How to attach Vent Window Latch?

[LStevens]

HAPPY NEW YEARS SPIDER-MANIACS! Does anyone know what to use to attach the Vent Window Latch to the glass? I went to an automotive glass shop and they said they just use crazy glue. Does this sound right?

[red107]

Crazy glue will not work. It will hold initially but will fall off. They sell the glue for rear view mirror. Use this but make sure your area is clean and dry. Also pay attention to outside temperature. I suggest using a small C- clamp.

[redcars]

Both the latches where off my 81 spider. I took it to a glass shop and they used the glue that they use on rear view mirrors.
You want to make sure you know exatly where it should go, because if you are wrong it will not work right. I am tall and did not like the location of the center mirror, so I had them put one low on the windshield. The shop I took it to guarantee's their work for as long as you owne the car. It took them two trys on each to get them to stay, so if you do it yourself make sure you get everthing very clean.

[69Spider]

Has anyone tried, or know if early Beettle vent latches (by EMPI) can be used? I am not referring to the universal fit ones, they are quite ugly. The ones I saw on eBay are all chrome and look like they have a "U" channel for clipping on instead of glueing. Have a look at these:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Vent-Window-Lock-Lef ... _656wt_195

[wachuko]

Or you can order these (I plan to get a set to replace the VW units I currently have) :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

http://www.500mania.biz/pages/detarting.php?id=123


From the description: It is a U shaped bracket. The window fits inside it and the Quarter Light Catch attaches to it. So similar in concept to the VW one, only that instead of using that black nut with the metal tab you install your original mechanism to it...

[So Cal Mark]

the right epoxy will hold the vent latches, if you use the proper procedure

[courtenay]

Then there is the "why bother" camp. My vent windows stay closed without the latches. I don't lock the car anyway, so why bother replacing the latches. I'd rather anyone interested in breaking into the car has an easier way to do so than cutting the top.

[DUCeditor]

I used the mirror glue about 25 years ago and then had to redo the driver's side this past summer. No clamp was needed with the stuff I used, it is based on two solutions that harden almost instantly upon coming together.

Placement, however, has to be correct. I used a marker on the other side of the glass. That done all I had to do was make sure the metal part was free of old adhesive (I used a single edged razor blade to remove the thin layer that remained on the piece), some alcohol to clean the piece and the glass (be sure it has dried fully!), than glue it according to the instructions. Done and I expect ready for another 25 years.

-don

[FiatJim]

[quote="courtenay"]Then there is the "why bother" camp. My vent windows stay closed without the latches"

Mine don't. When going nice & fast, the air just makes a nasty, irritating squeal/scream. So for me, the latches are essential for my sanity

[mdrburchette]

I'm in the "why bother" camp. I got mine professionally glued and they just popped off with a circle of glass. I just use the map pockets for what they're intended and that's to hold the vent latches.

[So Cal Mark]

Mine aren't attached either. Since I never drive with the top up, wind noise is not an issue

[Kevin1]

Chalk up another why bother.
I used the right glue and it was stronger than the glass. Wintin weeks both latches came off again, along with a thin half-moon shaped piece of the window glass. The latches are safely buried in my "odds and ends" box, where they belong. If you have to have latches the U shaped clamp on type look like they would be a better idea.

[LStevens]

Thanks for all the replies spider maniacs! While I like the ideas of the " why bother camp" folk, I do drive with the top up and the whistling wind noise is irritating as all heck. While driving the other day in the rain a little bit of water was seeping through the vent. I tried to stick a folded piece of paper between the latch & frame and the latch came off. Now I don't have vent latches on either side!

An idea to line the latches up is to stick one of those color dots on the outside to where to place the latch on the inside.

[DUCeditor]

I used the right glue and it was stronger than the glass. Wintin weeks both latches came off again, along with a thin half-moon shaped piece of the window glass.

Obviously something changed other than the strength of the adhesive. With the window, weather seal and latch set up as original there is not very much tension at all on the latch/glass interface.

Could a hardening of the weather seal be the problem?

-don

[Dawgme85]

I just went to my local Speedy Auto Glass and in about 10 seconds the technician had my latch re-attached, n/c. That was last Spring. So far, so good...