Handles fell off triangular side windows

[dkphotog]

This is my first time on the forum & I'm also a first time Fiat owner of a '78 Spider 124. My question is about the little side windows. When I bought it one of the handles that turn and keep the window shut was already off. Just the other day the other one fell off too. Ugh.

I'd rather not pay a lot to get them put back on.....am I crazy to try to figure out how to glue them back on? Should I seek the help of a pro?!!!

[baltobernie]

Hello and welcome. Here are some suggestions: http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 402&p=9812

[majicwrench]

I used Rear View mirror adhesive on mine and it worked wonderfully. Follow directions. You can get it at aany auto parts store.
The latch should not be used to pull the window in. Reach outside, push window shut.
And welcome!
Keith

[aj81spider]

I had less luck (or more likely less skill) than Majicwrench. The rear view mirror adhesive wouldn't hold for me at all. I glued them back on with JB Weld. A small dot and light clamping. Leave it overnight and it has held for six months now with no issue.

[dkphotog]

Wow - thanks.....i feel so welcome. Since I definitely have low funds for this repair i will take the suggestion of fixing it myself!!! I've got skills but admit they are not in this area LOL!!! I think I'll try the JB Weld first and then if that turns out bad the mirror adhesive could be the trick.

Next project - heating!!!! starting to get cold here in NoCal so I'm afraid this one is going to require someone with actual Fiat Engine skills.

Thanks everyone.

[Kingme2]

Hmmmm... starting to get cold here, too (Canada)!

I had been thinking NorCal to warm up, but....

[dkphotog]

Hmmmm... starting to get cold here, too (Canada)!

I had been thinking NorCal to warm up, but....

Hello Canada.......we seem to be carrying on quite a "conversation" here on several different posts....

OK - i lied.....it is an amazing 76 degrees here today - I do know that a quick drive to San Francisco will prove that I need to get that heater up and running - that can be one COLD city.

[124ADDHE]

if you prep the window with a paint degreaser, let it dry, take some 1000grit sandpaper to an area just smaller than the base of the latch, then degrease this sanded area (sand and degrease the latch also), apply a good epoxy and voila! done deal, the extra prep is the ticket.....now you can be as rough as you want with that latch...once its cured anyways

[dkphotog]

if you prep the window with a paint degreaser, let it dry, take some 1000grit sandpaper to an area just smaller than the base of the latch, then degrease this sanded area (sand and degrease the latch also), apply a good epoxy and voila! done deal, the extra prep is the ticket.....now you can be as rough as you want with that latch...once its cured anyways

Sounds good - still haven't done the project yet! What is a paint degreaser?!

[124JOE]

nail polish remover will clean it good

[124ADDHE]

Paint degreaser is actually pretty good stuff, at most autoparts stores. Yes, nailpolish remover will work so long as it is just acetone and does not have any fragrance or moisturizer, that would be bad. Acetone will work, just wipe it a few times with fresh papertowel/acetone combo and it will be as clean as the degreaser.

As long as its prepared well it will be better than stock.