1982 CE removing the "Glass Button"
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
From: FL
1982 CE removing the "Glass Button"
;I'm trying to remove the hinges from the rear windshield. The bolts are stuck in the "glass button" so I drilled off the head with a 5/16 drill as suggested by Steve Simpson on the net. Now the original hinges spin loose but will not slide off the bolt or allow me to push it through the glass. I've tried light strikes with a hammer / punch but obviously being on glass I'm afraid to do anything destructive/percussive.
Anyone have suggestions? I was thinking of angle grinding the old hinges off but am afraid of the vibration that might cause. Perhaps a dremel?
Anyone have suggestions? I was thinking of angle grinding the old hinges off but am afraid of the vibration that might cause. Perhaps a dremel?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
Post a picture. Lotsa witty folks could provide ideas but not everybody has the same model &/or year.
;I'm trying to remove the hinges from the rear windshield. The bolts are stuck in the "glass button" so I drilled off the head with a 5/16 drill as suggested by Steve Simpson on the net. Now the original hinges spin loose but will not slide off the bolt or allow me to push it through the glass. I've tried light strikes with a hammer / punch but obviously being on glass I'm afraid to do anything destructive/percussive.
Anyone have suggestions? I was thinking of angle grinding the old hinges off but am afraid of the vibration that might cause. Perhaps a dremel?
Anyone have suggestions? I was thinking of angle grinding the old hinges off but am afraid of the vibration that might cause. Perhaps a dremel?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
From: FL
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9MZ6EkZoIzk here's a quick youtube video.
Basically I need to somehow slide that hinge off the bolt that goes through it. It currently completely free spins around the bolt. Once I get the hinge off, I can then push the bolt and "glass button" out the other side, soak the bolt with pb blaster to get it out of the button, and then reuse the button with a replacement bolt
Basically I need to somehow slide that hinge off the bolt that goes through it. It currently completely free spins around the bolt. Once I get the hinge off, I can then push the bolt and "glass button" out the other side, soak the bolt with pb blaster to get it out of the button, and then reuse the button with a replacement bolt
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 576
From: Wisconsin
I’d question that you removed enough bolt that the handle won’t come off. Assuming the handle is replaceable/available, I’d be drilling some more before trying anything else.
The bolt may have a shoulder on it that you would have to drill to, as opposed to just removing the head.
The bolt may have a shoulder on it that you would have to drill to, as opposed to just removing the head.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
From: FL
As for replaceable, they are unobtainum...but I have a new set
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
If Unobtanium ....I would drill some more then..... get a bigger drill bit and like totally elminate the head. wwiiavfan makes a good point.
Don't cut that thing yet.....
If you can get centered on the underside you could also try drilling that thing some...or carefully dremelling on that underside??
Don't cut that thing yet.....
If you can get centered on the underside you could also try drilling that thing some...or carefully dremelling on that underside??
Last edited by carriljc; Jun 12, 2023 at 02:33 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
have you read this article? tells you how that that bolt thing is built. http://www.thecubestudio.com/Collect...structions.htm
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
From: FL
have you read this article? tells you how that that bolt thing is built. http://www.thecubestudio.com/Collect...structions.htm
Originally Posted by article
TROUBLE TIP: If you cannot remove the glass mount bolt. There are little flats on each side of the metal glass button that are intended to prevent it from spinning in the hinges so that the bolt can be tightened. If the steel bolt has corroded into the steel button, then the button may rotate in the hinge pocket anyway. If the button turns when you try to remove the bold, and you intend to re-use the original button, then do not hold the button from the outside of the car with a vice grip or similar tool. Take a 5/16" drill bit and drill into the head of the allen bolt that is up inside the hinge. Just straight into the hex socket. That part of the bolt is soft and can be easily drilled out. You are only trying to drill off the HEAD of the bolt. You should only have to drill about 1/4" deep or so to get the head off the bolt. Then you can pull the hinge off and push the button (with the bolt shaft still in it) out of the glass. Put penetrating oil on the bolt threads and work on getting the bolt shaft out of the button by gripping the barrel of the button (it does not show) and not the head.
