How to keep it shut

[Snoremeister]

Ok, every time I hit a bump the glovebox on the S3 drops open. It is seriously beginning to annoy the other half and is very frustrating. I lost eh key (barrel lock) ages ago, but even when i had it the box would still open.

Has anyone successfully overcome the problem in a cheap and relatively easy fashion?

Cheers for any help

[bridgdav]

As Soon as I get off my Ar$e...

I have been in touch with Southco, who make the original turn and pull latch barrel. They say the key is no longer available so I'm investigating a new chrome latch and key...

I've got to take mine apart to measure...

A couple of people have asked this before..

Watch this space...

Dave

[RichardR]

Never had this problem, but I know there're several different designs of glovebox on the S - which is yours?

[Tripps]

Mine is the same design and I've not had any problems despite going over a min roundabout that bashed my anti-roll bar into my sump!

I'd guess that either the catch on the barrel lock itself is damaged and shortened as this takes the most abuse, but it could be the catch within the glove-box, in which case a replacement lock would fail too - worth getting your fingers into the mechanism for a feel around...

[Snoremeister]

The only photo I have at the moment is this one which only shows the edge of it. The key is a round lock in the middle of the panel and operates a latch that is L-shaped. If that makes any sense



>> Edited by Snoremeister on Tuesday 31st August 12:51

[Psychobert]

Snoremeister said:

The only photo I have at the moment is this one which only shows the edge of it. The key is a round lock in the middle of the panel and operates a latch that is L-shaped. If that makes any sense

Sounds like its the same as mine. I've not got a spare key, but I could try to find out of a local locksmith could cut one if you like.

Edited to add: Let me know, I'll need to make a trip to the garage to pick it up; car's in for a new nose at the moment and the key is on the keyring with the car..

>> Edited by Psychobert on Tuesday 31st August 12:43

[Snoremeister]

Psychobert said:

Snoremeister said: The only photo I have at the moment is this one which only shows the edge of it. The key is a round lock in the middle of the panel and operates a latch that is L-shaped. If that makes any sense Sounds like its the same as mine. I've not got a spare key, but I could try to find out of a local locksmith could cut one if you like. Edited to add: Let me know, I'll need to make a trip to the garage to pick it up; car's in for a new nose at the moment and the key is on the keyring with the car.. >> Edited by Psychobert on Tuesday 31st August 12:43

Thanks, I think I can source a new key, but the problem of the box dropping open will still be there. It happened even when I could lock it. Currently i am using a very blunt knife to knock the locking bar back into position!

[Psychobert]

Snoremeister said:

Thanks, I think I can source a new key, but the problem of the box dropping open will still be there. It happened even when I could lock it. Currently i am using a very blunt knife to knock the locking bar back into position!

I used to have this problem until I started making sure the lock was turned a full 90 degrees to lock. For some reason my L shaped bit wouldn't go thats far initially, ended up at about 11 o'clock rather than 12 if you see what I mean. Solved it by tidying up loose trim and generally cleaning things up. As long as I'm careful to lock it fully its fine now, (and with a fair bit of weigh in the box - standard S emergency kit..)

[bridgdav]

The Key latches used are 90 degree turn compression latches...

Here

They latches do exactly what the say...

Quarter turn to engage the 'L' shaped arm, then remainder quarter turn pulls the latch up tight.

Have a check to ensure the metal 'L' shaped hook actually rotates 90 Deg when turned...

Check that the hook will engage in the securing plate on the underside of the Glovebox...

Turn key thro' further 90 deg to see in the compression part is operating correctly.

[pstruck]

I have the same problem with the lid on mine dropping open. Was chatting to V8Smith about it at the S meet and he recommended tightening the mechanism inside the lid. This I assume will make it a little harder to turn, but may prevent the thing vibrating round and allowing the lid to drop open.

Haven't tried this yet, but got to be worth a try.

[HarryW]

Not that this strictly helps but mine stays put no matter what.
perhaps it is a matter of sighting one that works properly and comparing it to your own, see if you can spot any differences perhaps .

Harry