TheSamba.com :: View topic - Rear Window latch question- '74 Ghia

Sat May 15, 2004 10:55 am

Does anyone a have a pic of what the rear window glass latch is suppose to look like? I think I'm missing something. I can latch the window shut but there seems to be no way to keep it latched. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mon May 17, 2004 10:33 pm

mojo wrote: Does anyone a have a pic of what the rear window glass latch is suppose to look like? I think I'm missing something. I can latch the window shut but there seems to be no way to keep it latched. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

This is what the latch looks like without the knob:

As well as the necessary quarter window parts list from the KGPR website:
http://www.karmannghia.com/shopping/shopdisplaypro...Y#selfref2

Tue May 18, 2004 11:11 am

mojo wrote: Does anyone a have a pic of what the rear window glass latch is suppose to look like? I think I'm missing something. I can latch the window shut but there seems to be no way to keep it latched. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Are you referring to the 1969-74 rear glass for a 'vert? The picture that Banzai KG posted is for the coupe side glass.

Tue May 18, 2004 11:14 am

I'd like to see a picture of the latch for the 'vert.

Tue May 18, 2004 5:35 pm

I cannot find a picture of that latch on the web.

Perhaps someone else has one.

The latch for the 'vert has built-in breaking points so you don't break the expensive rear window in the event someone forces the the top down improperly. This is usually the cause of failure. KGP&R carries the latch. [/url]

Fri May 21, 2004 2:45 pm

Thanks for the info. My vert is a '74. I still can't figure out what keeps the window latched shut. It does not want to stay latched???

Wed May 26, 2004 8:25 am

mojo

i have a 73 vert which has the same latch. if you send me your email, i can forward some pics. i don't have a method to post to a web page.

you should check the mounting hardware at the window hinge to make sure they are adjusted and secure. that could keep your latch from staying put

sak

Fri May 28, 2004 3:51 pm

Pretty common question Mojo, asked enough that we bag a note with new latches that reads "If rear glass latch is difficult to latch into position, window must be adjusted. If window is too high, the latch can not be pulled forward enough to connect to catch on the window. To test if too low, latch the window into place with the CV top handles hooked but not latched, or (in extreme cases) not hooked. If it then works properly, window must be moved up: adjust at the window-to-hinge screws and/or the hinge to body bolts (in the appropriate direction)".

The latch itself looks like this (sorry I don't have a reverse angle on hand):

Fri May 28, 2004 4:10 pm

How tight is that latch to be screwed into the top? Mine has to be slightly loose in order for it to latch, but even then it doesn't stay.

Is this an alighnment issue, or is the latch worn out?

Fri May 28, 2004 5:34 pm

the latch mounting should be tight. see jason's response, the adjustments are made at the window hinge or rear bulkhead to properly align the window & latch.

you may want to put a pillow under the window if the latch keeps letting go, that window is $$$$ :shock:

Fri May 28, 2004 6:26 pm

Wasn't some of this just discussed in the
"rig it" thread below? ](*,)

Fri May 28, 2004 6:26 pm

I ended up putting thin copper wire under the window screws and made a little catch loop. Enough to go over the latch, and still slide down to open.

i'd rather it be fixed right, but I'll deal with this.

Now if i could stop the leaking around the rear window...

And...yes, this was discussed in the "rig it" thread, but it never hurts to build on a question!

Sun May 30, 2004 9:48 am

GREAT info. Thanks a lot for the help. I'll try adjusting the window. Thanks again!

Sun May 30, 2004 10:46 am

mojo wrote: GREAT info. Thanks a lot for the help. I'll try adjusting the window. Thanks again!

Have you adjusted it? Did it work?
I tried it on mine, and it did make it tighter, but it still felt like it would pop open, ie. it unlatched very easily.

Does anyone have a pic of the metal it pushes (latches) up against? Is there a curve on the end?