56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

[Mark P.]

I have a collection of convertible top latches for the front header for my 56 (short handle variety). My question is, I have some with ridges down the center, some with faint ridges and some without ridges at all...those are obvious re-chromed units.

Which is correct? I was told that the latches with the ridges are correct but want to be sure so I use the appropriate latches.

Thanks,
Mark

[Gary C.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Mark, please post photos of what you have. Gary....

[Roy B.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

I remember original's had a little ridge or peek to them.

[Alan W.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Latches with ridges? This is a correct.

[Mark P.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Mark, please post photos of what you have. Gary....

Gary,
Here are a couple of pictures of what I am talking about. I know the one latch has a "bubba style" base, but just look at the main body of the latch. I think the one with ridge is correct but would like input.

Thanks,
Mark

DSC08039b.jpg

DSC08041a.jpg

[Gary C.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Mark, refer to Alan's photo. There's an "adjustment plate" that goes on top of the latch plate base. The adjustment plate has serrations on it's back side if I recall correctly. Link to Corvette Central latches below. Gary....

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?parta~dyndetail~Z5Z5Z50000050e~Z5Z5Z5AALRA~P252.30~~~~S2VS0QC0VR97932002223a~Z5Z5Z5~Z5Z5Z50000050x#

[Steven B.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Mark, refer to Alan's photo. There's an "adjustment plate" that goes on top of the latch plate base. The adjustment plate has serrations on it's back side if I recall correctly. Link to Corvette Central latches below. Gary....
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....5Z5Z50000050x#

Gary is correct. There are serrations on both plates to allow for adjustment and maintaining that adjustment while installed.

Steve

[Mark P.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Mark, refer to Alan's photo. There's an "adjustment plate" that goes on top of the latch plate base. The adjustment plate has serrations on it's back side if I recall correctly. Link to Corvette Central latches below. Gary....
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....5Z5Z50000050x#

Gary,

Maybe I didn't state the question clearly enough. The pictures I posted show two different latches. One with ridge down the center of the body of the latch. The other shows no ridge. Which is correct? With the ridge or without? I have seen them both ways. I'm not asking about the adjustment plate or what is available from Corvette Central or any other reproduction vendor...just the correct main chromed body configuration.

I appreciate the help.
Thanks, Mark

[David S.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Hi Mark,
all top latches have grooves both latch and plate .
there are different latches used on 1956
different plates also .
That can be turn into another discussicion.
It looks by your pics that someone has removed the grooves?

[Richard M.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Mark, great question.....I see it.....Roy said in his explanation.

The bottom photo clearly shows a "peak/ridge" or high spot running the full length of the main body of the hook that catches the w/s header. The photo is top view but you can barely make it out.

Wow I never knew that Roy. Good catch!

Rich

[Alan W.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

By looking at my 57 latches they are flat no ridge. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[Gary C.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Mark, previously answered your question that the correct handle base does have serrations in them on front side. The Corvette Central photo link saved me from having to go the shop, find a NOS set, take photos and post them. Intention was to provide a correct illustration. Gary....

[Mark P.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Mark, great question.....I see it.....Roy said in his explanation.

The bottom photo clearly shows a "peak/ridge" or high spot running the full length of the main body of the hook that catches the w/s header. The photo is top view but you can barely make it out.

Wow I never knew that Roy. Good catch!

Rich

Rich,

Thanks to you and Roy for noticing what I was asking. Not being familiar with the correct names for the various components, apparently some thought I was talking about the ridges on the attaching plates.

Anyway, from Roy's response they had a ridge and Alan says that his did not? I wonder if it was another early vs. late production issue.

I'm sure someone out there knows the details on this, but I guess it could be that nobody has ever brought this up before? I doubt it. Bottom line is, I just want to make sure I use the correct latches on my car.

Thanks for your comments and I'd appreciate more input from the 56-57 team of experts.

Mark

[Gary C.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Rich, totally misunderstood your question. Guess I fixated when you referenced the "base". Original latches; the piece with the hook end, does have a crown in the center of it. Gary....

[Mark P.]

Re: 56-57 Convertible Top Header Latches

Mark, previously answered your question that the correct handle base does have serrations in them on front side. The Corvette Central photo link saved me from having to go the shop, find a NOS set, take photos and post them. Intention was to provide a correct illustration. Gary....

Gary,

Thanks for the help. From what I understand, the hook portion of the latch does have a center ridge or peak running lengthwise down the center. It appears I do have a correct set as well as some older aftermarket sets. As long as I have the right latches, I can rest easy on that portion of the project and move on to something else.

Thanks again,
Mark