'84 Spider Vent Latches ???

[RickU]

On my '84 Spider when I am tooling down the good 'ole highways and byways of America my vent windows always want to "pop" open. How do you keep these things closed ??

They do not appear to have any latches. I am a "newbie" so I do not know if I am missing something but I am getting tired of "pressing " them close every 30 seconds-smile

Thanks in advance and Spring is here !!!! go get those Spiders ready !!!

[JoeCab]

Rick,

Yes, there are latches but they are simply glued to the window so they are often missing.

[Tifosi]

Rearview mirror glue like this will likely be your best bet, or at least it works far better than the special 2-part epoxy syringe tube stuff. (like years with the cheap kit vs hours with the 'spensive stuff)

Before gluing roughen up the finish on the latch (like til you hit the real metal under the chrome) then take the missus' white emory board that she uses for her nails and carefully scuff the glass where the glue would be.

Glue it, tape it, then put a c-clamp on it (not too tight ) overnight.

Should last for years unless you really reef on the latch handle while pulling it shut.


Side note:

For the price of the things, it wouldn't hurt a bit to tie a bit of monofilament fishing line from the latch to the window frame.

Might not be the most pretty thing in the world but you won't have to watch in your mirror as that many $ worth of mechanism bounces down the highway never to be found again.

[vf31rhill]

You can sometimes find used latches for sale on ebay. I don't know how much luck you would have with re-glueing a used as opposed to a new latch back on the glass. The secret of attatching latches and rearview mirrors to glass is to have the attachment face of the part being attached, and the mating surface of the glass as flawless as possible. The glue does not "glue" the parts together so much as seal an airtight "suction" joint between the 2 surfaces. Therefore, perfect smoothness of the 2 joint surfaces is critical in having the joint last under use. Also, perfect cleaness of the 2 joint surfaces is absolutely critical. Any oil or dirt on the joint surfaces will spoil your effort. They actually make a special glue to make these joints and you can find it in your local auto parts stores. It is usually advertised to re-attach rearview mirrors. Read the instructions carefully as the glue has a very short working time before it sets up. Play around with the location of the latch before you attempt to attach it. When you have the location pinpointed, place an Avery circle self stick (available from your office supply store) on the opposite side of the glass to show you exactly where the latch needs to be glued. If you had one still in place it would guide you in placing the other. But if you have neither attached, you will have to look at another Alfa or play around with the location to get the exact spot identified. Once you glue the latch back on, it had better be in the exact correct place as it will be hell to get back off to make another attempt.
Robert Hill

[backfeeder]

I have the opposite problem. My vent won't stay open. Is there a trick to keeping from folding itself back once it gets a little breeze?

[Tifosi]

There's a tensioner nut that works on the bottom pivot inside the door IIRC.

[Tifosi]

Ah, here we go, I knew there was a pic somewhere. (thanks awj10558 wherever you may be)

See the circled bit.

[vf31rhill]

RickU
If you get to the point of installing the latches email me at vf31rhill@aol.com and I will trace off the location for the latches from my 88 which still has original latches installed. You can use the tracings to pinpoint the location for glueing on the replacement latches.
Robert Hill

[backfeeder]

Thanks Darren. It's good to know that you didn't hold a grudge after I call your dogs uncivilized. Now I can go play with my lever nuts.

[Tifosi]

In regard to latch location, there's very likely some trace eividence of the original glue also.

If it has any bearing, when the latch is closed, the lever arm is just about parallel to the back edge of the wing window glass with just a *slight tilt of the tip toward that edge to give an idea of orientation.

* because the lever arm isn't actually 90 degrees to the lower lock arm


@ Arden:

You gotta dig way deeper than that if you want to get under my skin enough to generate a grudge

[RickU]

thanks all to your replies. I see above that Centerline is a source for these is that the only place ? I do not have the originals so I need to procure some first and then following all of the gluing advice !!! Again thanks for all of your help

Rick

[Zunige]

There are several suppliers of Alfa parts (see the "Supplier List" sticky), but certainly Centerline is a very reputable outfit, with competitive prices, a knowledgeable staff, and excellent customer service.

Best regards,