Glove box will not open-HELP

[MiamiTVR]

This is not really problem until it really becomes a problem and I need to get to a fuse. My 1986 280i has a barrelkey hole type lock (like an old clock) on the glove box. That part seems to unlatch alright but there is another latch to the right of the primary catch that will not budge. Two locksmiths have spent hours with only a newly chipped veneer to show for the efforts. Can anyone help? Even my new shop manual was of no help.
Thanks

[stainless_steve]

Welcome to the club

Could the lock be drilled out ?


Edited to add can you take a pic,might give me a better idea

>> Edited by stainless_steve on Tuesday 5th April 19:33

[jmorgan]

Have you come across this yet
http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=tvr

Might be someone close by that can help?

[MiamiTVR]

Thanks for the response. I would hope to find a photo of what that latch looks like from the inside. That might help the efforts from the outside. I would hate to further damage this unusual lock. The locksmiths seem to feel it is a seperate latch that may be stuck. The skeleton key seems to do what it is supposed to do Pushing the tab up and down. Something else that screws to the top of the interior of the glove box is what is hung up and will not release.Any help appreciated.

[wedg1e]

It's not just the usual 'push' latch is it? Press the lid inwards, the latch should release....

[MiamiTVR]

I think it may well be that push latch. Is it to the right of the primary lock and secured to the top of the glove box with two screws? I may have jammed something up. It worked the first three times I opened it. Any photos of one or any success at opening a jammed one?

[david.h]

The push one is called a "Tutch (sic) Latch" (cica 1948)originally American, then made in UK until about 1988 when Oriental Imports wiped it out for the main market (loft ladder trapdoors ) ....if you think we have problems.....! TVR use the imports and the setting of the "Hook" is sensitive, you either move the latch or hook in and out until it works - the originals had a gauge/spike to set it correctly.Often the only way to open it is a sharp thump by the latch, but equally that can make it worse! Just like a TVR, when it works it is great, when it doesn't...!
I had the job of running the department (among other things) that made them in UK. I have an original one ..virginal.. but the instructions are for the German Market !! If you get the door open and take off th latch it may just need a dab of grease on the moving parts. They really are pretty foolproof.

[MiamiTVR]

David H
Any chance of your emailing me a photo or drawing of this latch? That might help guide the locksmith. This could be a Karma-thing allowing you to make up for installing this device in my car. Seperately, do you know if these old skeleton key locks on glove boxes were an option? I do not recall seeing another one.
Thanks for the response.

[david.h]

Miami-mate, dont blame me, the one,s WE made worked!!! You cannot get at a Tutch Latch from the outside,That was the point. You had a completely flush outside panel, all you do is push the panel 1/16 " and it opens.Do you have a fax no? I can fax you a diagram, I'm not up to e-mailing such a thing ! My 1981 car only has the TL no fancy keys. I suspect the striker may have moved up or down perhaps if the door is loose on its hinge after all this drama.This means the striker isn't entering the latch correctly. Or the latch itself is loose/skewed in the glovebox which gives the same result.
I bet you didn't think the World's leading expert on TL's would be found in these pages.When you get into the box eventually if it says "Linread T.L" I'll hold my hand up, but it's still fitted wrong I'll bet!!

[MiamiTVR]

David H.
While I have yet to get my neighbor to translate the instructions from the German, the diagrams alone were a tremendous help. Thank you so much. Also about that thing in the 1700's, all is forgiven.
With appreciation,
Tom

[adam quantrill]

I had mine go on the 350i, thhere was only one way into the glove box, I put the key in and turned it 90 degrees so it was stuck in the hole, then I pulled like mad.

Unfortunately this cracked the veneer all around the keyhole, but it did get it open.

If you are lucky a little bit of jiggling first will do the trick, but be prepared to tug hard in the long run.

(Fnarr fnarr)

- Adam

[gsx600]

David can these latches be adjusted so as to stop the glove box door opening itself on a regular occurance, or are they not desdigned for bone jarring suspension ?

[adam quantrill]

Be very careful doing this, that's why mine stuck, I had tried to make it latch better and not open under neck-snapping acceleration!