Reads/sounds like a perfect time to consider correcting the aforementioned, underlying manufacturing defect causing the ill-fit of the vent glass and necessitating ungainly, unorthodox "aftermarket" solutions.
These are nice! I understand from the pic that a U-shaped metal bracket is slipped in to give mechanical strength to the affixed latch. A counter-sunk screw holds the latch onto the inside metal plate. The back of the latch would need a tapped screw hole to be made. I have a few questions & comments: On the plus side: a. The approach does not involve changing the window or causing parts to be overly modified, only the tapped hole on the latch. b. Looks great if the metal bracket is well made. c. If the bracket is glued, the effect is to spread the latch stresses to the metal plate. This should be quite effective to eliminate the original issue. Some questions: a. There is a balance between the thickness of the metal & the strength of the assembly to work as intended. I assume that the metal plates would need to be glued to the glass. If not, I think the metal U bracket could easily separate under use. Can someone confirm this? b. Availability? Seems like there are no commercial sources. c. Is it easy to attach? Seems like the window needs to be removed? Any rubber mods required? d. The approach would not look original and if glued, may not be easily reversible.
Why does one need a latch to the side window when closing the window is maintained by the rubber gasket and it appears clean without any violation to the window. This plate is not clean and is unnecessary when one can maintain the function of the window both closed and open in the fashion the window was meant to function! Put the latches in the glovebox and forget it!
Update: latch repair still holding out. Not using the latch but having it mounted there seems better than the alternative of having them in the glove compartment. Image Unavailable, Please Login
This will of course be anecdotal, but when I received my Dino in 2020 the latches were in the glovebox. Being blissfully unaware of any known issue, I promptly glued them on with 3M rear view mirror adhesive. However I did did it in such a was that there is like zero load on them when “parked” by the positioning of them, as I figured that if they came off once they might yet again. My Dino has the original window sails. I have not had any issues for the several years since that have followed, and I do use them, as does my better half, albeit I instruct for gingerly use. Hope this helps. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Your guess will be as good as anyone’s. I doubt many Dino vent latch “fall off’s” have been thoroughly documented and many may have suffered of it more than once, but perhaps closest way to get some idea is to count how many Dinos have any aforementioned aftermarket solution applied or latch attachment currently off its glass. Same with Daytonas. I’ve repaired the vent latch issues on most Daytonas I’ve worked on, but never resorted to these “aftermarket solutions”, hence my earlier comment about the most opportune time is during any major coach work restoration. I’ve never tackled this on Dinos, but since their coach work were made at Scagliettis, at the same time as and side by side with Daytonas, likely using nearly identical construction methods, I wouldn’t be surprised if similar correction efforts are required to adequately address the problem, which in Daytonas, IMO, is a “manufacturing defect/problem”.
Yes I think the key here is zero load. I could not do this without offsetting the latch from the glass face by a few mms, something I did with an aluminum disc. If you can do it some other way, that is what lowers the stresses to the point where they don’t fail. I’d say that in the 50yrs+ for these cars, I would bet all have fallen off. During the restoration of my car, the rubber trim seemed to have placed even more force on the latch when closed. It’s just not a great mounting design and approach but “it is what it is”.
No ...... don't bet on it. Mine are still original. I was just curious as to how many other of us are out there with original window latches, as it appears so common for them to have fallen off.
fhenley, More objectionable to me than not having a latch glued in place is the lack of the black plastic cover over the rivets! Fashion a cover and put the latches in the glovebox as most of us do and call it a day!!
It’s not just us! Duetto currently on BaT https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1966-alfa-romeo-spider-duetto-62/ Image Unavailable, Please Login
The easiest way is too remove the latch part from the base, either slotted screw or allen head. Then grind down the head of the latch until it latches with little or no pressure.
…or install a spacer as I described at the start of this thread. This will also reduce or eliminate the pressure. That way original parts are not being grinded.
TBH thats looks an awful solution and I wouldnt adopt that method, shaving a few mm of the latch is barely noticeable. I tried quite few different ignition set ups and all gave trouble even the expensive Black stallion system. Needless to say i went with the standard dizzy and winterburn module, works great. Best Tony
I guess it’s all about what you care about and hold dear. To me, grinding original parts is the awful solution - and you still have to bond the part. The spacer solution I used maintains the original part and works well. Curious though: you should post a pic of the modification.
I just find it interesting so many are willing spend time and effort on ad hoc/band-aid solutions, some of which look worse than others, ... ... instead of correcting underlying causes.
No offence intended and each to their own solution. Difficult to post a pic of my solution as its such a miniscule modification that its hardly detectable. It relives excess pressure on the latch assembly / bonded joint. Kind Regards Tony
"Uncorrectable" sounds easy on keyboard, but it can likely* be corrected. *I've done it on Daytonas, which are known for same "problem" and many have claimed as "uncorrectable" without ad hoc/band-aid/Mickey Mouse solutions, so I believe it could likely be done on Dinos.
