Thread: Glove box handle - FIXED/REPAIRED

Thanks,

I will give it a go on the weekend,

Ryall

It's always good to have a win

Hi, a2z thanks for this very useful, my lower glove box handle has broken and hanging down, just one question how did you remove the glove box?
I just had a look and can't see readily how to remove it.
Mark

Thanks. I will try this advice soon.

Originally Posted by A2Z

What LR said could not be done, I did it anyway.

After several months of having a broken lower glove box handle and researching the net intesively. I was finding that no-one had actually succesfully repaired a lower glove box latch.
I was determined to save the $230 that I was quoted from LR. Upon first looking at it months ago I did think replacement was the only way to go, I just did not want to let go of the $$$ for ther sake of a floppy handle, as it still shut and opened ok.
This morning I felt adventurous and took out the glove box. I saw that it would be impossible to do a satisfactory repair from the outside with the handle in situe. As the outer cover is glued to the compartrment, I feel this is why many say it is not doable or will not try, I removed the outer from the compartment. It is platic welded together.
At this stage I thought to myself, I will just risk it. I was not going to leave it broken forever. If it doesn't work or I cant fix it, A new one it is.
With slight force from around all edges of the cover I freed the two apart. I could the see how basic it all was. The actual mechanism is seperate to the latch, making it even easier. with only the handle on the cover to rapair.
To repair, I removed the handle completely by gently popping the plasit of the intact side with a small screw driver. Then I could determine my fix. I cut a 100x4mm nail to size so it would sit across the broken side and over to the good side. To make the sufaces level I used a soldering iron to slowly melt down the contact areas to make it a level fit. I used plenty of epoxy to glue the nail in place, as I had melt the bed down to suit it fit well and adhered exceptionally well. I left about 4mm protruding the broken side, to allow me to first slide the hanle on this side the clip on the other.
To affix the cover to the compartment, I used plastic weld/cement, it comes with a primer and chemically melts the two plastics back together. No one could even tell it was repaired.

No for all you hany people out there, this is not a hard job, about 1.5 - 2hrs. It did take some thinking of what the best way to re-sttach a lug for the handle, but knowing that it can be done I hope it makes the job sound a whole lot more doable for anyone that has this problem, now or in the future.

Thanks for taking the time to write these instructions, really helpful even if it is 10 years latter!

For those wondering how to remove the glove box, this link is really useful. LR3 Glove Box Removal without Land Rover Special Tool - YouTube

The latch broke on the D4 large box. We bought an entire second hand Glovebox from Triump Rover Adelaide.
Removing the old box without damaging the hinge pin was difficult. Yes, I watched the video link, but just couldn't get the barbs on the pin (see photo) to compress.

therefore, I cut the pins out with a baby hacksaw.

the pins were replaced with 75mm, M6 bolts, with washers and nuts. They are a perfect fit.
I applied Loctite to the nuts so they do not unwind with glovebox use. (See photo)

best wishes,
Jeff

Nylock nuts were designed for such jobs.

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Nylock nuts were designed for such jobs.

Thank you Ian,
Nylock Nuts is an excellent suggestion.
The collaboration of the Forum is so good.
Best wishes,
Jeff