Regluing "cozy" window latches?

[ocduff]

Hello all -

Today I found my cozy window latch rolling on the floor of my Spider. Not sure how it fell off (I hope someone didn't try and break into an unlocked car!), but it could just have dried up and fallen off.

So how would one go about gluing one back on? Is there a readily available product for this?

Thanks in advance.

-Owen

[claykilla]

Owen,
Most auto parts stores, at least around here, have an adhesive or glue for attaching rearview mirrors to the windshield. I believe it's made by Duco and should work for vent window levers too. You shouldn't have much of a problem locating it, or a similar product to repair your car.

Best Regards,
Paul

[AlfaEric]

You can find the stuff at most any autoparts store/walmart/etc... I think the stuff I used was made by Permatex. Take a crayon or something and mark the outside of the window where you want to place the latch. This will make re-attaching it easier. Clean the inside of all the existing glue (after you have marked the outside). If you don't clean it completely, it won't stay on very long. Some people have only had it last for a couple days, other people have had it last for years. It lasted a couple years for me but I didn't clean it that well. I'll do a better job next time.

---Eric

[Farace]

I went through the same thing recently. My driver side is held on with good quality cyanoacrylate glue. For some reason, the passenger side wouldn't hold with the same glue. I finally tried the "ultra" rearview mirror adhesive and it's holding. It's only been a few months so far, but it's still in place. I suggest following the directions exactly, and to be very very clean while doing so. No greasy fingerprints or anything.

[ocduff]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Sounds like a common enough thing, although I thought it was rare, given all the cars I've ever owned have had vent windows, and I've never had them just pop off. Guess it happens.

Thanks again - I'll see what product I can find at the auto part stores. And thanks for the cleanliness tip - good to know. So no eating an ice cream sandwich while I work on it. Roger.

[AlfaEric]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocduff Thanks everyone for your responses. Sounds like a common enough thing, although I thought it was rare, given all the cars I've ever owned have had vent windows, and I've never had them just pop off. Guess it happens. Thanks again - I'll see what product I can find at the auto part stores. And thanks for the cleanliness tip - good to know. So no eating an ice cream sandwich while I work on it. Roger.

[go_minx]

I've had the latches fall off of both my '69 Volvo and my '74 Alfa.
I used the two part rear view mirror adhesive...can't remember the brand but I bought it at Auto Zone.
Works like a charm. The trick is to a very small amount.

[romroc]

I've found that it you slightly scuff the metal button you'll get better adhesion.

[GV27]

Has anyone ever had the glass actually fail? Mine popped off recently but the weird thing is that the adhesive held, but a little button of glass popped off still atached to the lever. Weird....

[romroc]

That's a new one. Time for a glass epoxy repair, which needs to be done in stages. You learn with these Spider latches to VERY gingerly operate them when opening and closing the latch itself, and still they will fall off occasionally. The Spider is a sweet handling car that LOVES to tear around corners, is peppy, so when things go wrong, fix it.