Hymer Window Sliding Lock Strap - another one broken!

[Geoff D]

My Hymer T575 has windows with multi point locks using a sliding plastic strap in an aluminium runner.



Unfortunately the straps have a tendency to break where they go round the corner of the frame and my third window now has a broken strap. There are a number of straps, some with and some without fittings, for around £40 - £50 on Ebay but unfortunately none the right size. I have been quoted nearly £200 for a new strap which is essentially less than 2 metres of 17mm wide plastic with a few notches cut in it. I repaired my second smaller window by cutting down the broken strap from my first window so I know that if it was possible to just buy the plastic strip that it is easy enough to cut for the fittings.

Has anyone come across a source of the plastic strip that is used? It is about 1mm thick and about 17mm wide. My alternative at the moment is to buy a longer one on Ebay but this is risky as the new notches required for the fittings cannot overlap the existing ones or the fitting would just slide up and down the extended notch.

 

[dalspa]

I had three of the straps break a few years back. As a temporary measure I cut some strips of grey Duck tape and stuck over the break, the strips being put on top of each other to build up a thickness. This worked fine for a couple of years, when the cut strips lifted due to the sun softening the adhesive. Last year I had a look round to see what else I could use and found some grey (to match the straps) zip ties and cut them into about 50mm lengths and super glued pairs across the break. The zip ties have sufficient stiffness to do the job, and the flexibility to go round the bends. Before glueing the ties on I opened up the gaps and sprayed silicone spray behind the straps and worked the broken straps back and forth to reduce friction. Worked so far.
Although I may have been able to get replacement straps off eBay (Brownhills), I wasn’t prepared to pay the £50 cost each.

 

[Manic]

I had a problem getting the correct sliding strips for mine, in the end I bought plain strip through Brownhills eBay, it’s easy to cut using original as a template.

 

[dalspa]

How did you get the old strip out? Couldn’t see how to remove the broken strip, hence, another reason for doing my repairs.

 

[Manic]

I used carpenters pinchers to remove the latching parts, pinch them low down and they should lift out and then the strip slides out one side, on mine it’s made to come out on the left side, near the window stay.

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[Geoff D]

Thanks dalspa for the suggestion of using pieces of zip ties to join the break. I had looked at the plastic of the strip and didn't think it would be very glue friendly but it is good to know that you had success with super glue.

Manic, I have not seen the plain strip on Ebay but that would be ideal. I haven't been able to find it so if you have any pointers it would be much appreciated.

When I replaced the strip on my previous windows I had to remove the window stays and even then there wasn't enough clearance above the runner to get the strip out. But there should be circular holes in the strip that you can manoeuvre round to remove the screws holding the aluminium runner in and remove it. It is easy then to just slide the strip and its fittings out of one end.

 

[Manic]

I dealt with Darren Leadbetter ( I think that’s his sir name) on the Brownhills eBay site and he supplied it after he had tried 2 different kits.
On mine there is no holes for the frame screws and to remove it slides out, through opening in photo, once you have removed the stay.

 

[Geoff D]

I have dealt with Darren before, he is a good guy. I was dealing with someone else at Brownhills so I have now spoken to Darren. He wasn't sure what I had been quoted for but I now have a much more reasonable £26 excluding VAT and postage. I asked him about the plain strip but he didn't offer it.

I think I will still give the zip ties a go first.

Thanks everybody for the input.

 

[pj650]

Hi Geoff
I got a new window strap from Leisurespares at Boroughbridge. 01423 320 009.
They will need the serial numbers from the window glass to order the correct size strap.
I think the cost for mine was approx £50-£60 delivered. Yes,Darren at Brownhills is very
good,but he didn’t have the size I needed.
I had previously repaired ours with a piece of plastic strip and it looked awful.It is the window
next to the gas hob.I think the heat from the hob affects the plastic strip ( I might be wrong ).
Replacing the strip and fittings is quite straightforward and easy.There is YouTube video showing
how to do it.When the job is done it looks “proper”.Good luck.
Peter.