Vent Window Latches

[courtenay]

Any suggestions on what kind of glue to use to attach the vent window latches to the glass?

[kilrwail]

I would think the same stuff the glass shops use to fasten mirrors to windshields - but I haven't tried it.

[So Cal Mark]

mirror adhesive won't hold the vent latches. I sell an epoxy that works, and so far it's the only glue I've found that will hold up. $3.95 for a tube that will last a long time

[majicwrench]

Obviously I don't get to glue as many as Mark does, but I did glue mine with Mirror adhesive and so far they are stuck good.
Keith

[mdrburchette]

The glass companies use a two part apoxy also. I had them glue mine on since they offered a lifetime warranty (suckers!). One popped off while he was putting his stuff back in the truck, another popped off the next morning. This was on two separate cars so he came out and did it over again. The last time one popped off, it took part of the glass with it.

[manoa matt]

Use sandpaper to scuff up the mounting surface of the latch. Clean the glass and back of the latch of all residue with acetone or brake parts cleaner. Adhesive, paint, and coatings performance ultimately depends on preparation, to a lesser extent the actual product.

[ventura ace]

I glued mine wih JB weld many years ago, and had the same experience Denise mentioned. The glue held fine, but the glass chipped underneath the bond! So, JB weld might be too strong!

I've had good success with the windshield mirror adhesive that you get at the autoparts stores. Probably the adhesive that Mark has is even better. Like Matt says, regardless of what you use, unless you are maticulus with cleaning and prep, the adhesive won't have a chance.One other important point to consider is how much pressure is being put on the latch. If you've replace the seals on your vent window with aftermarket seals, you may have way too much closing force on the latch. Most of the aftermarket seals don't fit properly. Some folks have carefully trimmed them with an exacto knife to reduce the closing load. You need to reduce the closing load to a fairly light load, or else the latch will eventually pop off.

Alvon

[So Cal Mark]

another important note is how you close the window, If you pull on the latch to close the vent window you're sure to pull it off eventually. Push the vent closed from the outside, then latch it.
As for adhesive, we didn't have long term success with mirror adhesive. The two part epoxy we use now is the result of a couple of years of searching and trial and error. One pack has ten times the amount of a pack of mirror adhesive and can be used for lots of projects.