Repair Rear Defogger Tabs on Hardtop

[Tortooga Custom Works]

I you try to solder and you over heat the glass, the glass will shatter. The heat differential if to great will shatter solving the loose connecter.

Not trying to solder. I’m using a conductive epoxy/adhesive that is intended for this application.

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[Jowen]

I just talking from experience, I hope it all works out for you, I hate buying new glass.

 

[BeeeCeee]

I resoldered the connector back on my wife's JL. Wasn't hard to do. Just make sure to pre-tin both the connector and the spot on the window.

""Remove the connector,(the part that snapped off), from the cable before trying to solder.

 

[Tortooga Custom Works]

I resoldered the connector back on my wife's JL. Wasn't hard to do. Just make sure to pre-tin both the connector and the spot on the window.

""Remove the connector,(the part that snapped off), from the cable before trying to solder.

Interesting. Good to know.

 

[Tortooga Custom Works]

Ok I lied... I found this at etrailer.com: https://www.etrailer.com/Tools/Loctite/LT21351.html

I ordered that. The activator is actual it's own separate container of liquid. In the permatex kit the activator was a wipe, which I think made it difficult to really get it where you needed it.

I'm also thinking that the next time I try this I'll remove the hardtop and having it laying on it's back... I think. Considering my laziness, probably not. But maybe I will.

This kit worked well. I’ll update the first post shortly.

 

[Tortooga Custom Works]

EDIT 2019-08-06:
I tried two different kits to fix this, the first was from PepBoys and is readily available. It is the Permatex 09117 Complete Rear Window Defogger Repair Kit. It has bits to fix even the lines on the defroster.
The issue with this kit is that the activator is just a wipe. You can't get enough onto an area - I feel. I'm not a pro.
Anyway, I followed the instructions, but within about 6 hours it had separated again.

Then I found this kit, which is only has liquid activator in a vial and the conductive epoxy.
https://www.etrailer.com/Tools/Loctite/LT21351.html

This kit worked perfectly because I was able to actually "apply" the activator exactly where I needed it.
The epoxy got a strong hold, and I think even more of a hold than from the factory.

All is well. It works again!

Added this to the first post for others who might be searching in the future.

 

[Tortooga Custom Works]

So, just an update on this. Things were fine for awhile, but I recently started to notice that the defroster was not actually working. The tabs are fine...

I brought it in to service and they've opted to replace the windshield. Waiting for the preauthorization and the part to come in...

 

[JeepCares]

So, just an update on this. Things were fine for awhile, but I recently started to notice that the defroster was not actually working. The tabs are fine...

I brought it in to service and they've opted to replace the windshield. Waiting for the preauthorization and the part to come in...

Hi Ralph,
Please keep us updated. If additional assistance is needed throughout your dealer visit, we're available via PM.
Alex
JeepCares

 

[Tortooga Custom Works]

Hi Ralph,
Please keep us updated. If additional assistance is needed throughout your dealer visit, we're available via PM.
Alex
JeepCares

Thanks! will do.

 

[JeepCares]

Thanks! will do.

You're welcome, Ralph! We look forward to hearing from you.
Alex
JeepCares

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