Rear Trunk Latch

Pops,

Nooooooo, you don't want the early style striker! The early style was heavy gauge rod, although it held the lid down, it allowed it to move from side to side while hard cornering, going up inclines at an angle, and the like causing the lid to contact the rear quarters in the rear corners chipping the paint in the process. The later striker has "ears" on each side which help the latch itself keep it centered. Bolt size/spacing is the same, just bolt in and go. See the post about Decklid Pins for more on this topic.

I have the early model latch if you call it that. Ordered a replacement from PPC and its exactly the description you have given. Problem is it can't be mounted to a early model. The 2 studs coming out of the rear deck lid is different. The early model studs measure 2" the later models are 3". Because of the design of the replacement latch you cannot redrill the mounts.Still looking for a replacement since Dennis doesn't sell anything for the early model.


Dan

Hmm, well, maybe I should post a photo of what is on my car for comparison Dan. All I know is what is listed as early on Wilkinson's page doesn't look like mine. Maybe mine was replaced? I just can't see how threaded rod is the right thing to be there.

Ok, here it is. You can see the bolt. What is this? Dan, I did measure and the studs are about 2" apart.

The coat hanger thing they call a latch is a joke. They must have ran out of parts in the assembly line.I have two threaded studs coming out of the deck lid. All the cars are different in small ways.This latch thing has me frustrated.

Dan

As you can tell one is the original and the other one is from Pantera Performance.

Dan

The one you show comes up as the late version. Wilkinson shows another for early, but it doesn't look right either. The bar lines up with the holes, so there wouldn't be the offset needed. Tempted to order anyway, just to find out.
Mine does work, tho I do have chips on the edge. It is not a snug fit

If I can make a kind request to post a picture when you receive Wilkensons. I'd really appreciate it.I'm still on my quest for one.

Thanks, Dan

The original looks pretty simple to fabricate from flat steel and some round bar. Have you considered just getting one made in a local machine shop?

Joules, you would think so. Small machine shops in my area are impossible to find. The larger ones don't want to bother with small jobs like this.The part PPC sent looks as though its die stamped.

I've seen a few guys who have drilled for the pins. The down side is that I've seen a few of them where the upper deck lid brackets to the body have cracked.

Dan

Dan - no problem. If its wrong, I haven't wasted much money.
Probably could make a real nice one. I just don't know anyone. Kind of one of those things. I'm sure there is someone around here that could. If I were closer to Fred Terry, I'm sure he could make one.

Any luck with Wilkensons latch?

Thanks, Dan

...If You can draw up a DETAILED Blueprint of what You need, with full dimensions; I'll be glad to machine it up and weld it for You! A picture of the 'Mating' part (The Lower Latch mounted on the rear bulkhead) would also help. I can be reached at pantera1974@verizon.net Good-Luck with it!...

Dan - its ordered, but not here yet. Steve asked me if I had really ordered the correct thing. I gave him my s/n and said like I know!

I'll let you know
Kermit

Marlin, really appreciate the offer to fabricate this. I'll wait until I here from Kermit if the Wilkenson part works.

Kermit, thanks for the post.I suppose its wait and see.

Dan