Repairing Center Vent Tabs?

XMetal · 06-03-2023, 10:56 PM

How do you repair plastic weld? The two top tabs of the center vent are plastic welded onto it's housing. As you can see in my pictures, two of the rear plastic welds are missing/broken. Half of one of the front is broken. The other front one is cracked. All the used ones on eBay are in similar condition...so I'm assuming that someone had attempted this repair at some point? I would greatly appreciate any ideas on how to approach this repair? Thanks.

pungo · 06-03-2023, 11:12 PM

Use some coarse sandpaper and rough up the metal and plastic all around the metal. Apply a healthy layer of JB weld over it, place a piece of window screen over it for even more reinforcement, just make sure it's not so tall it prevents the vent from being inserted into the dash. I love JB weld and put that $hit on everything, lol...

XMetal · 06-03-2023, 11:26 PM

Which JB weld do you recommend? Apparently, there are lots of variations. Thanks.

jwolf · 06-03-2023, 11:44 PM

Look for the plastic bonder versions.

07ImolaRot · 06-04-2023, 12:39 AM

JB weld it with C clamps to hold it all together till it dries

https://www.homedepot.com/p/J-B-Weld...65-s/100189012

pungo · 06-04-2023, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XMetal

Which JB weld do you recommend? Apparently, there are lots of variations. Thanks.

I've been using the original Cold Weld version for several decades, plus it can be used for all types of other repairs. I even used it to repair a small crack on an engine block where the oil sensor screwed in and it lasted for decades and still holding.

I've never used the plastic bonder version, though I'm sure it'd work just as well if not better for your application.

maupineda · 06-04-2023, 05:47 PM

Why not replace the vents? If not crazy expensive that is what I would do

XMetal · 06-04-2023, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maupineda

Why not replace the vents? If not crazy expensive that is what I would do

Although it's not crazy expensive, but I'm not about to drop over $250 on a new vent and throw away one that is perfectly functional other than those plastic welds that are on their last legs. If I can salvage it, I will.

Steeler · 06-04-2023, 07:44 PM

Is it feasible to use a small rivet in those locations?
Possibly take a look inside the duct end of the vent and see if there would be interference of a short rivet hanging down that might hit the vanes when they are turned to direct flow.

XMetal · 06-04-2023, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeler

Is it feasible to use a small rivet in those locations?
Possibly take a look inside the duct end of the vent and see if there would be interference of a short rivet hanging down that might hit the vanes when they are turned to direct flow.

I would assumed that it's possible to use a small rivet, but it more work than JB Weld

Steeler · 06-05-2023, 05:25 AM

4 holes and 4 rivets. Yup more work.

My mechanical background is avert to anything other than mechanical connection.
Although todays adhesives are remarkable.

Good luck with repair.

MVRS · 06-05-2023, 07:50 AM

I just did this to repair to fix a small rattle not too long ago. I used a dremmel tool to grind and drill through the front plastic welds holding the metal tabs in place and just replaced with small screws to hold it down. Works pretty well since I can still remove it from the center dash. Here’s the specific screws I used below. Hope this helps.

https://a.co/d/a3Bf9Xo

XMetal · 06-05-2023, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVRS

I just did this to repair to fix a small rattle not too long ago. I used a dremmel tool to grind and drill through the front plastic welds holding the metal tabs in place and just replaced with small screws to hold it down. Works pretty well since I can still remove it from the center dash. Here’s the specific screws I used below. Hope this helps.

https://a.co/d/a3Bf9Xo

A small/tiny screw is also an option. The only issue is finding one that won't actually puncture through the plastics - thanks for the link! I might give this a go as a backup to JB Weld.

XMetal · 06-07-2023, 12:30 AM

Found a couple of small screws in my stash and decided to use the idea from @MVRS - dremel grinded down the rear plastic stubs and screwed down the rear of the tabs. The screws does protrude into the vent a tiny bit, but not enough to interfere with airflow. Then went to town with JB Weld - I don't think those tabs are going anywhere! You think I might have gone a bit overboard with those JB Weld?

Also, re-foam the rear of the vents as the original has disintegrate into crumbs. Again, Thanks everyone for your inputs/suggestions!

pungo · 06-07-2023, 11:31 AM

Looks like it'll hold fine, can never use too much JB Weld. Personally, I would have omitted the drilling plus screw and instead, apply a healthy dose of JB Weld.
I don't know how you pushed the tabs down to remove the vent, but slipping an old credit card or similar into each clip makes it very easy to remove the vent with low risk of damage.

