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1973 Gremlin X Hatch Repair |
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ArdsleyTank 
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Joined: May/05/2017 Location: Dickson, TN Status: Offline Points: 95 |
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 Topic: 1973 Gremlin X Hatch RepairPosted: Jun/08/2018 at 8:24pm |
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Hi all, just brought home the new to me 1973 Gremlin X.
So, it has a slight issue, the hatch hinges have separated from the hatch glass trim itself. Is there a way to repair this? The hatch is currently only being held in by the hatch latch. Would JB Weld work? (I know I'm gonna get shot for that, but I had to ask) Many thanks, Peter Edited by ArdsleyTank - Jun/09/2018 at 7:25am |
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partsguy
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Joined: Jan/23/2016 Location: ca Status: Offline Points: 251 |
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Posted: Jun/08/2018 at 9:01pm |
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pictures
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tyrodtom
AMC Addicted 
Joined: Sep/14/2007 Location: Virginia Status: Offline Points: 6213 |
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Posted: Jun/08/2018 at 9:03pm |
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Those hinges are spot welded to the hatch metal trim.
I doubt J-B Weld or any very good industrial structural adhesive would have the strength to do the job when you consider the very small area you have for a bond. I've used the latest structural bonding adhesives out there, and I've seen them fail when miss used. Usually it was when someone didn't have a big enough bond area. I've fixed one before, not from a Gremlin, but another car with the hinge welded to the trim. Took a lot of patience and time. Had to use a heat gun to break the bond between the glass and trim, then gently unbend the trim at the bottom and work it off the glass enough to be able to weld the hinge back without heating the glass up. Then squirt a little urethane glue in the channel and gently rubber hammer the trim back into position. Took a lot more time working it off than putting it back. Maybe 6-8 hours.
Edited by tyrodtom - Jun/08/2018 at 9:40pm |
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66 American SW, 66 American 2dr, 82 J10, 70 Hornet, Pound, Va.
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ArdsleyTank
AMC Apprentice
Joined: May/05/2017 Location: Dickson, TN Status: Offline Points: 95 |
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Posted: Jun/10/2018 at 9:07pm |
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Alright guys, here's some pics.
  Edited by ArdsleyTank - Jun/10/2018 at 9:10pm |
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madmax
AMC Nut
Joined: Sep/18/2008 Location: grain valley,mo Status: Offline Points: 401 |
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Posted: Jun/10/2018 at 9:20pm |
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i just parted out a 73 gremlin x and have the hatch glass and hinges. are you going to auburn amo?
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American Heavy Metal
restoration parts and mechanical restoration services 70 amx black 1968 kaplan amx ss/racecar 1969 amx racecar 1970 trans am javelin 1969 amx white/platinum 1972 gremlin |
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ArdsleyTank
AMC Apprentice
Joined: May/05/2017 Location: Dickson, TN Status: Offline Points: 95 |
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Posted: Jun/10/2018 at 9:32pm |
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Unfortunately, I am not. Thank you for your offer though!
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tyrodtom
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Joined: Sep/14/2007 Location: Virginia Status: Offline Points: 6213 |
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Posted: Jun/10/2018 at 9:58pm |
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I can think of a way you might be able to repair that with adhesive, but it wouldn't look original.
You'd have to remove the hinge from the car, and go ahead and break the hinge off the spots welds. Then weld additional metal to the portion that goes to the hinge so the the trim is sitting in a pocket, more or less tripling the bond area. Or even extending the tab out each side and making the bonding area 9 times greater, structual adhesive would work then with enough bond area. It'd take someone good with a Mig, or Tig welder. That would save you from having to remove the trim from the glass, which by far the hardest part of this fix.
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66 American SW, 66 American 2dr, 82 J10, 70 Hornet, Pound, Va.
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farna
Supporter of TheAMCForum
Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19679 |
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Posted: Jun/11/2018 at 6:20am |
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For a quick fix you could cut a piece of thick Lexan (more scratch resistant then plexiglass) and drill the hinges and window. Have to be a bit concerned about scratches, so be careful when washing. I replaced my Lexan motorcycle windshield every 5-6 years, but the back glass doesn't get the beating a windshield does. Won't look original, but most won't pay attention unless it's being judged as a restored car. I'd definitely consider a Lexan rear window for a driver.
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Frank Swygert
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