C3 rear window tray latch

[Roger S.]

What is the difference between the latch for the removable rear window storage tray for the 70 and the 71-72 models? The vendor catalogs list the latchs as 68-69 and 70, but do not show anything for 72. I have the pieces to install the tray except for the latch from a 72 and I am trying to obtain one.
Roger

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 rear window tray latch

The rear window tray latch my 70 broke about 71-72. Ordered a replacement at the Chevy parts counter and got something unlike my original. The parts man said thats all that was available. The new was different in that it did not allow mounting a heavy piece of metal with lettering molded into it to the spring steel. I wonder is the spring steel piece I received was what fits your 72? I mounted it and it has worked as good as what originally came on my 70.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 rear window tray latch *TL*

Early style - to about #12000 in 1970 MY - was a spring steel bracket that mounted to body with a bar with lettering on it. Pull the bar toward the front of the car to release the storage door.
Later style was a push button much like the buttons on storage compartment doors. The actual window storage door is different with the push button style, so I do not think there is any interchange between the two designs.
I have seen the parts for the first design in some vendor's catalog, just can't remember who at the moment. I can not help with the parts for the second design.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 rear window tray latch

Terry my original owner 70 #14654 and built in July had the early style rear window storage tray latch and not the push button later model year 70 latch you mention. Are you sure the cut off was around 12000?
I think I have seen the window storage tray latch parts in Paragon's catalog.

[Roger S.]

Re: C3 rear window tray latch

The part in Paragon and most other catalogs is for the 69-71 models. It states the kit comes with a handle, clip and screws. The clip can also be bought separately so it must be breakable.
Do you have the part number for the replacement unit you bought?
Do you have a picture that you could email me?
Roger

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 rear window tray latch

Roger don't have the electronic equipment to send a picture. My replacement storage tray latch is basically a piece of spring steel that is bent to make a latch for the storage tray. It has rubber coating on the bottom of the piece that you would pull forward to release the storage tray. The width of the piece is two inches. The flatest area is bolted to the car and is about 1 1/4 in length with two long slotted holes for adjustment, mounted it then bends down for about 5/8 of a inch with a very slight angle to the front of the car, and then bends up (this provides the lip to hold the storage tray) and then bends towards the front of the car with the rubbber coating on this last area. I probably have the invoice for the part, but after all these years it could be hard to find.

[Terry M.]

C3 rear window tray latch - CORRECTION *TL*

Looks like I mis-spoke (or actually mis-typed) the change point is 12,000 in 1971 production. Sorry