Rebody Door locks on Rebody

Duncodin

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Now that I know they were alfa handles, I wish I'd looked at the fiat barchetta ones. Push button moves the handle from being bodywork flush to an external lever type handle. If you were able to rig this up to pull the existing zed handle, it would be similar to the original 507 🤔
Is that how the barchetta handle works? I thought it was the button that undid the latch and the lever just pops out as something to hold to swing the door. But you're right. The action kind of looks similar.

Having said that i don't like the look of the barchetta handle. Stick out button with very flush lever. There's pontiac handles that look much better.
 

Duncodin

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When you pull the lever there was 10mm of movement which I felt was not enough. Current handles is near 15mm which works fine
Ordered one MGB handle yesterday from EBy and it arrived today. Movement is around 17mm which ought to be OK depending how it's mounted.
 

Duncodin

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They look nice, would be interested to hear if anyone tries these - it doesn't look like a lot of movement
I think the button just makes the lever pop out. Then the lever is what moves the plunger to push a strike plate.

Might be work sending a msg to the seller asking for a photo with the lever pulled out all the way
 

argy

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I designed a set of handles for my DNA 250 to look like the originals on the outside but to interface directly with the Z3 lock system on the inside. I did this because of the same issues that have been raised in this thread such as dead locking and insufficient throw, and of course having something that is faithful to the original. One thing that I've since discovered is that builders of Tribute kits have followed a different handle path to the DNA crowd. Tribute builders tend to use the original Z3 handle with a plate attached to it whereas the DNA crowd remove the handle and go directly to the Z3 lock release lever (By way of a pulley).

Deadlocking is a scary thing to have happen and I believe it is more prevalent in system which retain the Z3 handle in the path. My reasoning for this is contained in an overview in the reference library section on our website Grassbank Conversions

I'm seeing the same issues arising now with the 507 handle so I've started the design of a 507 handle which will look and function like the original 507 handle on the outside but which will use the same system that we developed inside to operate the Z3 lock lever. There are two versions of the 507 handle, I think the original has a curvy style push button whilst the second version is a bit squarer, the second version was also used on the BMW 700. I haven't decided which version to develop yet. I prefer the style of the Mk1 but there might be scope to do both.

It's going to be a couple of months before I have anything to show but if anyone is interested then please get in touch through our website. Building the kits is challenging enouigh without the added hassle of solving the same problem over and over.
 

Piran

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I designed a set of handles for my DNA 250 to look like the originals on the outside but to interface directly with the Z3 lock system on the inside. I did this because of the same issues that have been raised in this thread such as dead locking and insufficient throw, and of course having something that is faithful to the original. One thing that I've since discovered is that builders of Tribute kits have followed a different handle path to the DNA crowd. Tribute builders tend to use the original Z3 handle with a plate attached to it whereas the DNA crowd remove the handle and go directly to the Z3 lock release lever (By way of a pulley).

Deadlocking is a scary thing to have happen and I believe it is more prevalent in system which retain the Z3 handle in the path. My reasoning for this is contained in an overview in the reference library section on our website Grassbank Conversions

I'm seeing the same issues arising now with the 507 handle so I've started the design of a 507 handle which will look and function like the original 507 handle on the outside but which will use the same system that we developed inside to operate the Z3 lock lever. There are two versions of the 507 handle, I think the original has a curvy style push button whilst the second version is a bit squarer, the second version was also used on the BMW 700. I haven't decided which version to develop yet. I prefer the style of the Mk1 but there might be scope to do both.

It's going to be a couple of months before I have anything to show but if anyone is interested then please get in touch through our website. Building the kits is challenging enouigh without the added hassle of solving the same problem over and over.
I'd love to see you do some stuff for the 507
 

Duncodin

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@argy As discusssd last week - I've dug out that spare 507 handle for you. I'll pack it over the weekend and post it to you Monday.

20240309_200144.jpg

20240309_200157.jpg


It's a bit worn and chrome has a few pits. Well, it is best part of 60 years old but complete and working.

I don't need it back so you can cut it up any way you want

Hopefully you'll be able to reproduce something z3 compatible for the 507 rebody community.

Look foreward to seeing what you come up with.
 

Duncodin

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I've posted my door handle to my build thread but thought I should add to this 'door locks' thread.

I've done mine using proper 507 handles positioned quite low on the door. The handle only has around 8mm of movement but I'm using an electric button and actuator to pull on the handle.

20240212_093138.jpg

This picture might be a bit confusing for anyone who hasn't looked uo inside a z3 door. But rebodiers will know what it's showing.

This is the actuator.

