Door handle and latch mech.

[FastEddy]

I'm a "newby" sent by Paula at Finish Line (who says Bob Putnam knows all things Cobra!).

Have 289 door closure mech. with round black knob. Tired of fighting it and would like to replace with modern latch and handle that work (I'll keep orig. hardware in a box!). Any help on replacing door mech and handle with functional unit?

Thanks in advance,

Ed.

[Bob Putnam]

Thomas Hardware is a good source for latches, etc. Unfortunately, their web site is "under construction". Their phone number is 800-634-4293. I was shocked to see nothing in the McMaster Carr catalog.

No matter what you use, it's going to be an "interesting" project.

And Paula is as smart as she is beautiful.

[FastEddy]

Thank you, Mr. Putnam, I will call Thomas Hardware. BTW, my builder (JCF in Coos Bay) is of the same opinion: It is going to be "some project." How something sooooo seemingly simple can cause sooooo much trouble, aggravation and skinned knuckles, is beyond me. But I am on a mission to replace with something that works!

Thanks again for your advice and assistance.

EHT

[FastEddy]

Mr. Putnam--

Well, here's what I have learned:

Thomas Hardware at 800-634-4293 does not do automotive. They recommended Mill Supply, who had no ideas, but is sending their catalogue. (Mill Supply specializes in walk-in truck hardware.)

So, not looking good. Can you tell me what E.R.A. uses for door closure latch hardware? Any ideas on other Slab-side replicar manufacturers?

Thanks in advance,

EHT

[Bob Putnam]

F. Eddy,

They may not call it automotive, but it sure looks like it. I've got catalogs from both places so I'll take a look Wednesday. They even have latches that have two stages of latching, just like a contemporary car.

We use original British hardware - I think the same stuff that Finishline has. It works well if adjusted correctly, although it will never be rated for side impact. It was probably designed to latch some 1930's roadster.

[bigmike]

FastEddy;
Try Shell Valley. They have a catalog with all of the good Cobra (can I say that now?) stuff.
They have an online catalog accessible from club cobra. I suggest you check it out.
Hey, if Shelby wins, do I have to call my car a C****a?
BigMike

[FastEddy]

Mike--

Thanks for the tip. I'll try to pull Shell Valley up on the web.

EHT

[FastEddy]

Mr. Putnam--

Correct, side impact doesn't concern me. Smooth, reliable and repeatable operation without struggle does interest me. I would be very happy to convert to a "cord pull" like MGA even. Just from an ergonomics point of view, difficult to twist in seat and get any kind of leverage on black ball. Would be happy to convert to a lever/torque-type handle that "flappers" thru 90 or 45 degrees from vertical or horizontal to open.

As for adjusting current, stock-like unit, I notice that screwing the ball in and out seems to make latch work better. Not sure if it is "bind up" on door panel, or the longer moment arm gives more leverage to work latch. But still end up jerking up and down, trying to get door to pop open, without putting a lot of force on door hinge when if does finally free itself.

Extremely irritating.

Thanks in advance,

EHT

[Bob Putnam]

Somanagun... My posts are disappearing!

This is from the Thomas Hardware catalog, and there are another half-dozen similar ones with release levers in different directions. I think that this one is the strongest though. All are available in left or right hand design.

[FastEddy]

Ooooo, getting very warm. This could be a player. Need to do a little sketching/measuring (might just go out and uncover car during lunch hour) so I can narrow it down a bit more, and get the right type handle orientation/operation.

THANKS.

EHT