1944 C-15A-Wire-5 Restoration

[David Dunlop]

Here is what a complete Generator Compartment Sliding Door Latch looks like. The rubber wedge tip is hidden behind the lip of the doorframe on the right side.

The latch is in the ‘OPEN” position in this photo. This means you can lift the door up to any height and let it go and the latch will prevent it from sliding down.

To close the door, you flip the counterweighted swing arm clockwise. You can then lower the door, but it will lock closed as soon as you try to open it again, unless… you flip the swing arm counter clockwise.

These were a very common item for wooden sash windows in homes well into the 1970’s, when aluminum sliders took over the market. It would not surprise me in the least if small local Mom and Pop hardware stores still have some stock of these sitting in a corner somewhere. Very likely in cottage country somewhere.

You could buy complete latches, replacement swing arms and even the wedge rubber tips at one time. The tips can wear out or harden and get slippery.

Be wary. Another company showed up late in the game with a very similar product, but the swing arm had a longer and curvier profile and was too long to work properly in this style latch.

David