06-03-2023, 10:56 PM	#1
XMetal Colonel 1135 Rep 2,866 Posts Drives: Anything Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Z4M Coupe [10.00] 2018 Audi S3 [0.00] 2004 X5 [8.50]	Repairing Center Vent Tabs? How do you repair plastic weld? The two top tabs of the center vent are plastic welded onto it's housing. As you can see in my pictures, two of the rear plastic welds are missing/broken. Half of one of the front is broken. The other front one is cracked. All the used ones on eBay are in similar condition...so I'm assuming that someone had attempted this repair at some point? I would greatly appreciate any ideas on how to approach this repair? Thanks. Attached Images __________________
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06-03-2023, 11:12 PM	#2
pungo Colonel 880 Rep 2,547 Posts Drives: Z4MC-X3-35i-525i, Corrado G60 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 x35i [0.00] 2001 BMW 525i [0.00] 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [8.76]	Use some coarse sandpaper and rough up the metal and plastic all around the metal. Apply a healthy layer of JB weld over it, place a piece of window screen over it for even more reinforcement, just make sure it's not so tall it prevents the vent from being inserted into the dash. I love JB weld and put that $hit on everything, lol... Last edited by pungo; 06-04-2023 at 12:41 AM..
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06-03-2023, 11:26 PM	#3
XMetal Colonel 1135 Rep 2,866 Posts Drives: Anything Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Z4M Coupe [10.00] 2018 Audi S3 [0.00] 2004 X5 [8.50]	Which JB weld do you recommend? Apparently, there are lots of variations. Thanks. __________________
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06-03-2023, 11:44 PM	#4
jwolf Private First Class 63 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 135i M-Sport MT N-55 / Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Look for the plastic bonder versions.
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06-04-2023, 12:39 AM	#5
07ImolaRot Private First Class 130 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 07 Z4M, 05 M3, 13 M3 Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	JB weld it with C clamps to hold it all together till it dries https://www.homedepot.com/p/J-B-Weld...65-s/100189012 __________________ 2007 Imola Red Z4M 2005 Phoenix Yellow M3 6MT 2013 Interlagos Blue M3 6MT ZCP CF roof
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06-04-2023, 05:47 PM	#7
maupineda Captain 456 Rep 975 Posts Drives: E86 Z4MC Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Detroit, MI iTrader: (3)	Why not replace the vents? If not crazy expensive that is what I would do
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06-04-2023, 07:44 PM	#9
Steeler Colonel 2429 Rep 2,704 Posts Drives: Built not Bought 04 Z4 VF Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kitchener Ontario Canada iTrader: (2)	Is it feasible to use a small rivet in those locations? Possibly take a look inside the duct end of the vent and see if there would be interference of a short rivet hanging down that might hit the vanes when they are turned to direct flow. __________________ W2A Intercooled Vortech V3Si, custom ducting, Alpha N, 60# Bosch,2.62 pulley, multi port WMI, Severn Tuning(pokeybritches), Tial, magnaflow,SS race muffler, 42 design,3.91LSD, H&R, Hotchkis,ST coils,Konis, Megan camber arms, AKG SS, Nylon mounts, Poly bushings, Carbon interior, CF Aero.APEX Last edited by Steeler; 06-04-2023 at 07:55 PM..
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06-05-2023, 05:25 AM	#11
Steeler Colonel 2429 Rep 2,704 Posts Drives: Built not Bought 04 Z4 VF Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kitchener Ontario Canada iTrader: (2)	4 holes and 4 rivets. Yup more work. My mechanical background is avert to anything other than mechanical connection. Although todays adhesives are remarkable. Good luck with repair. __________________ W2A Intercooled Vortech V3Si, custom ducting, Alpha N, 60# Bosch,2.62 pulley, multi port WMI, Severn Tuning(pokeybritches), Tial, magnaflow,SS race muffler, 42 design,3.91LSD, H&R, Hotchkis,ST coils,Konis, Megan camber arms, AKG SS, Nylon mounts, Poly bushings, Carbon interior, CF Aero.APEX
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06-05-2023, 07:50 AM	#12
MVRS New Member 5 Rep 20 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 E86 3.0si Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Gulfport iTrader: (0)	I just did this to repair to fix a small rattle not too long ago. I used a dremmel tool to grind and drill through the front plastic welds holding the metal tabs in place and just replaced with small screws to hold it down. Works pretty well since I can still remove it from the center dash. Here’s the specific screws I used below. Hope this helps. https://a.co/d/a3Bf9Xo
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06-07-2023, 12:30 AM	#14
XMetal Colonel 1135 Rep 2,866 Posts Drives: Anything Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Z4M Coupe [10.00] 2018 Audi S3 [0.00] 2004 X5 [8.50]	Found a couple of small screws in my stash and decided to use the idea from @MVRS - dremel grinded down the rear plastic stubs and screwed down the rear of the tabs. The screws does protrude into the vent a tiny bit, but not enough to interfere with airflow. Then went to town with JB Weld - I don't think those tabs are going anywhere! You think I might have gone a bit overboard with those JB Weld? Also, re-foam the rear of the vents as the original has disintegrate into crumbs. Again, Thanks everyone for your inputs/suggestions! Attached Images __________________ Last edited by XMetal; 06-07-2023 at 12:38 AM..
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06-07-2023, 11:31 AM	#15
pungo Colonel 880 Rep 2,547 Posts Drives: Z4MC-X3-35i-525i, Corrado G60 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 x35i [0.00] 2001 BMW 525i [0.00] 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [8.76]	Looks like it'll hold fine, can never use too much JB Weld. Personally, I would have omitted the drilling plus screw and instead, apply a healthy dose of JB Weld. I don't know how you pushed the tabs down to remove the vent, but slipping an old credit card or similar into each clip makes it very easy to remove the vent with low risk of damage.
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