Matco MB 1400 (1982) Lock Mechanism problems

[56Pontiac]

I have Matco toolbox from 1982. The Model is a MB 1400 (same mechanism as a mb 1440). The tool box is missing a part called the "lift angle." This is the part that comes off the lock rod that lifts the drawer releases on the back side of the box (behind that top drawer). Matco no longer has the part and there parts diagram provides no detail. I'm looking to see if someone who has one of these boxes can take a picture of there lock mechanism so I can fabricate the parts correctly. I tried fabricating a piece that worked but not quite right. Any pics would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dovco]

I have a similar situation. I bought an MB1442 missing lock and parts. My regular Matco guy provided me with a parts list/diagram that shows springs on the bottom of the lock bars. I'm not sure if the springs push the lock bars up or pull them down. I'm not sure if the lock mechanism pushes the lock bars down to lock the box or pulls them up to unlock the box. For now I used a spring to attach the rod to the lock bar actuator and it pulls the actuator up to unlock the box. I need to re-work my rod, though, because it seems to have too much cam action.

 

[dovco]

 

[dovco]

Maybe something like this on the cam end of the rod?

 

[56Pontiac]

Yeah so I solved my problem. I bought the lift actuator and a new lock from matco. It was only like 20 bucks. The lift actuator I bought wasn't quite right so I had to file the hole in the lift actuator into a square so it would fit onto the lock. I then made a piece similar to the pic dovco made except I made it from flat steel. It worked like a a new mechanism when I was done. Mine has the springs on the bottom of the lock bars. On mine they pull the lock bars down. The lock mechanism pulls the lock bars up when its going from the locked to unlocked position.

 

[dovco]

Some updated pics of my setup. It seems to work OK. When I get to cleaning and lubricating the bottom drawer slides I'll check the springs in the bottom.

 

[Timf250]

@56pontiac do you have pics of the new price and or part number