Screenshot_20240210-185204_Gallery.jpg


This 22mm steel waterproof button is on the z3 steel door skin

Screenshot_20240309-170011_Chrome.jpg


Electric button is in the z3 steel door skin directly behind the 507 handle. Pressing the button on the 507 handle presses the electric button and . . .

20240217_153553 (1).gif


Since making that video I've moved the handle about 1/2 and inch lower down the door so nearer where the real 507 has its handle.

But, after all that, I'd rather have a mechanical solution so looking forward to seeing what Russell - argy - at Grassbank comes up with.
 
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10stb

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That looks really good. I'm half tempted to ask Chris to make me another pair of door skins so that I can keep my mini ones on it for now but go down the more "in keeping" route at a later date 🤔
 

Duncodin

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I'm expecting a door skin from Chris and a handle to work on from Ian (Duncodin). Looks like I'm in for a busy time :)
Door handle was posted today. Just sent it 1st class. I hope it doesn't take too long to reach you.
 

Duncodin

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I'm expecting a door skin from Chris and a handle to work on from Ian (Duncodin). Looks like I'm in for a busy time :)
I do have another off these driver's side handles. Better than the one I sent. If you break the 1st one and need another for final testing just let me know and I'll send that one too.
 

10stb

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Chris is making me a spare pair of door skins which I'm going to spray up when I do the rest of the car (silver so would be difficult to try and match later). Really like Ians flat handles with the button/actuator and look forward to Argy's take on them.
 

argy

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Hi,

Thanks to all of the contributions and support so far.

I've built a model of the proposed Grassbank 507 handle, a fairly representative video of the proposed handle can be seen here
I expect to have a working sample within the next 4 weeks. There are two versions of the original handle, one has a squareish push button, the other (like my version here) has a rounded button. I think that I can incorporate either shape but my personal preference is the rounded version (see the photo). I'd welcome feedback...

The handle is the same shape and size as the original but will be made from 316L marine grade stainless steel and will be polished to a mirror finish. I am working on the interface between the handle and the Z3 door lock. I have my ideas but will know for sure after I get the prototype.

I do not plan to incorporate a lock barrel although I could build a mock key slot into the top of the push button. There is no practical value to a lock as the central locking will work without one.

This isn't the full story so, if anyone has any questions, please post in this forum or contact me through our website grassbankconversions.co.uk


Grassbank 507 handle.jpg
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Grassbank 507 handle open.jpg
 

10stb

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Looking great. I prefer the square/oblong button myself if I'm honest.

I like the no key option, as like Dan, I've fitted the vw boot catch with the manual lever to access the boot/battery in case I'm locked out.

I've currently fitted classic mini handles but picked up another pair of doors from Chris that I will spray at the same time that I do the car (silver..It'd be a nightmare to try and match at a later date). These doors will be set aside for the flat handle option.

Do you have any idea on costs yet.
 

Duncodin

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Morning Russell @argy
As I said yesterday I do have a new (old stock) button/lock barrel with keys if you want to borrow it although I don't think it would work with the location of your big single button return spring. (507 has 3 smaller springs).

I also have another old handle if you need it. In case you chopped up the last one I sent.

I'm currently liking my electric actuators so although I'm happy to send handles and locks etc for you to play with to help the rebody community please don't take my opinions/suggestions re: key locks, square buttons or door position etc to seriously.

Personally I do agree with you that a key lock is likely unnecessary. My reason for considering key lock is that even when the central locking is locked it doesn't stop somebody pressing the button and yanking on the handle activating my actuator although it wouldn't open the door. My thoughts with the key was that it would stop that happening. But only the driver's side on a 507 has a key lock so I couldn't make up my mind how to lock the handle on the passenger side. Key lock on both sides maybe? I'm still mulling that.
Currently just sticking with the central locking. Probably never lock the car much nowadays anyway.

Having said that I do remember one rebody'er posting, during a deadlock discussion, that he wanted to do away with all the central locking and just use mechanical key locks in the handle. Can't remember who that was. @Pingu or @Pond maybe? So maybe not a 507 rebody though but the key lock idea is out there probably just not that common though.
 

argy

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Hi,
A pair of handles with our own rubber gasket is likely to be in the £350 region. If an order for 10 pairs came in then it would be closer to £290 for a pair. These are pretty firm prices based on quotes from our manufacturing partner. I still have work to do on the interface to the Z3 locking system and while that will be an additional cost I don't expect it to be significant.

Based on a bit of Google research I know that odd originals can be had for anywhere between £100 and £250 each depending on condition so I'm happy that our cost for a pair of handles is in the right ball park.

Again, I'd welcome your feedback.

Russell
 
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