[A/S] Re: Window Question

["j54mark" <jmrdse@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

If they are like the window locks on my '86, there is a cam, or 
lever, which is fixed between two nuts on a threaded shaft, which is 
turned by the handle inside.  These nuts allow the cam to move back 
and forth on the shaft - making the latch tighter or looser.

There are two problems with this arrangement: 1) The nuts rust; and 
2) the main portion of the latch where it passes through the frame is 
some kind of cast pot metal, and it breaks very easily.

If they have rusted, soak the nuts throughly in penetrating oil (WD 
40 is not likely to be sufficient).  Give it time to work - a couple 
of days maybe.  Put a wrench on the back nut, and one on the front 
and loosen.  One or the other should come free.  Once the pressure is 
off the other should turn easily as well.  Get some new nuts (sorry, 
I do not know the size offhand - but they are a common thread and 
size), and adjust so the window closes without excessive pressure.  
It is helpful to have someone inside to test this while you are 
outside adjusting.

When I bought my trailer at least seven latches were broken, 
undoubtedly from using too much force to turn the latch on poorly 
adjusted locks.

Mark