Hi all. Has anyone had central locking installed on their Type 3? Is there a particular brand that is compatible with a Type 3?

I've also tried to get power windows put on. The system is in, but because the windows are sooooo hard and stiff to wind, it doesn't work. Any hints on how to get the windows to move freely?

Thanks!!

Normally when new window channels are fitted they are too narrow so You need to widen them ..

I have seen many people snap off the winder handles.. lol

I found a hook that You hang baskets with flowers in...

they fit nicely in the channel and You just twist slightly until its the correct size...
the hook will also do as a thickness gauge...

I will check the one I have for size..

I think it came form BIG W

but they are sold just about everywhere...

I also had a photo somewhere...

I'll have a look or take another pic....

cheers

LEE

I did buy some central locking solenoids...

Hopefully they will be able to wind up the windows...

haven't tried them as yet...

was also looking at electric windows but the mechanism needed to be hidden on the door..

so that is another problem

the ones I have seen, have used electric arm rests etc from other cars to hide the mechanism....

LEE

That would be awesome. Thanks Lee. The windows have been driving me nuts! I thought 'ok, I give up, I'll put power windows in!" Fail!The dude that half installed them said the windows need to open freely in the first place. I'm not having much luck

Can You tell Me what electric window kit You are using?

The only one I've seen was generic and it fitted over the shaft where the handle normally did....

LEE

It's a Rapid Electronics brand.

Hi

here is the window channel expander...

its a Hook 6mm thick and available at Big W and other shops..

very common..

here is the pic..

You run it up and down in the channel , if its too tight
just move the hook sideways so it widens the channel..
there is steel in the window channel and You need to widen it..

LEE

The universal central locking kits are easy as pie to install, just mount the actuator in the door solidly and link the rod to the vw lock pull rod with the supplied clamps.

It's probably more the window winder mechanisms need some attention.
Problem you have is type 3 use the big clunky gear driven ones instead of the cable ones like beetle and kombi, they take a bit more force to operate so need to be well greased and not worn out.

Maybe check that the gears aren't worn or damaged and give them a good grease up.

My power windows struggled abit until i pulled down and regreased the cable mechanisms.

Odd? my type 3 window winders are the easiest out of all cars I have driven, same with the way the doors open and close. Can be closed with a feather sticky taped to my pinky finger

I soaked My window winders in oil and then greased them
before installing them...
they go Up & down easily..

I also have a few spares that are oil soaked...

If the gear gets worn...

You can unrivet [drill out] the gear and turn it over and re rivet
it back together..

Everything that moves should be lubricated...

Your VW used to be oiled every oil change...
carby linkages, door hinges, bonnet and engine lid hinges etc

LEE

Thanks so much for the tips and advice! Watch this space! I'll let you know how it all goes.....

Maybe i'm just crazy, but electric windows always freak me out with the concept of happening to acidentally drive the car off a bridge into a river...

I don't intend on doing that , but a crazy thought that pops up every time when i think about how i would try to get out if hte power windows weren't operational, and the pressure of the water keeping the doors from being open.

eeek! Actually, a fatality happened recently in regards to a young gal that was stuck in the passenger seat.

what about most modern cars all have electric windows Chris...

and what about the cars that self lock once the ignition is turned on... anti hijack locks..

and self tensioning seat belts that oper4ate in an accident...?

I never think of any of those things Chris... lol

keep away from salt water.. and the sharks.. blue ring octopus etc lol

cheers

LEE

Modern cars have sensors that open everything up in the event of water. Didin't you hear about hundreds of bmw's that rolled down their windows in the newcastle floods? I also hit the channels, scrapers etc with silicon spray to get it all sliding easier.

I didn't know that...

and I'm not about to test it out either...lol

I always remember about 20 years ago, I came across a young female in a broken down Citroen in the middle of nowhere..

it had an open sunroof and the windows were down
all electric...

and it started pouring rain...

nothing electric worked in the car...

Lee

I have installed SPAL electric windows in my 3. The mechanism was a little tight but silicon spray in the channel loosens things up nicely. I had a customer ring with a problem and he said he put oil in the channels - Cant wait to see what kind of a mess that makes when it gets wet.

Well, I gave up on that idea. Now all I would like is windows that wind up and down. I'm booked into Southside VW at Logan for the guy there to have a look...