what material is sunroof latch? (Page 1/1)
sledcaddie AUG 27, 08:31 PM
I noticed that the two, opposing 'prongs' on the rear latch of the sunroof are kind of bowed out. What are these made of? Is it cast aluminum? I was wondering if I could SLOWLY bend them back straight. If it is cast, it would probably end up snapping off. If it is plastic, maybe it could be heated before straightening. I planned on using a C-clamp and SLOWLY tighten it, to bend the prongs straight. CAN it be straightened SAFELY?
Patrick AUG 27, 08:37 PM

What makes you certain that they're not supposed to be "bowed out"?
sledcaddie AUG 27, 09:04 PM
Well, Patrick, now that you mention it...... it seems that my previous Fiero w/sunroof had this same condition. Are you saying that it SHOULD be bowed?
Patrick AUG 27, 10:58 PM

I've had three Fieros with a sunroof, and I believe their latches all "bowed out" like in your photo. I suspect it aids in the latch locking into place.
theogre AUG 28, 12:24 AM
⚠️ Warning: Do Not bend them! You very likely just break it as made of "pot metal" or other cheap alloys.


quote
Originally posted by Patrick:
I've had three Fieros with a sunroof, and I believe their latches all "bowed out" like in your photo. I suspect it aids in the latch locking into place.

Nope
All are damaged and that has little to do w/ locking the roof except if adjust too tight bending it.

All latches like Fiero SunRoof latch are "cam locks" / "Knee Locks" and when made and adjusted right will "snap" tight.
The same lock type is used for many Windows that open just a little to vent like many Van door windows and back side windows near/over rear wheels. (Several Ford cars had same for back windows)

Problems for Fiero are several besides damage part shown above... Highlights:
The SR frame and how the latch bolts are attach to it are weak. Meaning very likely you have problem there too.
Is made to take apart so can remove the glass so latch and front ears get wreck just opening/closing then also gets hit removing/storing/installing the glass.
Many adjust the latch and have no clue already wreck other parts only does more damage.

To fix part above isn't easy and need to make a new part.
But likely other weak part(s) just bend or break. More so if you don't fix other problems or adjust wrong.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 08-28-2020).]

Patrick AUG 28, 01:12 AM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

All are damaged...



Well dammit then, I'm setting fire to this lemon.

Bowed out or not... I've never had a problem myself with a Fiero sunroof not closing tight enough. But yeah, whether they're supposed to be bowed out or not, I certainly wouldn't recommend trying to re-bend those tabs.
sledcaddie AUG 28, 09:50 AM
So, I guess if these are 'bowed', it's because the latch is adjusted too tightly? The service manual states (figure 11) that to tighten the latch, you slide a shim between glass and latch. If your latch has no shim, how would you loosen it?
Patrick AUG 28, 01:20 PM

quote
Originally posted by sledcaddie:

The service manual states (figure 11) that to tighten the latch, you slide a shim between glass and latch.



Does it? I would think that doing so would loosen the latch. In other words, it would tighten the latch to insert a shim between the latch and the underside of the roof.
theogre AUG 28, 03:35 PM

quote
Originally posted by sledcaddie:
So, I guess if these are 'bowed', it's because the latch is adjusted too tightly? The service manual states (figure 11) that to tighten the latch, you slide a shim between glass and latch. If your latch has no shim, how would you loosen it?

Means Too Tight... Yes and No. Could be why but when the glass is open or removed, the latch and front "ears" take a beating.

SR Glass is heavy and when open, every bump pounds the crap out of the part and bend etc the rest of the latch.
If you look at roof part where 2 parts meet, often have a lot of wear there too because of loads to open/close and constant beating when open.

Removing/installing is worse to a lot worse for many people because heavy glass and you grab at/near center long ways so you have the mass at end of your arms straight out. More problems when you're missing front plastic "hinge guards" to stop you install front ear wrong.

Many have bad front ears parts allowing leaks and miss alignment making people think needs adjust the latch, a new seal etc.

Adjustment...
First try carefully loosed 2 nut holding roof side and slide it one way or other then tighten nuts and carefully test. Moving that just a little can make a big difference.
But If that part "wobbles" when the nuts are tight, the roof frame has damage and the "key holes" for the "studs" are bent down. Damage key holes is same reason... bumpy roads or anything hitting the glass when open can wreck them plus can over torque the nuts some too won't help.

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 08-28-2020).]