Sliding window catches

[timmy201]

I've been replacing the window channels on the left door and fixing the window catches so that they actually lock. I've noticed I have two different types of them, some have the washer at the bottom and some have the plate with the screws. Are these both factory fitted, and is there any way to keep the washer firmly located? It keeps slipping out and the push button shoots off with the spring...

[woodypup59]

I thought the "washer" was a pressfit, and therefore impossible to get out to mend the catch.

You could either "rough up " the O/d (knurl it), or glue it in with Araldite or similar.

[Ronnie]

I thought the "washer" was a pressfit, and therefore impossible to get out to mend the catch.

You could either "rough up " the O/d (knurl it), or glue it in with Araldite or similar.

Looks like 3 stakes in that picture use a dremmel or similar.

[mini63]

I've had the same problem in the past. re-staking the castings to hold washer seems to work ok.

[timmy201]

Thanks for the advice, that sounds like an easy fix. Next question is the front right one is all gummed up with old grease and doesn't like to spring the pin down. Is there a good way to get new grease in there (of course this one has the bottom washer fitted perfectly in the bottom).

Were the screw in style ones also factory fitted, and was there a particular change over period?

Aren't I glad that my grandfather had a bunch of spare window latches in a box, I wouldn't want to buy any these days!

[Ernie]

Hi, I have a question regarding which way round should the window catch push buttons be. Seem to have conflicting info. Consensus seems to be that the front window catch should have it's push button at the front end, whilst the rear window catch should have it's push button at its back end. Is this correct?

[woodypup59]

Hi, I have a question regarding which way round should the window catch push buttons be. Seem to have conflicting info. Consensus seems to be that the front window catch should have it's push button at the front end, whilst the rear window catch should have it's push button at its back end. Is this correct?

As originally (factory) fitted, it was possible to poke a stick between the two panes of glass, press the button and open the window.

An easy anti-theft measure in the 60s was to swap the front catches side-to-side so that the button faced forward, away from poking sticks.

[mk1]

The above is absolutely correct.

[Ronnie]

Thanks for the advice, that sounds like an easy fix. Next question is the front right one is all gummed up with old grease and doesn't like to spring the pin down. Is there a good way to get new grease in there (of course this one has the bottom washer fitted perfectly in the bottom).

Get a tin with some oil in submerse your catch and heat the oil, or try with release oil diesel etc (but without heating the latter )

[timmy201]

So originally the buttons were all facing towards the rear of the car, but it was common to swap the front ones side to side?

Mine were all facing backwards so that's how they still are (not that they've locked up until now anyway)

[Ernie]

Hi, I have a question regarding which way round should the window catch push buttons be. Seem to have conflicting info. Consensus seems to be that the front window catch should have it's push button at the front end, whilst the rear window catch should have it's push button at its back end. Is this correct?

As originally (factory) fitted, it was possible to poke a stick between the two panes of glass, press the button and open the window.

An easy anti-theft measure in the 60s was to swap the front catches side-to-side so that the button faced forward, away from poking sticks.

[dodge44]

I thought the "washer" was a pressfit, and therefore impossible to get out to mend the catch.

You could either "rough up " the O/d (knurl it), or glue it in with Araldite or similar.

Although it's a worn catch where the runner pin only just protrudes this picture of the interior parts might help. I found that if you grip the runner pin firmly and pull down you can dismantle the whole mechanism without any trouble. You have to remember to exert a slight pressure on the release button to stop it shooting across the room but when no longer captivated you can slowly release it and it will come out in your hand. Then wiggle the spring out and with some tweezers you can extract the runner pin from the inside without having to resort to taking the washer out.

Roger