Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I have spent more time fiddling with the glove box tutch latch, I think, than I have on any other single part of the car. And it still is not reliable - and when it will not open, you have to do a lot of work. I have had the dash pulled several times already, working on the damned part from hell. AAARRRGGGHHH!!

Does anyone have a source for a nice NORMAL latch, push button, keyed, whatever??

One of these sort of locks should do the trick: You will probably want to find a source in the USA. They exist in various lengths of screw thread to suit the wood thickness.

http://www.screwfix.com/c/security-iron ... /cat810286

JGeezer wrote:I have spent more time fiddling with the glove box tutch latch, I think, than I have on any other single part of the car. And it still is not reliable - and when it will not open, you have to do a lot of work. I have had the dash pulled several times already, working on the damned part from hell. AAARRRGGGHHH!!

Does anyone have a source for a nice NORMAL latch, push button, keyed, whatever??

It is one of the few things on my Elan I have never had to work on in the last 40+ years -- it just works for me

cheers
Rohan

Tutch latches work okay, but a good dose of lock spray that contains PTFE or graphite will keep the mechanism from gumming up.

If you want to try a more modern take on the Tutch latch you can get magnetic versions. These have the advantage that if the mechanism jams you can simply pull the glove box door away from the magnet. You can try one of these without having to make a lot of mess to your glovebox door or liner.

https://www.locksonline.com/Magnetic-Pr ... 7QodbvYN2Q

JGeezer wrote:I have spent more time fiddling with the glove box tutch latch, I think, than I have on any other single part of the car. And it still is not reliable - and when it will not open, you have to do a lot of work. I have had the dash pulled several times already, working on the damned part from hell. AAARRRGGGHHH!!

Does anyone have a source for a nice NORMAL latch, push button, keyed, whatever??

Hello
I know this problem. Don't worry .It gives good things.
My lock is from a old Opel Kadett.
A little thing and good.

The magnetic tutch works like a charm for me. Hours and hours of frustration (and messing up wood moving screws all around) and a $1.99 latch from Home Depot takes care of it in ten minutes. Never be stuck shut again!

Thanks guys! Especially Spyder Fan!

I have a record like Rohan's, only slightly different in execution.

I took the glove box out so there was no point in opening the door!