Handle for vent window fell off!!!

**dmarland** · #1 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 09:04 AM

How can I get the old adhesive/appoxy off of the vent window? In addition, what is the best adhesive/appoxy to place the handle bck on?

Alfacliff · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 09:53 AM

the local autoparts stores have the adhesive in stock around here, the package has the instructions for removing the old glue and putting on the new.
cliff

**Farace** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 10:17 AM

I've had good luck with single-edge razors for getting the old adhesive off.

This thread is worth reading through:

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/spid...atch-glue.html

**dmarland** · #4 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 11:45 AM

Thanks for all of the info. I will stop and get the rear view mirror stuff tonight.

ribs2k · #5 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 12:13 PM

This is not an unusual occurence I have heard. I didn't even realize mine ever had them as they where gone when I bought my 83 Spider lol....

Elio Comello · #6 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 12:21 PM

Easiest way is to go to your local AutoGlass shop. For $5, while you wait the will clean prep and attach the latch, using professional stuff.

TTFN Elio

Need4speed · #7 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 06:03 PM

I JUST glued mine on 30 mins ago (for the 3rd or 4th time!!!) with rear view mirror glue and 4 tiny dollops of crazy glue (in each corner).
I have tried all kinds of glue and cements, we'll see, the RV mirror glue held for about a day last time.
It's a PITA!

**spidryell** · #8 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 07:17 PM

My latch has been sitting in the glove box for about 20 years after a couple of failed review mirror glue tries. Elio - I may try your approach thanks

Elio Comello · #9 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 07:27 PM

I kid you not....
The Auto Glass shop is the way to go, they have "fresh" professional adhesives as well as a liquid to pre treat the surfaces after they clean off the old "glue".
Though the vent latch will "set" almost immediately, since there is an awful lot of pull on it to close the vent I would advise letting it set for 48 hours of so before fully stressing it.
You can't lose...if it doesn't stick, they will redo it! LOL

TTFN Elio

**Zunige** · #10 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 07:37 PM

Like Elio said, if you have access to a pro shop, definitely let them do it. If not, get a rear view mirror kit, and it will have the instructions. Just two words of caution: 1) When using cleaners and adhesives, make sure you don't get any on the door panel, and watch fro drips and runs as the stuff will run. 2) The instructions will tell you to use ONE drop. Don't second guess them, and avoid the temptation of using more or additional stuff (unless you want the handle to fall off, so you can try this again...

)

Best regards,

dbjd · #11 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 02:42 PM

I pulled mine off yesterday... I actually pulled off a good deal of glass with the handle and the outside piece fell off on the road. I could try to glue it back but I'm afraid the glass would eventually crack... Has anyone replaced these windows/hardware?

**Zunige** · #12 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbjd

I pulled mine off yesterday... I actually pulled off a good deal of glass with the handle and the outside piece fell off on the road. I could try to glue it back but I'm afraid the glass would eventually crack... Has anyone replaced these windows/hardware?

SFaikel · #13 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 03:08 PM

Both of mine are off as well. At a recent Road America event I saw four spiders of various years, only one of which had the vent locks. It is important though, because on my '87 you can open the door with the interior handle by reaching through the vent, even if it's locked. I've tried NAPAs rear view mirror adhesive as well as a professional shop that used a special light to bond the glue, but they fell off again in the course of a year. However, due to the positive response from others who have taken it to body shops I believe I will give it another try in the spring..

-Spencer

**ghnl** · #14 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFaikel

...on my '87 you can open the door with the interior handle by reaching through the vent, even if it's locked.

**Tifosi** · #15 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 04:41 AM

Yup, even if there's nothing worth taking visible, just to show you who's boss.

I'm currently trying to find a suitable shop that has the capacity to drill through the safety glass of the wing windows (and pay me for a new one should they wreck mine) so that I can drill-n-tap the handle base for a small machine screw a'la them older cars and trucks that had a simular setup with a chrome washer and rubber grommet on the outside.

Pretty sure that with such a modification along with gluing the latch in the conventional fashion, the things will never come off again unless one wanted it to and used tools in the process, and in fact would allow one to actually pull the wing shut with the handle as opposed to the current method of rolling down the main window to allow pressing the wing shut from the outside for fear of reefing the latch off for the umpteenth time.