Hardtop Hatch Latches

[Tenrocca]

Need some help in finding some suitable latches for the lemans hardtop hatch.

I want to use the standard boot T handle with a link\cable to the latches either side, but have struggled to find a suitable latch. Was thinking a sliding bolt type setup, probably spring loaded. I did get some bear claw latches in the smallest size but they are too chunky and probably overkill for what I need.

Any ideas?

[Tenrocca]

Think I found what Im looking for here:

https://www.ovesco.com.au/products/l...hes/end-locks/

[spookypt]

Tenrocca tell us a bit more your plans with pics. I'm particularly interested as this is a job I'm needing to do in the future when my top arrives..

[albanycobra]

I would be interested as well .Albany is a wet and cold town. Might have to commission Mark to do a hard top......yes, please post pics and mounting info. I have no idea on how these work.

[spookypt]

I think with what Andrew might be doing is using his existing windscreen?? This seems to be how most HT's are fitted. For mine I have A frames as part of the hard top so that part will be different but Im keen to see how the top fits to the CR. really keen to see how it affixes to/through the body.

Is it a Mr Bruce or other??? Same as Gavs?

[krausewich]

Try the Over Centre style catches...

[LMH]

Nick Acton has hardtop latches for sale on his site. Might take a look:Tops & Accessories : Acton Custom Enterprises, Custom Metal for Cobras
Larry

[Tenrocca]

Originally Posted by spookypt

I think with what Andrew might be doing is using his existing windscreen?? This seems to be how most HT's are fitted. For mine I have A frames as part of the hard top so that part will be different but Im keen to see how the top fits to the CR. really keen to see how it affixes to/through the body.

Is it a Mr Bruce or other??? Same as Gavs?

Yep he same as Gavs although I did extend the back a bit to give a more gradual taper towards the trunk.

The hinges had me stumped initially, as your typical large hoopy internal ones encroached into the cabin too much. Finally settled on some old mini external trunk hinges that are not too big and came in a cast aluminium I can just scotchbrite to match the rest of the car.

I wanted a handle at the rear to match the trunk so think Ill get this setup:



Mounting - Im planning a metal strip with over centre latches at the front like a soft top (Gavs idea) and ferrules through the body into the trunk with a little stand off, and another one through the cockpit edge near the door. The top came as bare fibreglass and Im making a tubular frame for the hatch that will be galssed in as well as glassing in at least 8 more brakets\plates for the mounting points, the hines and the latch strikers. Its a bit of work and a real winter job.

Ill get some pics when Ive made some decent progress.

Cheers

[albanycobra]

Where does one procure a hard top from? and are there large differences? I had to chat to Mark and if i send him a fibreglass buck he will turn it into alloy. I need the car first to make sure the fibreglass item fits properly.

[spookypt]

I thought AP had a mr Bruce or Db hardtop for mod to fit their cars? Welcome to flip flop mine but I can't tell you how'd it fit.

[albanycobra]

I had no idea Pace had a hard top. I didnt see it as an option but maybe I didnt look hard enough. I wonder if they would sell me one so i can customise it how i liked?

Mr Bruce has offered me a hardtop but freight from the US will be painful. flopping one in Oz would be much better. Will keep looking"...no rush.....lol....

[Tenrocca]

Some gainy old pics from 3+ years ago when I made the initial mods to the hardtop:

[albanycobra]

Super nice Andrew thats the shape I like.