Boot lock release solenoid

[RedWhiteFB]

Howdy,
Ages ago I got really excited about installing a boot lock release solenoid. I went and bought the solenoid and left it in my garage for about a year. I got excited again a couple of weeks ago and decided to pull out the boot lock and install the unit.
Has anyone done this with the original FB lock?
I can fit it so that it works once, but then the cable pulls loose and doesn't have enough tension to release the lock a second time. I used a small clamp to hold the cable in place - with the cable wrapped around the release mechanism to pull the latch up. If anyone can post any photos or diagrams of how they did it and where they located the solenoid I'd be eternally grateful!

Cheers,
Aaron.

[RedWhiteFB]

Anyone...? Anyone..? Bueller...?

[Trev]

Maybe put some pics up of what you've done and someone may have a solution.

[RedWhiteFB]

Good idea Trev. I'll get onto it!

[RedWhiteFB]

Finally got some time to get back to the car! Here are some photos of the boot lock release and how I've put it together.







My issue is: it works once, but after that the cable slips through the clamp and doesn't have enough tension to pull the lock open again.

If anyone has any suggestions or other ways of doing this, I'd love to hear from you.

Cheers,
Aaron.

[mr bean]

Hi Aaron
Try marking the wire where you need it, than take it down to a tackle shop (fishing or boating)) they might be able to put some crimps on it like they use on traces.
Only a thought but might work for you.

[Harv]

Another way to get more grip is to double up (use two clamps) or triple up (three clamps). Get a ring spanner on them, and tighten the crap out of them.

I use similar ones on my kids flying fox cable, doubled up... they held my weight during the "Dad test" .

Cheers,
Harv.

[Cocko750]

I would try using insulated elec fittings strip plastic off red ones crimp them on maybe use two , crimp these on yourself , put first one on then double over it and put next one on this should lock it into place if you know what I mean , shouldn't move at all.

[RedWhiteFB]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I ended up drilling a couple of holes through the bracket that holds the solenoid and putting an extra clamp through that. I then doubled the cable back through that clamp. Fiddly as hell - there ain't a whole lot of room behind the boot lock!! It may still pull loose eventually - but it's awesome for now!

Cheers,
Aaron.

[RedWhiteFB]

Hmmm... It pulled loose. Bugger. I'll try something else and report back.

[In the Shed]

Hey Aaron,
Great to see your idea with the boot lock. Perhaps you could try a short length of copper tube, say 1/4" dia slipped over the wire, give it a crimp with pliers and then solder it up. It would never move then.

Regards
Stephen

[RedWhiteFB]

Thanks Stephen. My biggest problem is working in behind the boot lock. There's no room to get tools etc in there in order to get the cable the right length and then lock it place. I like your idea though. I'll see what I can do.