Author Topic: Convertible latch removal secrets?  (Read 698 times)

Offline Anghelrestorations

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Convertible latch removal secrets?
« on: February 17, 2023, 03:42:12 PM »
Im working on a 65 convertible and took apart the entire top frame to paint, detail and put it back together.  All good except removing the latches from the header bow.  I know they sell replacement latches.....so....you would think there is a way to "easily" remove the latches. 
Best I can see looks to be a roll pin that holds all this in place that goes thru the header frame.  That needs to come out first in order to remove the pivot bolts.  Getting that out I may need to make a tool because that can not easily removed.  Unless I am doing this ass backwards?

If anyone else out there has replaced one of these latches let me know......

20230217_122702 by Marcus Anghel, on Flickr

20230217_122730 by Marcus Anghel, on Flickr

20230217_122745 by Marcus Anghel, on Flickr



Marcus Anghel
MCA National Gold Card Judge, 69-71 Mustang
SAAC National Head Judge, Boss Mustangs

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Offline aaatp

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Re: Convertible latch removal secrets?
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2023, 04:47:44 PM »
The part i have circled in red is called a truss head screw.  Clean the center out and you will find a cavity for either a torques bit or allen head bit, i can?t remember, but you will be able to remove it and the assembly will come apart.

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Convertible latch removal secrets?
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2023, 06:21:53 PM »
Have to drive out the roll pin on the side.
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
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Offline Anghelrestorations

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Re: Convertible latch removal secrets?
« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2023, 07:59:56 PM »
The truss head screw does not have anything on it....its solid and flat.  I wish it did.
And yes the roll pin has to come out but that is not as easy as it sounds.  Have already tried but its not moving. 

I assume once the roll pin comes out then the truss head screw comes out as well?  Sounds easy. 
I am going to soak this in Evaporust overnight and see if that helps loosen things up. 
Marcus Anghel
MCA National Gold Card Judge, 69-71 Mustang
SAAC National Head Judge, Boss Mustangs

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Offline Anghelrestorations

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Re: Convertible latch removal secrets?
« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2023, 08:10:02 PM »
Here is a current listing on Ebay and I assume this is the truss head screw your thinking....but this one is not made using that same screw.

2023-02-17_17-06-52 by Marcus Anghel, on Flickr
Marcus Anghel
MCA National Gold Card Judge, 69-71 Mustang
SAAC National Head Judge, Boss Mustangs

www.anghelrestorations.com
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Offline aaatp

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Re: Convertible latch removal secrets?
« Reply #5 on: February 17, 2023, 08:25:25 PM »
Ah yes, I now see the roll pin you mention. Would agree with you and Charles, the pin needs to come out to release the pivot hardware.

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Convertible latch removal secrets?
« Reply #6 on: February 17, 2023, 11:44:02 PM »
There are 2 versions... the one in those pics from ebay are screw in with the Phillips head.  The early style without the Philips head use the roll pin.
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
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Offline Anghelrestorations

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Re: Convertible latch removal secrets?
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2023, 09:07:12 PM »
Well....there is definitely a reason they stopped using the roll pin.  If this frame was installed in the car would be just about impossible to remove. 
Marcus Anghel
MCA National Gold Card Judge, 69-71 Mustang
SAAC National Head Judge, Boss Mustangs

www.anghelrestorations.com
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