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sjhotz
Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2007
Posts: 468
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 Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2021 9:14 pm Post subject: Top Latch alternative? |
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I broke a Top Latch this evening while prepping for a charity cruise this Sunday. Did some searching but no one ships that fast, any suggestions on a work around or am I screwed?
-sjhotz
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop |
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74 Thing
Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2004
Posts: 7390
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| Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:18 pm Post subject: Re: Top Latch alternative? |
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The stock VW latches and hooks are made of pot metal and routinely brake if too much pressure is put on them.
Go to thethingshop.com and orders stainless steel latches and hooks. |
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sjhotz
Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2007
Posts: 468
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| Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:57 pm Post subject: Re: Top Latch alternative? |
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Makes sense, that old pot metal is only gonna last so long, and Stainless is definitely the way to go, thank you.
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop |
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Joe 20
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2005
Posts: 655
Location: Ohio
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| Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2021 7:33 pm Post subject: Re: Top Latch alternative? |
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Maybe just leave the top down? I assume the catch broke on the windshield. If it's a short trip, take that bracket off, put some longer screws in the holes, and zip tie around the loop in the top catch and the screws. Ya, ya, people I already know this is unsafe, not for freeway speeds, hillbilly, jury-rigged, etc.etc.etc. etc....but he asked! 
I do second the stainless steel ones from TTS. Guaranteed for life.
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"Someday the world is gonna be populated by nothing but Volkswagens'" Corporal Klairvoy |
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TDCTDI
Samba Advocatus Diaboli
Joined: August 31, 2013
Posts: 12850
Location: North Carolina
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| Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2021 8:27 pm Post subject: Re: Top Latch alternative? |
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I just ordered mine today... to replace the lunchbox latches currently on mine. 
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Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it. |
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[email protected]
Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2003
Posts: 510
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| Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2021 5:57 pm Post subject: Re: Top Latch alternative? |
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| You may try looking thru the McMaster-Carr catalog, amazing amount of crap the sell. |
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Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50338
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| Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2021 9:39 am Post subject: Re: Top Latch alternative? |
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I just have a Simpson brace from a lumber yard screwed between the windshield frame and the top. Not going to win any ribbons at a show, but has been 100% maintenance free for a decade plus at this point in time.
I am not sure this is the exact one but it is at least similar
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-ST-.../100375065 |
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74 Thing
Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2004
Posts: 7390
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| Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2021 1:30 pm Post subject: Re: Top Latch alternative? |
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| Wildthings wrote: |
I just have a Simpson brace from a lumber yard screwed between the windshield frame and the top. Not going to win any ribbons at a show, but has been 100% maintenance free for a decade plus at this point in time.
I am not sure this is the exact one but it is at least similar
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-ST-.../100375065 |
Do you have a photo of it installed? |
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Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50338
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| Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2021 1:46 pm Post subject: Re: Top Latch alternative? |
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| 74 Thing wrote: |
Do you have a photo of it installed? |
Remind me in a month once I get back home. |
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