One of the more annoying problems for me with my car was the roof console always seperating from the brackets. At first it was just the rear bracket and then eventually the front bracket broke off. I tried cleaning it, then using JB Weld, then epoxy but nothing would hold well. I finally got fed up and fixed it for good, and it worked so well I thought I'd share it.
Objective
Permanently affix the roof console to the brackets.
What do you need?
Channel locks or vise grips with sturdy and non-metallic grips
Sandpaper
Propane torch
A flexible torch attachment (if you have one).
PLEASE READ THROUGH BEFORE YOU START!
I am not responsible for anyone or anything being damaged due to the instructions with this guide. You should know how to handle a propane torch prior to engaging in these steps.
Be sure to practice with the brackets before you start this process. You should have a firm understanding of where the brackets go! You really only get one shot at this. Also bear in mind when heating up the metal that it is really thin, and if you use a flame that burns too hot you might burn through the bracket. These instructions cover the entire process, but if only one of the the brackets are broken off, just skip steps.
1. Remove the roof console. To do this carefully pop off the map light lenses with a small screw driver on the sides with the thumb impressions. Inside past the bulbs you will see two smalls screws. Remove them. Once the front falls forward you can remove the console by pulling toward the rear of the car with it.
2. Remove all of the bulbs, wiring and connectors.
3. With the sandpaper, clean off the surface of the metal brackets, and clean up the mating surfaces of the roof console as well.
4. For the front bracket, clamp it on the section where the screw is supposed to go through and heat up the opposite side that is supposed to be mated to the roof console.
5. Once it is red, carefully place it on the mating surface of the plasic and push it in a bit. Within a second the plastic will heat up and give way before the hot metal. It should even come through the little holes in the metal a bit. Hold it in place. Within seconds it will be permanently bonded.
6. Make sure the connectors and wires are no longer attached to the rear bracket. Take the rear bracket in the channel locks or vise grips and heat it up. When it is hot, push it into the plastic of the console, making sure it is oriented correctly.
7. Once it is cool, let it sit for a moment and you should be able to do this:
8. Reinstall all of the harnesses and connectors, and reinstall the console by seating the rear of the unit flush with the roof, and push it forward until it stops and contacts the bracket on the roof. Install the screws and bulbs in the front. Reinstall the lenses, and test everything to make sure it works.
Objective
Permanently affix the roof console to the brackets.
What do you need?
Channel locks or vise grips with sturdy and non-metallic grips
Sandpaper
Propane torch
A flexible torch attachment (if you have one).
PLEASE READ THROUGH BEFORE YOU START!
I am not responsible for anyone or anything being damaged due to the instructions with this guide. You should know how to handle a propane torch prior to engaging in these steps.
Be sure to practice with the brackets before you start this process. You should have a firm understanding of where the brackets go! You really only get one shot at this. Also bear in mind when heating up the metal that it is really thin, and if you use a flame that burns too hot you might burn through the bracket. These instructions cover the entire process, but if only one of the the brackets are broken off, just skip steps.
1. Remove the roof console. To do this carefully pop off the map light lenses with a small screw driver on the sides with the thumb impressions. Inside past the bulbs you will see two smalls screws. Remove them. Once the front falls forward you can remove the console by pulling toward the rear of the car with it.
2. Remove all of the bulbs, wiring and connectors.
3. With the sandpaper, clean off the surface of the metal brackets, and clean up the mating surfaces of the roof console as well.
4. For the front bracket, clamp it on the section where the screw is supposed to go through and heat up the opposite side that is supposed to be mated to the roof console.
5. Once it is red, carefully place it on the mating surface of the plasic and push it in a bit. Within a second the plastic will heat up and give way before the hot metal. It should even come through the little holes in the metal a bit. Hold it in place. Within seconds it will be permanently bonded.
6. Make sure the connectors and wires are no longer attached to the rear bracket. Take the rear bracket in the channel locks or vise grips and heat it up. When it is hot, push it into the plastic of the console, making sure it is oriented correctly.
7. Once it is cool, let it sit for a moment and you should be able to do this:
8. Reinstall all of the harnesses and connectors, and reinstall the console by seating the rear of the unit flush with the roof, and push it forward until it stops and contacts the bracket on the roof. Install the screws and bulbs in the front. Reinstall the lenses, and test everything to make sure it works.
