Ron_H

How many 928ers would be anxious to buy a CNC machined aluminum rear hatch lock housing, upper (male) part? If enough of us bought one, perhaps it would be worth making a bunch. Mine finally cracked. *#(@%(!@&%$^%$(!!!
No alarmed ones available. I have to put a snake in the car to park it overnight on the street until I can solve this problem! I have a machinist friend who can make this. Anyone interested?

Nicole

It cracked to the point where it doesn't even lock anymore? That's scary!

You can temporarily use one without alarm. I think I have another one with a small crack at home, but have to check. If I do, you can try it.

It would definitely be nice to have a piece that lasts. The original replacements were unbelievably expensive - particularly with the matching key. A less expensive, more durable solution would be ideal, though.

Ron_H

Mine cracked long ago but I was able to JB Weld it and it lasted a couple of years longer. Yesterday I stopped to buy fuel and noticed the hatch was open and the latch housing was broken off!! POS. An aluminum one would solve this problem once and for all time.

utjmac

This is a timely response. I'm trying to see if I can repair and refurbish mine, and potentially offer those repairs to others. If anyone has one that is beyond latching, I'd be interested in taking a look at it to see the worst of the bunch. Mine has cracked 75% of the passenger side bracket and will latch, but comes up with a tug on the hatch.

I'm going to attempt to rebuild and refurb it by the middle of next week if I can finish all of my other projects! If anyone has one just as a paper weight, PM me. I need to get some guinea pigs to see if the repairs hold up.

utjmac

This is a timely response. I'm trying to see if I can repair and refurbish mine, and potentially offer those repairs to others. If anyone has one that is beyond latching, I'd be interested in taking a look at it to see the worst of the bunch. Mine has cracked 75% of the passenger side bracket and will latch, but comes up with a tug on the hatch.

I'm going to attempt to rebuild and refurb it by the middle of next week if I can finish all of my other projects! If anyone has one just as a paper weight, PM me. I need to get some guinea pigs to see if the repairs hold up.

borland

It will never crack is you never slam the rear hatch.

Always lower the hatch slowly, then push down on hatch until the latch catches. ..... I know its contrary to modern thinking!

davek9

Ron count me in depending on price please.
My upper is cracked, been that way for a long time still locks but won't open w/switch, motor just cycles so I must use the key.
I now find myself needing to access the rear hatch area more

My '85 does have a factory alarm

Thanks,
Dave K9

Nightfly

I need one. Let me know as soon as available. BTW, I'm pretty sure mine cracked because the PO kept wedging the back part in because the plastic liner in the receiver section was gone. Eventually the cheap white metal just cracks; it sure doesn't look like steel.

Ninespub

So........ uh, Ron: What do you think a ballpark price might be for a cnc machined aluminum part? There obviously is a need. Inquiring minds want to know!

Paul Barrera '91 $$$$4

Ron_H

Tonight I searched my stash of old parts, and dug deeper and deeper until I uncovered a bag of old locks and latch parts. I discovered some pieces of old rear latch and ...... an intact rear latch for the hatch! But it also had a crack in it and had been JB Welded, so it won't last too long. I slapped it on and away I drove, a happy camper for awhile longer.

I took Borland's advice and have vowed to never slam the hatch again. Thanks Borland.

I hope to reach my machinist friend tomorrow and will report back as soon as I have something concrete. I also wonder if aluminum casting would be better and cheaper.

Ron_H

Expect a visit to this site and thread by a machinist who might have some thoughts on this subject. He has a latch housing as a pattern but it is broken. If anyone can spare a damaged but reasonably intact housing, it would help.

Nicole

Ron: I have a male hatch lock piece for the cars with factory alarm. It has the usual crack, but is in good condition otherwise. You can borrow it, or use it as a template.

Call me! I also have a heater core for you, if you need it!

Ron_H

Thanks Nicole. I could take it to Ted and he'll give us an opinion. He is going to try to fabricate this part so it may take him awhile, since he needs to do in on his off time. Your part will help because the part I provided was broken.

Maybe we can meet before our friend arrives and exchange these parts somewhere in Sunnyvale or Santa Clara. Or we can meet at Ted's shop off of Lafayette St. in Santa Clara.

Nicole

Call me, and we'll figure something out!

M. Requin

Bump - any progress on this project?