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Metal door holder removal and new replacement question
Hi,

My the female side of the metal door holder of my '06 LD broke and I purchased a new one from the factory. Of course, the
original was screwed in and attached bonded with a copious amount of sealant. Does any have any suggestions for the following:

  • How to remove the old door holder without scratching the door? The screws came out easily but the sealant is holding the latch tight to the body.
  • What sealant to use when installing the new door holder?

Todd at the factory told me that they no longer use the metal door holders, but he found an old one and shipped it to me.
Photos attached.

Thanks,
Mike S.
'06 30' TB Anniversary Edition
Re: Metal door holder removal and new replacement question
Reply #1 –
We've had success replacing exterior hardware using a heat gun on a low setting.  It didn't take much heat to loosen the adhesive.  Hope this helps.
Re: Metal door holder removal and new replacement question
Reply #2 –
Thank you Ed and Margee,

Based on your suggestion I was able to remove the old latch by heating the old sealant using a hair dryer to soften it. It didn't
occur to me to do so. I then continued heating it and gently removed the rest with a chisel and then cleaned the area with
rubbing alcohol.

I then applied the new latch using Gorilla Contruction adhesive and Loctite 242 on the screws. We'll see if that holds after it
sets for a couple of days. I'll also remember to keep the latch well greased so it doesn't dry out.

Thanks!
Mike S.
'06 30' TB Anniversary Edition
Re: Metal door holder removal and new replacement question
Reply #3 –
Quote from: schafir  - 
I then applied the new latch using Gorilla Construction adhesive and Loctite 242 on the screws. We'll see if that holds after it
sets for a couple of days.

Hi Mike

Well, that should keep it in place, the original latch was sealed with a strip of soft butyl tape, it stays soft for many years but will eventually harden and, after 15 years or so, it can turn into an adhesive, as you found out.
With the construction adhesive and Loctite securing the new latch, I hope you never have to replace it.

Happy New Year
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Metal door holder removal and new replacement question
Reply #4 –
Thank you Larry. 

Happy New Year to you and Renee!

Mike
'06 30' TB Anniversary Edition