Window Latch Removal

[Roadrunner]

Has anyone had experience removing a broken window latch on the 70's trailers. Several have just snapped off in our "78". The pot metal shaft just disintegrated. Can they be rebuilt or must they be replaced? Thanks!

Bob
Indiana, PA

TAC PA-5
WBCCI 4871

[CBWELL]

They will have to be replaced. Several vintage suppliers have them, but they are not cheap. Try Inland RV, Out of doors Mart, or Silver trailer supply. They are easy to remove and replace

[Roadrunner]

Yes they are expensive. What is the procedure for removing the latch? Thanks!

Bob
Indiana, PA

TAC PA-5
WBCCI 4871

[arktos55343]

Looks pretty corroded. If needed, spray it down with a penetrating oil. Loosen the nut closest to the inside of the window frame. Then work the cube and handle assembly loose. As you pull in on the assembly, you will then be able to remove the nuts and locking bar at the other end. After they are off, continue removing the nut on the inside....until you can remove it as well. You can then remove the entire unit. When you get the new unit, it will take some fussing to get the nuts in the right places to engage the window lock.

[Gearheart]

I just broke one and rebuilt it. It snapped off inside the chrome cam lever. The shaft is aluminum and will probably not allow the 5/16" nuts to be removed without galling on the rust. It might even twist off. Remove the nut however you can. Do not be afraid of ruining the 5/16" shaft. Remove the thin nut that holds the sleeve and block to the window frame to get the clearance to remove the nut from the shaft. When you get the outside shaft nut off you can wiggle the locking finger off the shaft and withdraw the rest of the unit to the inside. A new shaft can be cobbled up from a brass 5/16 NC bolt. Cut it to length, file the flats onto the threads, and drill a 1/8" hole in the end where the bolt head was cut off. Press or gently tap the pin out of the chrome lever to remove the remains of the old shaft and put the new shaft in where the old one was.