Mk3 rear window latches

[Gilbern74]

I am looking to fit some latches to my Mk3 rear windows. The old threaded bolts that were originally attached have long since broken off. The window surrounds need re-chroming so it should be no problem to weld or bolt some latches on before that happens.
What I need is suitably sized latches from a donor vehicle. Something like these: eBay ?

Has anyone done this?

[Tony Hayward]

I used Mini rear window latches, many, many years ago. You will need to reinforce the C pillar to reduce twisting when the window is pulled against the rubber; also to bond into the C pillar something to bolt the latch to. The window frames are chromed brass, so you can't weld, possibly solder or rivets.

Tony

[Gilbern74]

Thanks Tony. I'll look out for some.
I'm going to get a threaded steel plate made up to embed into the C pillar to bolt the latch to. That's a good point on the frames. I'll look to drill and thread the frames to take a small bolt.

[Admin]

When structurally solding (steel) window catches to brass frames I would reccomend 'Silver solder', requires a borax flux and a higher temperature.

Steel plate for the C pillar is fine but first a wooden block laminated with fibreglass will absorb some of resin and bond with shell.

MGB GT are another donor catch.

[Gilbern74]

MGB GT are another donor catch.

That looks like a great recommendation.
Lots of MGB GT windows out there with the latches on at around £30 a pair (eBay) and they look perfect. I can scavenge the latches off those and solder to my frames, then re-chrome.

Cheers!

[Gilbern74]

I managed to get a pair of rear MGB GT side windows for a princely £20. Stripped them apart just for the latched and I'm very pleased - they are a perfect fit for my Invader rear side windows.
When browsing for these I noticed that some MGB windows, possibly earlier models, had latches that fitted with a slight bulge in the frame. That was no good as I didn't want to mess around re-sizing my frames.
The great thing about the ones I have got is that they will just slot into the existing frame. I can pop a couple of small rivets in there as was done on the MGB. Then the window and seal will just sit over then within the frame holding them in tight.

[Tony Hayward]

Make sure you file off the rivets inside the frame; if the glass sits on them it will shatter.
Curiously they look like the Mini ones I got!

Tony

[R_D_Olivaw]

I'm watching your progress with interest as I'd like to do something similar to mine. It seems silly that my window has hinges but doesn't open.

[Admin]

Curiously they look like the Mini ones I got!

Tony

Quite right Tony. That was going to be my other suggestion but not all.
Later (BMC) Minis had a sprung steel over centre design, plus the same bulged frame on some.
Not quite sure at what period the bulge applies to, beleave they are stainless steal frames.

Anyway, felt safer just saying MGB.

regards
Paul