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Old 08-19-2017, 12:56 PM   #1
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Front pano window latches

New Bambi and have washed twice and seems the front pano windows cover screw holders, which need to be opened to wash the windows, can be a problem. One fell out and one does not seem to hold. Anyone have issue and found way to make better?
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Old 08-19-2017, 01:18 PM   #2
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I had the same issue the first time I washed my windows. I can't believe how flimsy those connections were and they stripped. So I did a permanent fix.

I basically copied the through-bolt method from the stainless steel rock guards. First I drilled out the rivets holding the rubber grommet connectors on the Airstream. Then I went to the hardware store and bought stainless steel screws, washers, and locking nuts that fit through the stripped out hole on the rubber grommet connector. I double locking nutted it, putting one against the washer on the rubber grommet, that I re-riveted back on the Airstream, and the other onto the bolt after closing the window rock guard. I will post some pictures of this repair on page 4 in my "On the Road . . . With AirMiles" thread shortly. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...-166881-4.html
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Old 08-19-2017, 02:23 PM   #3
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Pictures have been uploaded: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ml#post1996232
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Old 08-23-2017, 05:13 PM   #4
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Did you use pop rivets?
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Old 08-23-2017, 05:23 PM   #5
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Yes, I used aluminum pop rivets as seen in the pictures.
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Old 08-23-2017, 06:26 PM   #6
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Thought they were, just wanted to make sure. Thanks!
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Old 08-24-2017, 11:54 AM   #7
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The latches are designed to just turn 1/4 turn to release and not come out.
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Old 08-24-2017, 12:55 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Garfish View Post
New Bambi and have washed twice and seems the front pano windows cover screw holders, which need to be opened to wash the windows, can be a problem. One fell out and one does not seem to hold. Anyone have issue and found way to make better?
They were a pain in 2012, and sounds like they still are. You might try adding a very thin lock washer to keep it in place. Actually taking a flat thin regular washer and cutting a slit would probably work better. Or maybe a fibre or rubber washer that you could force over the end of the connect. Has to be thin enough to let you still fasten the latch, which are hard enough to do without adding anything to them.

Mine haven't fallen out, but they aren't far from it. And I don't completely trust them to hold. This is one of the few very poor designs by Airstream. I don't know why they haven't improved it yet. If the screws let go, the planos will likely fly open in the worse position. I keep putting off adding a better latch system to the frame.
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:07 PM   #9
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Huh, mine are 11 years old, are opened several times a year and have never been a problem......
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:10 PM   #10
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Huh, mine are 11 years old, are opened several times a year and have never been a problem......
Maybe they made them better before. Even new, mine barely latched, and with great effort.


But then, I was an Air Force avionics troop for many years. THEY use real fasteners...dzus and other types...that actually fasten securely. The AS latches are a joke.
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:15 PM   #11
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Maybe they made them better before. Even new, mine barely latched, and with great effort.
Well one does have to press inward with maybe 10 or 15 pounds of force to compress the rubber, then turn 1/4 turn clockwise. A large blade screwdriver helps and a step stool to get some weight behind it helps, as well. It is the compression of the rubber that keeps them in place.
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:35 PM   #12
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Well one does have to press inward with maybe 10 or 15 pounds of force to compress the rubber, then turn 1/4 turn clocise. A large blade screwdriver helps and a step stool to get some weight behind it helps, as well. It is the compression of the rubber that keeps them in place.
Seriously??? In my 26 years with the Air Force, working on airplanes most of it, I have probably turned 1000's of dzus fasteners, which work the same way. Yes, it works, but quality is poor. With good fasteners there is a very distinctive click when it engages. These kind of rub their way in. But yours may be better quality than the current ones. It is apparent they are going the cheap route on these. In fact, your statement that it is the rubber that holds them, demonstrates that. With quality fasteners, it is NOT the rubber that holds them, it is the metal and wire system built into the fastener system itself.
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:37 PM   #13
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Yes, seriously
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:39 PM   #14
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These same latches are on many HVAC return filter grills.
Maybe I am familiar with them because I have turned a few of them in my years in the HVAC filter industry...
The "quick release" saddle bags on my Harley are this type of fastener, too.
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:45 PM   #15
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Yes, seriously
duh
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:47 PM   #16
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These same latches are on many HVAC return filter grills.
Maybe I am familiar with them because I have turned a few of them in my years in the HVAC filter industry...
The "quick release" saddle bags on my Harley are this type of fastener, too.
I don't have a issue with quick release, I just think these particular ones are cheap and low quality.

Also, how many of your HVAC systems are flying down the freeway?
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:50 PM   #17
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I don't have a issue with quick release, I just think these particular ones are cheap and low quality.
Is there more than one brand? Or does dzus have a current patent? Maybe a supplier issue. As said, mine are still positive and tight at 11 years.
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Old 08-24-2017, 02:02 PM   #18
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MORE HISTORY ON THIS TOPIC...and some fixes!

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Is there more than one brand? Or does dzus have a current patent? Maybe a supplier issue. As said, mine are still positive and tight at 11 years.
Yes, apparently ours are SouthCo brand, not dzus.

I just came across this thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f454...oke-92882.html

Not surprisingly, others HAVE had disastrous results with these. The thread also has some recommendations for replacing with a better product.
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Old 08-24-2017, 02:06 PM   #19
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The latches on my 2013 Classic 30 seem OK.
I open those window protectors at least once per year to remove oak leaves and pine needles...
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Old 08-24-2017, 02:12 PM   #20
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Yes, apparently ours are SouthCo brand, not dzus.

I just came across this thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f454...oke-92882.html

Not surprisingly, others HAVE had disastrous results with these. The thread also has some recommendations for replacing with a better product.
Read it. I wonder if those with problems really have an install alignment issue, think they have them latched, but really they're not. Or have to force them due to misalignment and damage them. I don't know if mine are southco. Will have to check.
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