it is fully functional and moving freely. Replace the parts you removed in the order you removed them.

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How to Restore Etched Auto Glass

Etching is a problem that occurs to glass as a result of exposure to hard water, sharp pieces and other foreign matter coming into contact with the fine surface of the glass. Auto glass, such as windshields and windows, can suffer from all of these sorts of damage and not only detract from the look of your vehicle, but also impair your ability to safely see through the glass. Instead of putting in a new piece of glass in place of the etched pieces, you can restore it easily yourself.

Instructions

1

Pour a small amount of glass restoration polish onto a glass-buffing pad. Start with an amount the size of a coin and add more as you need it.

2

Start in one corner of the glass and rub the pad in small, even circles to work in the polish. Apply more polish to the pad as it dries out, working the polish completely into the glass.

3

Spray a thin coat of glass cleaner over the glass and rub it clean with a dry towel. Remove any traces of the polish from the glass by rubbing it with the towel.

4

Wet the entire surface of the glass and dry it with a squeegee. Make sure the glass is completely dry.

5

Look over the glass for any remaining etching or traces of polish. Use additional polish to get rid of the stubborn etching and wash down any residue with water and a squeegee.

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How to Install Automotive Glass

Prior to the 1940s, automotive glass was manufactured similarly to the glass you would find around your house. This glass was dangerous because it would break in large shards if a car got into an accident. These shards, combined with the absence of seat belts, led to many fatal accidents. Following the creation of safety glass -- a laminated glass and plastic composite -- broken windshields ceased to be as dangerous. Automotive glass needs to be replaced whether your safety glass has cracked or been broken entirely.

Instructions

1

Put your gloves on.

2

Lay down a drop cloth inside your car to capture any remaining glass.

3

Remove the remnants of the old window. If your window broke, you will need to remove what is left of the shattered pane. If you have safety glass, it likely broke into hundreds of pieces. These pieces will still be stuck to the glue that was used to hold in the pane.

4

Cut off the glass that is stuck to the glue. The glue used on car windows is extremely powerful, but also very flexible. You will need to use a knife to cut into the old glue, below the shattered glass. When you finish you should see a generally flat surface.

5

Cut away excess glue from the old window. Make the old window mounts as smooth as possible.

6

Sand away any glue that was too thin to scrape with your knife. A firm back and fourth action will remove it.

7

Glue around the perimeter of the mounts where the old window was before. A 1/4-inch wide trail of glue will suffice. Glue evenly so that there are no weak-spots or unsealed parts. These can cause your glass to crack again or leak water.

8

Place the window gently on top of the glue and firmly push around the perimeter of the glass so that the edges of the glass all are glued.

9

Hold the glass in place for 10-15 minutes. This should give the glue enough time to begin to set.

10

Test the glass you installed. Go around the perimeter of the glass, pushing firmly to ensure that glue has dried. Spray your window with a garden hose to check for leaks.

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