C1 soft top front latches

[Donald H.]

I need these latches for my 1960. Paragon and others list their reproductions as being correct short handles. Mine where missing when I purchased the car, i.e. no soft top frame, so I don't have a point of reference. There is a set on Ebay but I don't know if they are correct.

Anyone have experience with the current reproductions and how they judge?

Can someone tell from the attached photo if these are correct?

Also, can they be re-chromed as a unit or do they need to be disassembled?

Thanks,

Don

[Joe M.]

Re: C1 soft top front latches

Don, I believe the latches have to been taken apart to rechrome them. There is a man that provides this service I seem to recall from a previous thread. You might try archives. Perhaps someone who has had their latches rechromed will provide the contact information.

I don't have answers to your other questions.

[Joe M.]

Re: C1 soft top front latches

If my hardtop was not still bolted in place, I would measure the handles on my soft top. It is original.

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 soft top front latches

Joe, Thanks,

This is another one of those - should I just buy the reproductions and see how they do in judging or get originals and try to have them re-chromed. I'm just not sure how to tell if the ones on Ebay are originals and correct.

[Joe M.]

Re: C1 soft top front latches

Don, how is the ebay advertisement worded? If the latches are described as "original" or "NOS" and you purchase them and they are reproductions, you can request a refund and ebay will stand behind you. I have had to exercise this option several times this year and the seller refunded my money, but not the return shipping charge. If the ad is worded "1958 - 1960 soft top latches" they could be original, NOS, or repro. Ask the seller point blank if the ad is not clear to you if they are NOS, original, or repro.