Drawer latches

eracism · 11-04-2002, 09:38 PM

1963 Tradewind. Is there a source for the spring loaded knobs and receivers that are used to hold drawers closed. The are located below the drawer handle. By pushing them in and turning a quarter turn to the right they extend into a receiver in the cabinet frame and
"lock" the drawer closed. A quarter turn to the left and the spring that is in the part of the mechanism in the face of the drawer retracts the male end of the device and walla the drawer can be opened. RWG Denver

overlander64 · 11-04-2002, 10:37 PM

Greetings RWG!

There were similar catches used for drawers and cabinets in the '63 and '64 coaches. I had to look for ages before I stubled across some NOS latches on E-Bay - - I purchased them in a small lot and the price averaged out to about $20.00 each. So far as I was able to determine there are no modern equivalents available.

The most difficult to find replacements for (or parts for that matter) are the large variety of the latches that are used on the wardrobe and pantry cabinets in my Overlander - - I dropped out of the bidding on a pair of those when it surpassed $60.00. The catch portion of my locks are fine, but the knobs have disappeared over time.

The actual mechanisms didn't change much between '63 and '64 but the exterior handles did change - - the '64s were smooth with indentations in the center - - the '63s that I have seen had serated edges with a flat front. The '64s appear to be chrome plated while the '63s appeared to be polished aluminum.

Goog luck in your search!

Kevin