Where have all the Ratcheds gone?

[Connieblau]

Ratched...A convertible top cable actuator lever gear box. Given that all E30 convertibles must have one (to hold apart an opening boot lid from (at the same time) opening the horseshoe roof stowage lid) AND it’s tucked away position in the ceiling of the boot, why aren’t breakers’ websites full of them?
I wasn’t aware I needed another one until I realised a cut-through steel cable next to the near- side boot hinge was Ratched-ed via the cable to the stowage cover. It dawned on me upside down inside the boot, when my helper opened the horseshoe, and we chipped a bit of paint as they dinked together. Unusual, well thought out piece of kit, not made anymore, I thought ”˜once used’ ones would be everywhere.

[Satan]

Do you mean the cable that when the horseshoe is open and you open the boot it closes the horseshoe?

[Topblag]

Do you mean the cable that when the horseshoe is open and you open the boot it closes the horseshoe?

That,s good work that, I was too confused to reply a¤“

I'm still confused though, is it not that the cable stops the boot opening when the horseshoe is up ?

[paultv]

Don't buy used old crap, cables will brake again, I replaced the two cables and plastic guides in the boot, pretty easy job, got all the bits from BMW, not really cheap but saves ya paintwork so worthwhile.

Also available from Pelican in US for 75 dollars plus shipping of course.

Paul

[Satan]

Do you mean the cable that when the horseshoe is open and you open the boot it closes the horseshoe?

That,s good work that, I was too confused to reply a¤“

I'm still confused though, is it not that the cable stops the boot opening when the horseshoe is up ?

If the horseshoe is opened up and you open the boot the cable pulls the horseshoe to the closed/lower position.

Can't find the part number for the cable.

[Satan]

Part 19 I believe,

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... 1251932350

[paultv]

yeah, 19 and 20 are the two cables, one in the boot to the ratched thingy, then one from the wretched ratched to the horseshoe, also 17 and 23, cable guides and pretty end bit for the boot liner.

Paul

[Connieblau]

O.K Thankyou.
So, the Wretched Ratched is best, (though reluctantly) repaired with replacement replica ropes of steel, parts 19 & 20 on the OEM drawing. Must break on a regular basis.

[Satan]

Never heard of one breaking myself, this is the first time in 6 years, if it broken replace it, why the reluctance, you drive an old turd things need replacing from time to time.

[paultv]

Don't think the lever mechanics break, but the steel wires fray as they separate from the end welds attaching to the "eye" exacerbated by missing or damaged guides.

Paul