'66 window latch repair

[goransons]

I know the window latches are available new, and with what it costs to produce a specialty part, I'm not complaining about what they charge, but I figure I'm trying to not get too deep into this thing.

I rebuilt the window today by the door, replaced the weatherstrip with some I had left over from the 69, removed the crank unit and the latches, cleaned, polished, lubricated and reinstalled all the parts and cleaned up the glass.

Several of the latches, including one on this window (sorry the picture is so blurry) just cranks and cranks. Upon examination I found the bar inside was split through the bolt hole and was actually in two pieces. I soaked the retainer screw with wd-40 and it came out ok. Has anyone made their own replacements for this part? Seems about the only thing that can fail. I was thinking of finding some type of plastic stock I could drill and tap. I also thought since the threaded rod attached to the crank is brass I might use a piece of brass stock. It would hold threads just as good as plastic, and would be less likely to snap in half.

Better yet, does anyone just sell the insert already built?

Advice appreciated.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by goransons

I know the window latches are available new, and with what it costs to produce a specialty part, I'm not complaining about what they charge, but I figure I'm trying to not get too deep into this thing.

I rebuilt the window today by the door, replaced the weatherstrip with some I had left over from the 69, removed the crank unit and the latches, cleaned, polished, lubricated and reinstalled all the parts and cleaned up the glass.

Several of the latches, including one on this window (sorry the picture is so blurry) just cranks and cranks. Upon examination I found the bar inside was split through the bolt hole and was actually in two pieces. I soaked the retainer screw with wd-40 and it came out ok. Has anyone made their own replacements for this part? Seems about the only thing that can fail. I was thinking of finding some type of plastic stock I could drill and tap. I also thought since the threaded rod attached to the crank is brass I might use a piece of brass stock. It would hold threads just as good as plastic, and would be less likely to snap in half.

Better yet, does anyone just sell the insert already built?

Advice appreciated.

Scott.

We have the barrel nuts made.

The brass shaft is not what it looks like.

It has what is called a "double start" thread.

The barrel nuts also have that same threading.

Andy

[goransons]

Thanks Andy, can the barrel nut be purchased seperately or do you have to buy the whole latch? If they are available seperate can you PM what they cost?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by goransons

Thanks Andy, can the barrel nut be purchased seperately or do you have to buy the whole latch? If they are available seperate can you PM what they cost?

Barrel nuts are sold solo.

I will PM you Monday.

Andy

[goransons]

Thanks Andy, have a great weekend!

[Boondocker]

Originally Posted by goransons

... but I figure I'm trying to not get too deep into this thing......

Boy, what a sense of humor. I about bust a gut when I read that. Funniest thing I have read today... thanks for the laugh.

[goransons]

you're telling me!

to do list:

exterior: minor panel repair, polishing, rebuild all windows, new weather strip, have door's frame repaired, new astrodome and vent covers, 2 new window glass panels, new L-100 lock, new axles, tires, propane tanks, regulator, sewer valve, all lights/lenses

interior
install - new wiring, inverter, insulation, reinstall skins, repair all the fiberglass in the bathroom, all new plumbing, rebuild all custom cabinets, new flooring, all new appliances, new air conditioner, new foam and fabrics, curtains.

and I'm trying to save money rebuilding a window latch...