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Door locks?

RazMan - 10/6/06 at 11:11 PM

My middy needs a pair of door locks but I can't find anything suitable from the usual suspects (CBS, Europa, Rally Design etc)

Ideally I need something which is lockable from the outside but has a handle on the inside.

Any suggestions for suppliers guys?

DIY Si - 11/6/06 at 07:26 AM

Would old mini jobbies do?

RazMan - 12/6/06 at 07:08 AM

Unfortunately they are a little too big for my doors - I've found a couple of chandlers that have smaller ones but nothing ticks all the boxes yet.

gottabedone - 12/6/06 at 08:52 AM

What about a Cobra latch? you could either leave it "as is" or panel it in.......
http://www.linger.com/cobra/images/DoorLatchRepair/doorlatch5.jpg

Steve

Peteff - 12/6/06 at 09:29 AM

Do handles have to be anti burst and double latching as production cars are? I would look around at some boot latches as they qualify and you could get remote cable operated ones to make fitting your internal handles easier.

RazMan - 12/6/06 at 09:37 AM

Ideally they need to be anti-burst locks but as they will be even more difficult to find I am prepared to put the car through SVA without doors if neccessary

Steve - that lock looks interesting - where can I order one? (or get more details)

gottabedone - 12/6/06 at 11:12 AM

Are Mk2 Escort boot latches double latching in the sense of "anti burst"? If not try Alfa 33 as I've come across one that is. I have used both of these and are slim and can be cable operated from any location that you want.

gottabedone - 12/6/06 at 11:29 AM

Sorry RazMan missed your question!
The lock is pretty much standard across the Cob's (except Pilgrim) so try a quickie to Dax or these people

Cobra Spares

Europa

hope it helps

Steve

RazMan - 12/6/06 at 11:53 AM

Thanks very much Steve - some useful info there

I think I'll pay a visit to my friendly scrappy and have a look at the boot locks as suggested, although due to the space limits of my doors a slam latch, electrically operated might be the best way to go.

gottabedone - 12/6/06 at 12:04 PM

I cheated as a cyclist I have brake spares around. The newer brake cables are also PTFE lined and obviously have a tit at at least one end. Some simple bracketry and this will run anywhere. My Minari has the striker on the door and latch burried in the bodywork which might be worth thinking about.

A bit of beer and constructive thought could give a nice result (some simple chrome levers in the centre console or similar)

Steve

RazMan - 12/6/06 at 12:30 PM

quote:
Originally posted by gottabedone
My Minari has the striker on the door and latch burried in the bodywork which might be worth thinking about.

Now that sounds more like it. My doors are in fact two separate sections - the lower door section (which is scissor action) and the upper window section (which is gull wing action) It sounds really complicated but the idea behind it was to be able to remove the window sections and stow them when the weather allows.

Here's a pic to clarify - this shows the window section supported by a gas strut. The door section is shown in the closed position.

Rescued attachment gull windows.jpg

RazMan - 12/6/06 at 12:33 PM

and another showing the door in the open position, alo on its gas strut.

I have sorted the door closure on anti burst claw latches which are electrically operated (so no handles to mess up the lines)
Rescued attachment scissor door.jpg

gottabedone - 13/6/06 at 09:20 AM

Hey Raz,
Lambo doors and not a Polo, Paxo or Corsa in sight! as you say, bling it on! It's nice to see that your garage looks like mine - a work in progress
I take it that the upper doors are more structurally sound than they look. I think that you could do some creative work on securing those doors, more trick than bling. (or you could leave the upper doors open and paint it black and wear a cape ) You could probably go the TVR route with remote electrics to a single switch and have your central locking motors running from anywhere via cables to the lock plate. I spent many hours trying to figure mine out as the Minari entailed fitting the locks in a void one handed up to your shoulder. One of those eyes on the end of your fingers moments. The final incarnation was cycle cable, fishing swivels to allow twist, small rings of the key ring type to alloy it to be easily taken apart and the small D shaped cable connectors.
A bit long, hope it makes sense

Any fotys of the interior yet?

Steve

RazMan - 13/6/06 at 12:42 PM

quote:
Originally posted by gottabedone
... or you could leave the upper doors open and paint it black and wear a cape )
Steve

Now where am I going to find a boy wonder at this stage in the build

My lower doors are very simple in operation - 12v door popper wired to a permanent live, remote controlled by an alarm fob.

I've recently posted some pics of my seats and dash - I'm now thinking about carpet.

Rescued attachment door popper.jpg

gottabedone - 13/6/06 at 10:30 PM

I saw the post with the seats, very nice. More class than bling though. The Alcantara marks really easily, although if it's looked after is quite hard wearing.
I've used Woolies 3 times now for carpet/seals and trim and they have always been very helpful. You may get carpet the same colour from them (they are quite happy to send out test pieces). My Minari dash was a very close match to the grey Cobra Westfields that I have - SWMBO liked it which helped with the cost

Linky

worth looking at.

Steve