Does anyone know where to buy these latches?

[Eric B]

need some help on this topic. I attempted to remove one of my 4 broken latches yesterday with a socket on the nut holding what was left of a latch. The entire bolt was freely spinning and therefore could not get the nut off. What is the trick here? I attempted to use a flat head screw driver to put some pressure on the bolt at a angle but was hesitant about pressure so as not to break the glass.....can I get a little help????

[htillman]

Try squeezing nut tightly with vise grip and drilling center of bolt head with drill diameter of the thread. Head should then fall off. Use good quality drilll bit

[kmoose]

Originally Posted by Eric B

need some help on this topic. I attempted to remove one of my 4 broken latches yesterday with a socket on the nut holding what was left of a latch. The entire bolt was freely spinning and therefore could not get the nut off. What is the trick here? I attempted to use a flat head screw driver to put some pressure on the bolt at a angle but was hesitant about pressure so as not to break the glass.....can I get a little help????

Well, since I have taken apart several this month I can tell you exactly how but you will not like the answer..... glass has to come out as it is a flat head philips that enters from the glass side under the gummy weather seal.

I told you that you wouldn't like the answer.

For me opening the windows is pointless as the center hits my top frame so when mine go back on the will be screwed and glued shut forever.

[sisu22]

Just got the window latches ,back from printers ,thanks Mitch (flexpat)wiil try tonight

[sisu22]

I wanted blue but not that blue

[FLexpat]

Kinda bright - should be able to find them in the dark - I did not include capability for installing an 'off' switch
Wonder what they will fade to?

[FLexpat]

Originally Posted by Eric B

need some help on this topic. I attempted to remove one of my 4 broken latches yesterday with a socket on the nut holding what was left of a latch. The entire bolt was freely spinning and therefore could not get the nut off. What is the trick here? I attempted to use a flat head screw driver to put some pressure on the bolt at a angle but was hesitant about pressure so as not to break the glass.....can I get a little help????

Sounds like the threads in the aluminum frame have turned into aluminum oxide powder. A few options:
1- Cut the old latch off. Grip the threads with needlenose visegrips and remove the nut. Epoxy the bolt in and use a die to recut the threads.
2- Cut the old latch off. Grip the threads with needlenose visegrips and remove the nut. Using the visegrips to hold it recut the threads with a die and then run a nut down to lock the bolt into place. The replacement latches would need to be shortened by the thickness of the new nut.
3 - combine both of the above.
4 - Pull the windshield glass and replace bolts with slightly larger ones.

[classictwenty]

Albemarle used these on their 24' . Contact them.

[dginge]

I’d love to replace one or all of mine. Any advancements? I could not get mine off either

[FLexpat]

Originally Posted by dginge

I’d love to replace one or all of mine. Any advancements? I could not get mine off either

If the nuts are seized onto the threads, try getting some Kroil (Amazon has it) and soaking for a couple of days to see if you can get the nuts to loosen up. My earlier post on this thread had my best guesses for the mechanics of getting them off after some chemicals get used.

If/when you get the nuts off PM me and I can send you a .stp file that you can upload on Shapeways.com (or most 3D print services) to 3D print the latches. Let me know if you use a SS nut to hold the bolt so I can adjust the latch shape to match. Use either HP Nylon (Nylon 12) or 'Strong and Flexible' which is a cheaper nylon.

I would just upload the file but this website says it is an invalid filetype.