Where's the Louve?

[Threehz]

To the point, just bought my 77 280Z and the Louvers seem to be 'glued' to the hatch. Well one side isn't even connected because the lock is broken, or just missing the little latch piece. However the other side's lock works, but the louver is 'glued' down with some kind of VERY hard drying goop. I have a picture, I don't think this is stock, but maybe someone has seen this before. Anyhow any advice on it, or NOT TO's would be great.

I was thinking of just tearing it off or prying the thing open and breaking the goop.

here the picture of where it's glued.

[grantf]

careful, it looks to be glued to the glass rubber.

[sblake01]

The things that previous owners do......try a heat gun (very carefully!!). I've had some success removing old adhesives with moderate heat and gentle pressure.

[ZCurves]

You could try to put some paint stripper on the glue with a small paint brush, then using a small regular screw driver, start chipping away. Be VERY PATIENT and careful with the rubber and the chrome strip. You should expect to place some silicone sealant under the rubber on the glass side after you remove the mounting hardware.

[Threehz]

Good advice thank you! It's very very hard so I've been thinking that chipping away at it might be the best solution. I guess I'll try some acetone pinpointed on just it and see how that fairs.

[ZCurves]

Acetone will simply evaporate. You need something with some hang-time, that is why I suggested the paint stripper. Make sure to keep it off of the paint on the car!!

[5thhorsemann]

If it is solid and hard, cut it down with a dremle tool and scrape off the thin residue after the fact.

[FastWoman]

Acetone will simply evaporate. You need something with some hang-time, that is why I suggested the paint stripper. Make sure to keep it off of the paint on the car!!

Same logic, but I'd recommend mineral spirits. It has a bit of bite but will not attack polyurethane paint (if that's what you've got). Just the same, I think heat may be the way to go.

[EScanlon]

I'd be extremely wary of using heat. Safety glass does NOT like being unevenly heated. All it takes is one SMALL area to heat and expand and blammo the pane will shatter.

FWIW

E

[5thhorsemann]

That looks like a 2 part epoxy, or J-B weld to me, note the bubbles from mixing. If that is true, solvents and heat won't touch it. Grind it down till it's almost gone and then work the last of it out with a razor blade. Use caution and work it slow, thats the cheapest and safest way to go.

[venus]

I say tap a paint spatula under & pry. See if it breaks loose. Then you might have to saw joints.

[Threehz]

I have a dremel tool and I think taking a little metal grinder to it will take off most of it and then using a razor or just breaking the last part free will work. Thanks for all the input!