Latch for CMC top ??

I'm finishing up an 84 CMC and want to put a middle top latch that was not supplied with the kit. I ordered one from McMaster-Carr and it was not the same as the Camloc latches supplied in the kit. The mounting bracket is turned the wrong way and will not fit on the header. Am I missing something or is there another latch out there that is closer to the "original". Does anyone have a latch to sell?

Middle latch??? I only have 2....

That's because you're "Latch Challenged"......

Several of us have added a third one just off-center to hold the center of the header down.

Works like a charm, but it's a PITA to install.

gn

Are there pills for the latch challenged? If your top remains up for more than 4 hours, please call a doctor? Huh?

Yep--I added a third latch too---Gordon posted a masterpiece on the subject--I think it's in the Knowledge section.

The middle of my top bow never did seal as well as on the sides.
I found some great rubber seal, put in two strips--one on top of the other, added the center latch and it does not leak. (I am NOT making this up!)

What prompted me to add the center latch was the need to tighten my saggy top by pulling the top fabric out of the bow and re-installing it after pulling it tighter. It all worked like a charm and my top looks so much better now. I have confirmed what I read here on the site---after the fabric stretches once, it won't stretch again. I drove it 1200 miles to Tail Of The Dragon last fall at 70-75 with tyhe windows in which makes the top act like an aircraft wing---the Bernoulli effect if you will--the top pulls up from the wind going over it and that's what stretched mine---very saggy and droopy.

Mike---if you want an extra latch I have one, and will mail it to you for nothing if you will give me your address and promise to come to Carlisle this year---Jack

Jack, I think saggy and droopy is just part of getting older - at least for me.

I haven't installed my top yet.

My top bow seems to fit the windshield frame pretty well but I am concerned that it may not be in continuous contact with the frame.

I am considering putting some Bondo in the bow grove and pressing it down on the frame to get uniform contact.

I would cover the windshield frame with polyethylene film first.

One issue may be the short working time for the Bondo.

Any opinion on this?

Thanks.

"I would cover the windshield frame with polyethylene film first."

Nope.

Use wax paper (believe it or not....) It works much better - the resin will attach to the poly.

"One issue may be the short working time for the Bondo."
Jut use a little less activator - that'l slow the reaction time.

However!! Rather than do all that, just fill the channel in the header with some sort of closed-cell foam weather strip material such that the header fits onto the windshield frame the way you want it to look when the latches are pulled in.

Ask Jack Crosby what he is using - he says it doesn't leak, but he's keeping the source lose to his chest. And shame on him for not sharing...... ;>)

gn

Ok Gordon--I'm not feeling the love here! Truth is that I'm not keeping anything close to my vest---I just couldn't find the invoice from when I bought the new weatherstrip until today..

So---the source is Eastwood and it's their item number 50362. The cost is $17.99 for a 20 foot piece. The size is 3/8 " wide (where the stickum is) and 7/32 tall. I put two layers of it---one on top of the other. I thought that Gordon was the source of this "stacking" idea but if not I'll gladly take the credit. After putting it into the bow I clamped the bow down to seal it and it has really stuck firmly and hasn't moved since I installed it.

It does work great and does not leak accross the top of the windshield but don't ask me about where the windshield posts meets the car body as I do get some moisture in from there.

I'll attach a picture of how this weatherstrip sits in the bow.

If your bow has more space you can try the next larger size which is item # 50362 and is $24.99 and this one is 5/8" wide and 3/8" tall.

Hope this helps.---Jack

Gordon,

I do plan to put some kind of weatherstrip in the channel.

I just thought it would be more effective if the top of the channel and the top of the frame had a uniform gap.

Thanks, Jack....I knew I could count on you!

Mike: You're absolutely right. That third latch makes it very even all the way across... Unfortunately, I do not have a ready source for those latches.

Anybody??

gn

Gordo--I offered him one that I have in an above post----all Mike has to do is send me his mailing address and I'll send it to him for nothing.

I did say he had to come to Carlisle this year but may relent on that requirement!

Mike--if you do add the center latch review Gordon's tome in the knowlegde section. On this, measure 3-4 times and cut once. I used thin saws and files to get it perfect. Well, as perfect as I get anything which means passable.

I'll add that in the CMC construction manual, they do show a center latch is used. I don't know about other makes---guys?


--Jack

Gord - mcMaster Carr sells 'em. i had Paul send me an extra

http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/115/gfx/large/1864ap2l.gif

It's tricky to hotlink directly to a product in their site. search for "Adjustable Draw Latches". It's "C"

Vintage has the ones that match CMC they are $20.00 each and work great for me