Impian glove box open!

[AndrewD]

This is something I mentioned in my intro post...
 

Hello all, I have joined today after a recommendation. I have recently purchased a 2004 Proton Impian, the 1.6l Mitsubishi engined variety, with a few little niggles and was told I should fit right in. Already sorted one or two issues, largely with a can of switch cleaner, it is the broken glove box handle next.

While it is not a classic and I am pleased to report it has no rust (that I have spotted yet), I did notice it appears on your extinction list. I am therefore feeling both honored and duty bound to ensure the survival of the species. Just got some rust issues on a Corsa B Sting to sort first. Will try to get a pic of the Impian in the garage soon.

Now, I wonder what treasures (or sweet wrappers) lay in wait...

and have talked a little about on the Proton owners club forum, but until yesterday was still drawing a blank as to how to get in to the glove box of an Impian with a broken glove box handle. Anyway, after much fiddling, torch shining, laying in the passenger's foot well with my feet outside of the car, and prodding stuff, I finally got it open without damaging the car!

 

What was inside? You all ask... 1 x dirty rag, 2 x broken puddle light lenses (already replaced, assumed lost), 2 x number plate screws with black caps and a Mars bar wrapper.

 

Glove box has been removed and taken apart, broken handle removed and some broken bits recovered (but not enough to piece / glue the broken part back together). So... Option 1, make a new plastic arm and epoxy it to the back of the handle, Option 2, buy another one, part apparently not available from Proton (though not expensive, so a shame), so I would have to find a used one or try to import 3rd party from Malaysia. Decisions, though the last option might not be that expensive.

 

[spartacus]

The danger with trying to make the part is if it fails you'll have to break in again. Maybe try it once, then admit defeat and get a new one from Malaysia, of its not too much. Can we have some pics of the whole car please, inside and out?

[AndrewD]

The danger with trying to make the part is if it fails you'll have to break in again. Maybe try it once, then admit defeat and get a new one from Malaysia, of its not too much. Can we have some pics of the whole car please, inside and out?

 

This is true, but next time I will know where to tickle it, so it should not be an issue. I will sort some photos for you all, when it stops raining. I do believe I said somewhere, at some point i would get the car in the garage here. You have all seen my off side head lamp and glove box though.

[wuvvum]

Nearside, shirley?

[AndrewD]

Nearside, shirley?

 

Yes, what a Muppet, and it's my car! It is a shame that there is not an emoticon of a smiley slapping his head Homer Simpson style. 

[mouseflakes]

Disappointed that there wasn't an old urine sample in there. Suggests previous owner was a non-giffer type?

[tooSavvy]

Priceless.....

 

I'm 2sav, of course, over there and follow the [yawn] exciting developments [/yawn] of the GTi ruff geezzahs.

 

I have seen your postings and can assure you Slushhie is a stout fellow

 

You'll get more laffs on here M8

 

TS

[tommotech]

Call Mick a call, at the old Proton dealer in Tamworth, 01827 63137.

 

He's got lots of odd Proton spares to shift. I'm sure he'll do his best for you, been really helpful to me in the past.

[AndrewD]

Priceless.....

I'm 2sav, of course, over there and follow the [yawn] exciting developments [/yawn] of the GTi ruff geezzahs.

I have seen your postings and can assure you Slushhie is a stout fellow

You'll get more laffs on here M8TS

As others have said though (over the other side), some bits cannot be got hold of easily, so I figure I need all the help I can get!

[UltraWomble]

2 inch carcassing screw - secure it closed in the top left corner, Obvs this means that you need to remove the screw every time you want to open the glove box to get your gloves out, so you need to keep a posidrive screwdriver in the glovebox for this.....Oh wait...

[AndrewD]

2 inch carcassing screw - secure it closed in the top left corner, Obvs this means that you need to remove the screw every time you want to open the glove box to get your gloves out, so you need to keep a posidrive screwdriver in the glovebox for this.....Oh wait...

There is another hidey hole in the centre console, I can keep it there! Or I might just put it back on without the flappy handle so i can Jimmy it with a key etc each time I want to get my gloves out.

[RoadworkUK]

Personally I'd be yanking out the old 'box, welding up a bloody great big frame out of old angle iron, jamming it into the aperture and suspending a nice Argos bread-bin from it with a length of chain.

 

I mean, you could replace the catch but then there'd be no welding involved.

[saucedoctor]

Dzus fastener? You can open those with a coin.

[AndrewD]

Personally I'd be yanking out the old 'box, welding up a bloody great big frame out of old angle iron, jamming it into the aperture and suspending a nice Argos bread-bin from it with a length of chain.

 

I mean, you could replace the catch but then there'd be no welding involved.

 

I am reconstructing the arm on the handle with about 50% epoxy, thinking "if this was metal, I could just weld a new bit on" I am see through! And a stainless bread bin would match the chrome on the grille and the boot.

 

Dzus fastener? You can open those with a coin.

You can?

[saucedoctor]

Yes mate.

 

 

[AndrewD]

Yes mate.

That means getting my wallet out while I am driving. Pozidriv in the centre console is easier!

[HH-R]

Good call on an Impian, aren't they pretty much rocking horse shite in the UK now? I see a 53 plate regularly but other than that, nada.

[AndrewD]

Good call on an Impian, aren't they pretty much rocking horse shite in the UK now? I see a 53 plate regularly but other than that, nada.

Yes, that is why I got all upset when I saw another in the local B&Q car park, and that one had leather seats! 53 plate you say, is it mine?

 

Epoxy has set, ish, over night. Old glue?, my mix bad? Not quite as well set as I would have liked, but it is holding, working and supporting the spring.

 

I think I will use it carefully, get some more glue, cut bits of glue off of the handle one side at a time, leaving the current glue filling the large gaps, cut some thin plastic to support the sides and reglue it. Hopefully it will hold until I can get another, I now have a couple of possible leads, so thank you.

 

Now, such a rare car deserves another alloy centre cap, as the Proton badge is missing from one. Probably more important things to think about first, like the fact I can now get to the cabin filter. Was worried the air con was not right, who knows when that was last changed or cleaned!

 

Glovebox reassembled with just 3 of the 10 screws that hold the front of the box on, in place (the ones you can access with the door shut). If this all goes wrong then I can reach under the dash with a screwdriver, remove the front and easily open the glove box.