Rear Hatch Defroster Repair

[Opelotus]

One of the soldered connectors on the upper defroster grid snapped off awhile back while I was removing the rear spoiler. As usual I have put off repairing it until I actually need it to work, it has been getting pretty icy lately. Can it be reattached?

[Opelotus]

Anyone?

[neil30076]

Check out : FindTape.com Search Results for 'copper tape'

They make a copper tape that will stick to the broken off connection on the heater element side and make an electrical connection.
Then, with this tape,
Try scraping back the remaining piece of the copper contact strip on the heater element end, so that it is accesible - polish it with a 600 grade paper so the foil is clean and use the new tape to complete it, and make a connection to the wire that broke off. When you have it working, build up around the joint with a good epoxy, so it does not break off again.
Good luck

Neil

[garylewa]

Go to: frostfighter.com and look up what you need; I have used their tab repair kit with excellent results; their prices aren't too bad either and the products are superb.

[Opelotus]

Thanks for the links, both methods sound like they should work. I will take another look at the broken tab to see whether or not it needs replacement.

[Hugomaz]

I actually heated the tab while holding it with a pair of needle nose pliers untill the solder was melting and then just pressed it back on to the spot it came off and it looks like new

[Opelotus]

What did you use to heat it?