houdini hatch strip down-anyone done it.

[simon_sluggett]

I am going to take apart my hatch and reseal the glass and replace the rubber seal. I have a proper replacement seal kit, but wanted to know what the best sealent for bedding in the glass is. Seems to be a white sealant on there at present which is turning to powder. Anyone done this job and any tips to help.

 

[Relax]

How do you take the thing to bits? And where did u get the kit?

I have the same problem and was going to use Sikaflex but was just going to rake out the powder and (try) to be very carefull (and use a lot of masking tape).

Be very interested to know how to get the lid off and to pieces without breaking anything.

 

[No Regrets]

My old Shetland has one, it leaks like all Houdini hatches, and doesn't seem to disassemble.

What a piece of crap....

Buy a new one perhaps?

 

[michael_w]

What about some of the stuff that is used on car windscreens?

 

[pete]

I did my houdini hatch a couple of years ago.
There is a split in the frame under one of the hinges and the frame will spring enough for the glass to come out. a friend has a windscreen company and told me to stay well clear of silicone sealer as then nothing will stick to the frame !
He suggested that I clean the groove with acetone re fit the glass loose and gave me some small foam spacers to keep the glass in the middle of the frame with an even gap, he gave me some acid to etch the frame and some primer to prime the frame and glass (applied with a foam ball on a stick) to give a neat border.
Then we used windscreen sealer gunned into the joint above and below the glass.
He supplied me with all the stuff.
Good luck pete