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Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

December 15, 2016, 12:23:45 pm

Another item on the list.

Both of our rear louvered access panels are tough to open.  On each access panel there is a short wire and a long wire that pull the catches from one central lever.  I have been able to repair the long wire release by using a turnbuckle to tighten the wire so it releases nicely. 

Am looking for a solution to keep tension on the short wire to catch release.  Doesn't seem to be long enough to get a turn buckle in there.

Thoughts?

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #1 – December 15, 2016, 12:32:19 pm

Hey Trent -

Have seen no adjustment screws.  Will look again.

I use and extension pole to hold up the doors.  I should replace the gas springs.

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #2 – December 15, 2016, 12:36:57 pm

How long is your short side cable?  I will dig into my "sail boat bag of tricks".

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #3 – December 15, 2016, 12:54:51 pm

Hi Brett -

Thanks,

Maybe 4" if I can stretch it.

I have looked at some small marine turnbuckles - our West Marine up here does not have much inventory.

I will also get up to the Depot and look again.

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #4 – December 15, 2016, 01:10:23 pm

At Lowe's:

Two: Shop Stanley-National Hardware 2-Count 1/4-in to 20 x 2-in Stainless Steel....  Cut off threads so just enough threads to hold in nut.

One: Shop The Hillman Group 2-Count 1/4-in Zinc-Plated Standard (SAE) Regular...

Then swedge an eye on each end of the shortened wire to go through the eye.

At least, it would give you an idea. You may be able to find pre-made short ones.



There may be even smaller ones available-- this was just with a quick look.

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #5 – December 15, 2016, 01:33:01 pm

Then there is this style:

http://upstartautoparts.com/dormanmotormite-3006-parkingbrakecableshortener.aspx?gclid=CjwKEAiAm8nCBRD7xLj-2aWFyz8SJAAQNalaFkDtoXdi38qbQqX8n98RcWZHFOGxZxBWnnIzdpE1CxoC31jw_wcB

Puts a bend in the cable to shorten it.

Keith

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #6 – December 15, 2016, 02:08:07 pm

Thanks y'all.

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #7 – December 15, 2016, 02:09:28 pm

Keith,

Yes, another good option.

And, another one  would be to just make up a new SS wire, swedging it shorter. Been there., done that (even within the last month). And, in the size wire we are talking about, no special tools are needed to either cut the SS wire or swedge it.  Dykes and vice grips are all you need.

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #8 – December 15, 2016, 02:13:38 pm

Can't seem to get it tight enough.

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #9 – December 15, 2016, 02:28:36 pm

Quote from: Carol & Scott – December 15, 2016, 02:13:38 pm

Can't seem to get it tight enough.

EASY if making up a new cable:

Swedge an eye around one end (I like to use two swedges on that small-gauge wire).

Feed two swedges onto the wire. Run wire through other connector.

Feed the wire end through the "unused" side of both the two swedges.  Use a pair of pliers to pull the wire tight and swedge in place.  Believe me, you can make it as short/tight as you like using those pliers. Use a vice grips (if you have round jaw vice grips, I like them even better). I use the second swedge to cover the wire end so no exposed wire ends to grab you.

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #10 – December 15, 2016, 02:32:49 pm

Thanks Brett -

I'll give that a try. 

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #11 – December 16, 2016, 12:20:51 pm

Update - Repaired 

Used two 3/16 x 4" turnbuckles purchased from ACE Hdwr and some small ferrules.  Also twisted some wire between the turnbuckle and eye to "lock" position in place.  Also sprayed a bunch of Corrosion X in the latches and hinged lever release.

Works great.

Saw this solution on a Newell at MOT the other day.  I am not smart enough to think this up my self. 

Thanks y'all.

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #12 – December 16, 2016, 04:50:28 pm

Hey Brett -

We have had a little experience with marine turnbuckles.  We had a 29' -  Gary Mull designed '75 Ranger for a number of years in the pacific northwest,  crewed on a 38' Pearson on Lake Michigan.  Got my first sailing certifate when I was 12 sailing boats on Long Island Sound. 

I could not find small enough marine turnbuckles at an acceptable cost to purchase them.

I think what we did will work fine.  Will "fix the other access door tomorrow. 

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #13 – December 17, 2016, 03:28:57 pm

Got parts for the driver's side panel and didn't need them.  Cable/wires are tight.  Still had to pull each cable/wire by hand to release.  Once opened, hit with Corrosion X and worked latches and release bar a bunch of times.  I now have parts to repair.  Of course, when I need them I won't be able to find them.  😁

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #14 – December 17, 2016, 04:44:42 pm

Now that you have repair parts, you will probably never need them

John

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Re: Cable latch release on rear louvered access panels - repair?

Reply #15 – December 17, 2016, 04:49:30 pm

John -

That is my lot in life.  Buying parts that I will never need. 

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