Sliding glass door locks

[rmcelroy]

I was wondering if anybody else had used sliding glass door locks for their hatch props? I picked up a pair and put them on, so far (no field test yet) I have been happy with them. I have pics in my album if anyone is intrested in seeing them.

Regie

[madjack]

Mc, a question for ya...first off, they look great but I was wondering, do they have some sort of push button latching/releasing mechanism...that may be your weak point...if there is any.............
madjack

[rmcelroy]

There is a frction release. Its a square collar thats at an angle until you press the button then it releases and allows the movement. I was hoping that since they were made to be locks they would have enough friction to hold the hatch open-not sure about that yet.

Tip: if the latch gets flipped backwards it doesn't work-for at least 10 or 15 mins. when you figure out what happened

Mc

Thanks for the nickname MJ

[madjack]

Mc, my concern was the fact that these are meant to be opened and laid in the door track to keep the door from being opened and as such not meant to take the strain of (hatch) weight for an extended time...but if it works, it works...oh, and your certainly welcome
madjack

[Micro469]

MC, Those latches look like " NO Thumbnail"?????

[madjack]

[quote="Micro469"]MC, Those latches look like " NO Thumbnail"?????



...hey John, didja try clicking on one of those "no thumbnail" thingies(tech term)...........................................

[rmcelroy]

No Thumbnail-annoys me, how do you get them to show up? I make a living in computers (even though my family can't belive it), dealing with mainframes-the Net and P.C. world eludes me quiet often.

I see what you mean MJ-I'll be the test pig on this one and let you guys know how it works out.

Mc

[Micro469]

MC, Those latches look like " NO Thumbnail"?????



...hey John, didja try clicking on one of those "no thumbnail" thingies(tech term)...........................................

Hey that's kinda kewl..... how do you do that?....

[oklahomajewel]

Regie.... any update on how these are working?

I was loitering around H.D. yesterday and saw these and remembered someone used them. I think they were around $12 ?

Did you have to trim their length or alter them ? I will try to look at your pics again.. it's giving me that dumb 'not authorised' message.

I saw another post about gas strut supports and someone mentioned about having to maintain them during off months or they'll give problems.

[rmcelroy]

Julie, so far no problems. Still no field test, I'm in fit and finish stages of my build-but the hatch is up and down quiet a bit and it seems like they are going to be user friendly enough.

My tear is based on a motorcycle type design (compact) so I did trim about two inches. I cut both the inside and outside tubes at once so I actually removed 4 inches of total extented length. If I were to do it again I would only cut the ouside tube-that would leave in place the factory flare built into the inner tube that acts as a stop to prevent the tubes from seperating at full extension.

Yes they are only eleven or 12 bucks apeice-so if the stop thing becomes a major issue I may replace them in the future.

Mc

[rmcelroy]

One issue with these hatch props that may annoy folks. You have to press the retainer clip to get them to retract. I couldn't figure out a way to let the upper end of the rod remain attached to the hatch and press the clip all the way to a closed position. So I bump the top end out of the stock retainer let it slip into the lower tube and lay it down.

I need to come up with a clip press of some type

Mc