SPF Door Latches

cdog · #1 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 04:48 PM

Hey guys... On my SPF, both of the latch posts are loose and spin around. (these are the parts on the car, something like posts, for the door to latch on).

Any way to tighten these? I have tightened the bolt in the back of them, but they keep coming loose. The bolt is like chromed plastic or something, scuffs real easy.

You can still shut the doors, you just need to turn them the right way first.

Thanks, C.

Blas · #2 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 04:58 PM

Just take them off, clean them up, and reinstall them...worked for me....

CWizard · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 08:21 PM

Strange. You should be able to tighten the nuts on the strikers (the wedge shaped thingeys) so that they stay tight. Some suggestions: 1. Be sure the strikers are mating properly with the latch mechanism on the door. You can adjust by removing or adding washers to move the strikers farther from or closer to the door, and by holding it at the correct angle when tightening the nut. Do the latter by tightening the nut with the door closed. 2. Use Loctite. 3. Check out the technical library at the SCOF site. If you're not a SCOF member, PM me for info.

Lowell W · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 08:42 PM

Chuck,

As above: clean 'em, check for proper mating, apply Loctite and reinstall. Dennis Olthoff suggested putting a little Chapstick on them from time to time. As long as they align properly, the Loctite should keep them from vibrating loose. Are there enough washers in the stack to let the two parts tighten onto the stack of washers or is the nut just tightening down onto the unthreaded part? Give me a call or an email if this doesn't make sense.

The SPF door latches really aren't up to the task. My big problems with them have been 1) the bearing surface sheared off one of the bolts, and 2) the flimsy handles bent in use. I faced off the backs of the bolts and added a piece of stainless steel to each bolt as a bearing surface and I made new handles, also from stainless, with redesigned cams and textured plastic knobs. I may have also added heavier springs at some point-can't recall for sure. Anyway, now they look great and work great.

Lowell