Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Escape Hatch ? (Read 16 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Escape Hatch ?
Yahoo Message Number: 110116
Hi Folks, Our escape hatch on our 2006 MB wasn't closing right. Went up on the roof to check things out. Seems the forward corners on either side of the front hinge gave out, and allowed the hatch to slide forward. I have a new hatch ordered from LD, but was told this: I would have to drill out the old hinge rivets. Drill out the new hinge rivets. Replace the old hinge onto the new hatch so it will fit back on.
Someone in China made this decision, (to change the hinge channel) it's not our fault.
Has anyone else gone through this process? Any tips or hints would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jim Pappas Apache Junction, AZ
Re: Escape Hatch ?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110117
Jim, I had to do mine last year at it is very easy. I borrowed a rivet gun and got the shortest rivets available at H.D. After drilling out the old rivets(very easy) I proceeded to put the new ones in. One suggestion is if you have never used a rivet gun practice a couple times. You'll see how easy it is. The unit slides in easily. Make sure the end screws on the bracket are secure as these are important to keep it in place. I put some silicone on the screw caps to ward off any corrosion. I have had no problem with ours. Good luck, john leach, Prescott, Az

__
Re: Escape Hatch ?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110136
The unit slides in easily. Make sure the end screws on the bracket are secure as these are important to keep it in place. I put some silicone on the screw caps to ward off any corrosion. I have had no problem with ours. Good luck, john leach, Prescott, Az

Thanks John, The bracket you are talking about, is that the one that the crank up wheel slides back and forth on? Is it the same as on the old hatch? Did you do anything to reinforce the front  corners, or did yours break from a different cause? I wish they had made the hatch out of the smoked lexan the other hatches are made from.
I hope this message gets to you, I will post it on the regular forum as well.
Thanks again for your help, Jim Pappas AJ, AZ
 
Re: Escape Hatch ?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110137
Jim, the bracket is the same as you mentioned. It is amazing how secure it becomes when that bracket is secured properly. I used the same screws but be careful to align them carefully as they can slip past the hole(s) provided in the new cover. Don't over tighten them but make sure they are snug. This is where the silicone is good to use on the outside of the screw head. The factory had something similar in that area to keep them sealed and tight. Didn't do anything in the corners. Mine had a crack on top from hail. The new cover is fairly strong. Hope this helps. John Leach Prescott, Az.

__