Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

[Valeria H.]

I'm getting ready to take a road trip with my '60 with rain in the forecast. It is a little late for this trip this weekend to West Jefferson NC with the Carolina Chapter but Jack Panizca showed me the clamp he had placed midpoint on the vert top of his C2 which totally prevented rain from entering.

He did not remember the part number. I researched the extensive McMaster website and could not come up with anything close. Has anyone used a product like this and are there any suggestions about where to purchase one or something similiar?

I may leave old "Bella" at home and just drive "Trix" to the meet.

All and any suggestions are welcome.

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Go to Lowe's and buy a roll of blue 3M painters tape. Tape all around the windshield if it rains and seal the passanger doo and the vent as well if it looks like rain. I can show you how in Jefferson. Blue painters tape works well for short periods of time and comes off easy. Clamp wont work on a 1960

[Jack P.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

I'm getting ready to take a road trip with my '60 with rain in the forecast. It is a little late for this trip this weekend to West Jefferson NC with the Carolina Chapter but Jack Panizca showed me the clamp he had placed midpoint on the vert top of his C2 which totally prevented rain from entering.

He did not remember the part number. I researched the extensive McMaster website and could not come up with anything close. Has anyone used a product like this and are there any suggestions about where to purchase one or something similiar?

I may leave old "Bella" at home and just drive "Trix" to the meet.

All and any suggestions are welcome.

Hi Val,

I will get you the number of the clamp, just have to find it on my computer. It may be in the post I did , I will search for it

Ok , I found it , here is page of clamps

http://www.mcmaster.com/#draw-latches/=e1ur5n

part # $

1864A13 11.72



Hope all is well

Jack

[Gary C.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Val, always have duct tape in the emergency kit in your car. Duct tape is more durable and seals better in heavy rain than blue painters tape. Duct tape will leave residue that can be cleaned off with Goof Off or 3M adhesive remover. Test a small spot before using on white tops. JMTCW, Gary....

[Valeria H.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Jack,
Thanks for the part number. I'll place an order today. My mechanic is super with my car and I feel certain he will be able to get the latch to work for me.

I tried the blue tape last year when there was a torrential rainstorm on almost the entire return trip. It held for about the first 30 minutes. Water poured into the car (it seemed) faster than it was coming down outside! I'm still having flashbacks from the "Lucy Ricardo Scene" that followed of me stomping the grapes - no the sponges- on the carpet for hours to wick the water out.

Duct tape was then placed on my "to go" list for all car events.

Again, thanks for all the help.

[Jerry G.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Can you post a photo when you are done. i'm having trouble visualizing how this will work.

[Jack P.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Can you post a photo when you are done. i'm having trouble visualizing how this will work.

Jerry , give me a few moments. I will post pictures and instructions

Jack

[Bruce B.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Try a good quality black electrical tape on the windshield frame and the top.
It is waterproof and comes off easily leaving little adhesive residue.

[Jack P.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Hi, Here are some pictures of my 3rd Latch. My car is a midyear but the latch may work with c1 cars.

My car , like many, has leaked from the top trim area , where top meets upper trim. The latches are at the ends of the front of the top, so the more you tighten them, the more the middle will bow.

It is the bowing of the top , not the rubber weatherstrip that causes the leaking. For years I would squeeze the top and trim just above the mirror to stop the water.

Well, last year I came across a simple fix. I third latch in the middle.

As you can see from the pictures, I drilled and taped the latch , just between the two screws that hold the mirror to trim.

I tapped into the birdcage for the latch, and drilled and tapped the the header of the top.

As many have seen my car across the country, the latch closes the gap
and flattens the top , so that water will not get by , even at 80 mph

The latch in the pictures was my first attempt, it had a safety button, but that was unnecessary, and you can see that it fell off, I replaced it with the latch part # stated in my earlier post.

You can buy a spare mirror support if you do not want to drill your original mirror support. However, if you drive your car, and it rains , you will be so happy to have this latch.

The screws that come with it are too small #6 , I bought # 8 stainless cap screws, Tap right through the mirror support and into the birdcage. Do not over tighten screws. Just snug them up. The metal in the header of the top is not thick. Once screwed in, they do not have much force against them.

First drill and place latch hook on mirror support. Now extend latch all the way out. Hook latch on tab with top closed, and with latch closed, mark holes to drill. This way, you will have over a 1/2 inch to adjust the latch to make it tight.

Always latch main latches first. The third latch is made to keep out water, not to pull top tight. Always undo third latch first, then side latches.

All who have done this fix have been more than pleased. GM went to a third latch in later generation cars.

On C1 cars, you may have to be creative in placement of tab on trim. Since there is no mirror support.

Jack

[Jerry G.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Nice. great idea. Thanks

[Valeria H.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Go to Lowe's and buy a roll of blue 3M painters tape. Tape all around the windshield if it rains and seal the passanger doo and the vent as well if it looks like rain. I can show you how in Jefferson. Blue painters tape works well for short periods of time and comes off easy. Clamp wont work on a 1960

Jimmy,
Is there any reason this clamp will not work with my car that you know of? It is a moot case for this trip but I need to have a new exhaust system and mufflers placed (on order already) after the meet and would like a third clamp.

See you Friday! Can you shoot me a pm about a time you are leaving from Charlotte?

Thanks!

[Valeria H.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Hi, Here are some pictures of my 3rd Latch. My car is a midyear but the latch may work with c1 cars.

My car , like many, has leaked from the top trim area , where top meets upper trim. The latches are at the ends of the front of the top, so the more you tighten them, the more the middle will bow.

It is the bowing of the top , not the rubber weatherstrip that causes the leaking. For years I would squeeze the top and trim just above the mirror to stop the water.

Well, last year I came across a simple fix. I third latch in the middle.

As you can see from the pictures, I drilled and taped the latch , just between the two screws that hold the mirror to trim.

I tapped into the birdcage for the latch, and drilled and tapped the the header of the top.

As many have seen my car across the country, the latch closes the gap
and flattens the top , so that water will not get by , even at 80 mph

The latch in the pictures was my first attempt, it had a safety button, but that was unnecessary, and you can see that it fell off, I replaced it with the latch part # stated in my earlier post.

You can buy a spare mirror support if you do not want to drill your original mirror support. However, if you drive your car, and it rains , you will be so happy to have this latch.

The screws that come with it are too small #6 , I bought # 8 stainless cap screws, Tap right through the mirror support and into the birdcage. Do not over tighten screws. Just snug them up. The metal in the header of the top is not thick. Once screwed in, they do not have much force against them.

First drill and place latch hook on mirror support. Now extend latch all the way out. Hook latch on tab with top closed, and with latch closed, mark holes to drill. This way, you will have over a 1/2 inch to adjust the latch to make it tight.

Always latch main latches first. The third latch is made to keep out water, not to pull top tight. Always undo third latch first, then side latches.

All who have done this fix have been more than pleased. GM went to a third latch in later generation cars.

On C1 cars, you may have to be creative in placement of tab on trim. Since there is no mirror support.

Jack

Really nice job Jack! Thank you so much for your time and effort in sharing this little jewel on the TDB! you went above and beyond and I really appreciate it.

Hope all it well with you too! Stay warm this winter up there. The cold is coming!

[Jack P.]

Re: Part number for McMaster clamp to prevent rain entry into my "60

Cold, look at my car in front of my neighbors, boy, winter comes early in

Maine



Have fun, and thanks again for the wonderful time I had visiting you last year

Jack