Vent window latch

[Texsardo]

Best methods for attaching vent window latch to glass. Any methods you have used that worked more than a few weeks. I KNOW, if someone wants in they can break window or cut top open. I mainly want them closed when driving in winter. Let any break ins be my problem. I just want latches on.

[PaulC]

My latches are firmly attached to nothing in the map pockets

[davidbruce]

If you want the best solution. I would take it to a glass shop. I think the primer they use is as important as the adhesive. May not cost much more than the adhesive available at the auto parts store. But make sure that they understand not only the mounting location but also the clocking of the latches so they operate correctly.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I wish I could give you a better answer, but it seems to me that the formulations for the adhesive between the metal window lever pad and the glass was much better in the past. Back in the late 70s and maybe 80s, I used to buy an adhesive kit, clean everything up, follow directions, and the vent latch would stay adhered for 10 years or more. Nowadays it seems like the adhesive just doesn't stick. Not sure why... So, in the last 10 or 20 years or so, I've just left the vent handles off. I have not found an adhesive lately that works like it did in the past.

Like I say, I wish I could give you a better answer.

-Bryan

[RRoller123]

It is critical to roughen up the surface of the glass so the adhesive can stick. How to do this I don't know. We certainly aren't going to apply HF to it. I used Loctite glass adhesive years ago, and the handles are still on, BUT I never actually latch them, the windows close almost fully on their own. Still, they haven't fallen off in about 8 or 9 years now.I left them clamped tightly overnight after applying the adhesive, with a little very careful and judicious sanding of the glass contact area.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I agree with the above comments about the primer and roughening of the surface. I imagine you might want to roughen up the surface of the metal pad as well. For either, I'm thinking just a very slight roughening, or hazing, of the surface. Maybe 600 grit or so emery paper? Find a dowel about the same size as the metal pad, wrap some emery paper around the end of that, and then twist this against the glass just where you want the metal pad. Avoids scratching up the rest of the glass.

I do recall now that the cleanliness of the surface is extremely critical. I would imagine that over time, oils, dirt, and whatever have worked their way into the surface of the glass or metal. It may look clean to us, but I bet it's really not that clean at the microscopic level. Maybe the roughening is really just exposing a fresh (uncontaminated) glass or metal surface? How about a really good scrub with acetone or ethanol?

-Bryan

[tima01864]

I had meant to look at the epoxy I use at work. I epoxy rods and balls to glass substrate, The epoxy works very well and it is in service.

It is a blue two part epoxy, I am sure made by Henkel, There is no roughining the glass substrate and the Stainless steel has a smooth machined finish. While the epoxy cures it needs to be clamped. Can not attest this will work but worth a try. There are so many epoxies from Henckel.

I will update tomorrow

[RRoller123]

Awesome, you may solve an age old mystery with these cars.

[SteinOnkel]

I think y'all are making this a bit too complicated.

What's the percentage of cars on the road with glued in glass? 80%? 90%? They don't regularly fall out either. Use a nice OEM windshield adhesive and you should be good to go.

[RRoller123]

Problem is that, historically, here on the forum, that has not worked. At least for the past 9 years that I have been reading posts. Something about the surface prep is my belief. Both sides have to be roughened up and perfectly clean, correct adhesive (not yet identified to date as far as I am aware, but I certainly could be wrong), and the joint clamped under pressure for a long time, like 12 hours.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Use a nice OEM windshield adhesive and you should be good to go.

I agree with you Steiny, but there's a quote (Yogi Berra maybe?) that goes something like this: "In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is."

So I have to also agree with Roller that this seems like a no-brainer, but it just doesn't seem as easy to get the vent latch to stick as it used to be. My guess is that the formulations for the adhesive have changed. Maybe there's an adhesive brand that works 100%, and if anyone knows what that brand is, please share.

-Bryan

[tima01864]

I had a stressful day, forgot the epoxy. When I do get a packet I will send it off to anyone who would like to try it and send some feedback.

[TheBender]

I had a stressful day, forgot the epoxy. When I do get a packet I will send it off to anyone who would like to try it and send some feedback.

I need to attach one as well. I’ll take you up on the offer tima and see how it works. Or I could be an alternate test and try out one of these adhesives I’ve put together from Amazon. Unless others already know these don’t work.
UV6800, PASCOFIX, 3M 5200 Marine Adhesive

[tima01864]

I still have the epoxy ready if anyone wants to try it ABELSTIK 2151 BIPAX

[Bills80]

Any product made by Henckel is fantastic, you just need to find the correct one. They are the industry standard in adhesives. One thing to remember is to clean both surfaces BEFORE you do any scuffing or sanding and make sure what you use to sand is new. Oil can be forced into the microscopic grooves of the glass and metal latch and weaken the bond.