1960 Hardtop Latches-Replate?

[Joe M.]

I searched all Archives and did not find threads on re-plating the hardtop header latches. I know that I can purchase a pair of repros for $240, but would like to have my originals re-plated.

The easy part would be drilling out the rivets and probably the re-plating, but not sure how difficult it would be to find the correct size rivets to re-assemble the parts.

Anyone tried this? Since my car is a driver, probably best to polish up the originals and forget about it, but curious at this point.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1960 Hardtop Latches-Replete?

Joe
Funny you should ask this question,because I'm getting ready to disassemble my 59 latches and send to Advanced Plating Nashville Tn.this week.I will call them first then send the parts and they will let me know when they receive them. They then give a price and if satisfactory 10 to 12 weeks later they'll be on my front porch.I can't recommend Advanced Plating too highly.They do an excellent job on pot metal. I'll be happy to contact you when I get a price.If I forget don't hesitate to contact me.
Stephen Barrett
59,66,71,73

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Hardtop Latches-Replate?

My biggest concern is not the re-plating, but the availability of the correct size rivets to re-assemble the parts so that they move freely, but not loose, and flat head rivets so that the hook part swings past the middle part without interference. I don't think the rivets are off the shelve variety, but it would be great if they were. Have you found the rivets already?

[Donald H.]

Re: 1960 Hardtop Latches-Replate?

Joe, I've had good luck buying from Hanson Rivet and Supply Co. I've rebuilt a number of parts that used tubular rivets which I bought from Hanson as well as the manual setting tool. They have a minimum, which I think is $15 or maybe $25. Have a very wide selection of sizes, types, heads, etc.

Don

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Hardtop Latches-Replate?

Thanks for the info Don. I will take a look at their web site.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1960 Hardtop Latches-Replate?

Joe, years ago I got some from Fastenall.

Good Luck!

Steve

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1960 Hardtop Latches-Replate?

Joe
I contacted Advanced Plating today and they gave me a price of between $100.00 and $125.00 per side. That's competative with those cheap China repos. plus you have an original part. I also tried removing the pins at the pivit points.They came out surprisingly easy,and I think they'll be reuseable. I've found that Granger has an enormous selection of rivits in their catalog. Only problem is you may have to buy enough to do several dozen latches,but they're cheap.
Advanced Plating and Powder Coating
1425 Cowan ct.
Nashville, Tn 37207
1-800-227-6900
These people have done plating on some of the finest and most famous show cars in the country. By the way they told me they were slow right now.
Stephen Barrett
59,66,71,73