Vent Window Hinge question

[Sporto]

I rebuilt my vent windows with new pivots and springs a few months ago. This included the locking lever as well. Tedious work, I would prefer an EFI swap or something more satisfying...Anyway, the spot weld on the stainless hinge has let go on the driver's side, and I am not thrilled about the prospect of tearing it down and trying to fix another one (which I don't have, all my spares are passenger side, typical...).

My question is...Is there a way to drill out that stainless hinge to put a rivet in there? Perhaps use some kind of adhesive to "reweld" the spot weld? I dunno, I always heard it's nearly impossible to drill stainless, but I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions for me to try.

I would also consider purchasing one, if anyone has any functional driver's side vent windows with the stainless trim lying around.

Thanks!

Rich

 

[Bronco-Brian]

The spot welds on the stainless frames don't seem to hold as well as the painted steel ones. I've got several broken just like yours. I'll work to repair one and let you know what I find. Either way, I think the glass will need to come out for reweld or rivet. Brian

 

[Rustytruck]

its not impossible to drill stainless. just start with a center punch. use a new sharp drill bit and push it through without hesitation as soon as the drill bit drags it will most likely work harden the surface and then you will need a carbide drill or burr to get through. lubricate the cut with atf not oil. run the drill at a litter slower speed than you would cutting regular steel. avoid the temptation to go balls out. once its cutting keep going do not back off.

 

[Sporto]

its not impossible to drill stainless. just start with a center punch. use a new sharp drill bit and push it through without hesitation as soon as the drill bit drags it will most likely work harden the surface and then you will need a carbide drill or burr to get through. lubricate the cut with atf not oil. run the drill at a litter slower speed than you would cutting regular steel. avoid the temptation to go balls out. once its cutting keep going do not back off.

This is good info, thanks. I was looking at drill bits for this, and I keep seeing cobalt bits as the best type to drill stainless. Is that the same as a carbide bit?

Thanks,

Rich

 

[Sporto]

The spot welds on the stainless frames don't seem to hold as well as the painted steel ones. I've got several broken just like yours. I'll work to repair one and let you know what I find. Either way, I think the glass will need to come out for reweld or rivet. Brian

I am hoping that I don't have to remove the glass from the trim, please let me know how this goes.

Thanks

Rich

 

[Bronco-Brian]

Hey Sporto (Rich) - stainless hinge drilled like butter using sharp cobalt 5/32 drill bit. Pic shows my sequence leaving glass in place, you can skip 4 and 5. Step 6 is plug weld to your good frame using mig welder. Clean everything with grinder and remove any grease or paint. Cover all glass with heavy cardboard to protect from spatter, plug weld fast one at a time, and quench with wet rags immediately to protect glass from localized heat stress. Grind and polish finished plug welds should look like factory again. Be sure the hinge is in exactly right position as your window alignment to the frame is crucial with this hinged joint placement. Good luck. Brian

 

[Sporto]

Hey Sporto (Rich) - stainless hinge drilled like butter using sharp cobalt 5/32 drill bit. Pic shows my sequence leaving glass in place, you can skip 4 and 5. Step 6 is plug weld to your good frame using mig welder. Clean everything with grinder and remove any grease or paint. Cover all glass with heavy cardboard to protect from spatter, plug weld fast one at a time, and quench with wet rags immediately to protect glass from localized heat stress. Grind and polish finished plug welds should look like factory again. Be sure the hinge is in exactly right position as your window alignment to the frame is crucial with this hinged joint placement. Good luck. Brian

Thank you so much for this. I may actually be able to do this. I have a few donors that I might practice on first. I will begin my planning. May be a few weeks until I get my garage setup at my new place, but once I do I will try this for sure.

Much appreciated...

Rich