Hood latch - old problem - new to me

[flarick]

I had the same problem on my 2015 Vista LX. I went back to the dealer, they wanted close to $600 the glue them back on. I used a Dremel tool to remove the old glue and then glued it back using 3M 5200 Marine adhesive. This lasted for over a year when the other side started to come loose. So, to make a long story short, I decided to drill both sides and use a number 8 stainless screws and nylon lock nuts to secure them. I haven't had a problem since.

[LPD218]

I had same problem and used the 3M 5200. I had to let it set, clamped for seven days for full cure. No problems so far.

[Upinsmoke]

So here's a progress report. The RV is at my local dealer with whom I've had good experience - so far! Please, not to jinx me over that statement.

They are going to put/glue the hood latch back on, which btw, fell off on me while I was trying to wire tie it on so as not to lose it. They are also using a black 3M epoxy with which they say they've had excellent results. Although the other side is still tight, they said they will add extra epoxy to that side where the bracket meets the fiberglass all the way around. I guess we'll see how the whole thing holds up.

As a side note, I had the dealer do the repair because when I checked on the 3M epoxy, it's a double tube and needed a double tube caulk gun which together was over $100 and the dealer is going to do it for $200. So considering the cost, time & mess, I decided to cough up the bucks.

Last, the 3 or so grill brackets that are loose I will re-glue with the 3M 5200 since others seem to be having good luck with it.

I'll report back with the final outcome.

[mitchoe]

I used JB Weld, the one impregnated with metal. Enough of the old glue remained to act as a positioning guide, and I was VERY generous with the JB Weld. So far so good, we’ll see how well it holds on the next bad road��. Only one of the latches fell off, and it caught in the headlight wiring so I was able to retrieve it, fortunately. The other one is still solidly attached, at least for now. Zip tying it to something sounds like a very good idea, that will happen before I hit the road again.

[mitchoe]

Following up on my post of June 2018. After a second round of coming unglued (both the bracket and me&#128540 I have finally given up and bolted them on.