Access latch on B&W needs an adjustment

[mraroid]

Hi....
 
My Blue & White G3 was completely dirty and filthy when I bought it.  I ended up taking everything apart to clean it and then put it back together.  That was maybe a month ago.  I have noticed that the access latch is kind of loose.  It seems like if I give the computer good shake, the right side panel could fly open.
 
I found the apple service manual for the B&W.  I did not find anything in it that talked about any adjustments to make the side panel lock into place securely.  I found no adjustments I could adjust.
 
When I remove the logic board, I found what Apple calls "The Latch Panel".  It is white plastic that sits between the case and the logic board. It has a lot of thin strips of plastic that move when the access latch moves.  Most of the thin plastic strips were broken when I found the machine.  I suspect this is the problem. I have checked all the screws to make sure they are tight, and I have checked over any plastic tabs that may have not been seated when I put the computer back together.  I can not find anything wrong other then the many broken white strips of plastic.
 
I will build a search on ebay for a latch panel.  But in in lieu of that, do any of you know of an adjustment I can make to make to help the side panel close more securely?
 
Thanks
 
mraroid

 

[Cory5412]

Unfortunately if that part is broken there probably isnt' much you can do. This is likely going to be an issue on, if not all B&W, then all of Apple's 4-handles/drawbridges cases from that whole era. (B&W G3 + every Power mac G4 model, minus the cube) If you pull the security latch at the back of the machine, you can use that to hold the machine closed.

The security latch is meant for Kensington locks or a padlock, but you can just hang a cord through it or hang a padlock but dont' lock it to keep the door from falling open.

 

[mraroid]

The security latch is meant for Kensington locks or a padlock, but you can just hang a cord through it or hang a padlock but dont' lock it to keep the door from falling open.

Great tip.  I will try that.

Thanks

mraroid