Classics with dual batteries - whats your air filter arrangements?

**superquag** · 4th November 2016, 02:15 PM

... Never had to replace ANY door or tail-door latches or mechanisms, or even adjust any of them in my '89 Pajero...
- Even the HVAC fan-switch was original, as was the indicator assembly.

- IMHO, 20 years is barely 'middle-aged'... (sez this 60's+ bloke...

)

Seriously, When I last drove a nice LSE, the top glass popped open twice on a -sealed road - country run. Possibly assisted by the low-pressure area behind the car.
I suspect the body shell can move enough to allow an otherwise correct alignment to 'disengage'. - This (over-centre) modification keeps pressure on the glass top to stay 'down', therefore any momentary unlatching will not be taken advantage of, so to speak..

**PhilipA** · 4th November 2016, 03:20 PM

There have been many many posts about RRC latches over the years.
I had them go on the Tanami and replaced them on 2RRCs. I have also pulled them apart to see if it is possible to repair them. It is with a bit of weld, grinding and patience .

The basic problem is that the latches depend on two plates overlapping each other . Once the corners of the plates wear rounded to less than 90 degrees, the pressure of jiggling causes them to pop. It helps to have them correctly adjusted also so that the plate connected to the control rod is as far towards the lock as possible.Ie the tailgate only opens on the last bit of button travel.

Once you replace them they will be OK for another 20 years.

I doubt whether overcentring the struts will keep the dust out on a rough track as the tailgate will still bounce up and down if the catches are old and let go.

Regards Philip A

**superquag** · 4th November 2016, 03:43 PM

Agree, the best way to fix a problem is always at it's cause - not symptoms.
Regardless, keeping the back 'gate' closed - by whatever means - is preferable to it flying open at speed, the decompression effects like an airliner in the movies... - don't ask how I know !

Pity no-one invented and marketed a one-piece replacement, either side or top hinging.

**gavinwibrow** · 4th November 2016, 04:20 PM

Don't know about marketed, but there was at least 1 UK company providing single lift up rear doors for RRCs. However, like my old EH wagon, the twin system provides extra room to sit, have a cuppa etc. Wouldn't be without it and have wished the early discos came with that option too.

**pop058** · 4th November 2016, 07:13 PM

single piece tailgate like this one

**superquag** · 4th November 2016, 08:52 PM

... YES ! ...

**PhilipA** · 5th November 2016, 08:06 AM

I hope that the one piece tailgate includes the posts that fit into the sockets on the body, as these and the windscreen are the only things that hold the turret in place in a 2 door RRC.
I recall I pulled the windscreen in mine to have the A pillars welded where they had cracked at the base, and the amount of sideways movement of the turret was astounding.
Gluing the roof on with Sikaflex helped a bit.
This is where the Disco body is so much stronger than an RRC with that BIG loop around the back door as well as a glued in screen..
Regards Philip A