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Full Hard Top Latches Needed--Found Them. UPDATED With Photos

Jeep Addict

Jeep Addict

Scrambler Junkie
Lifetime Member
City
Baton Rouge
State
La
I picked up an ACME brand hard top over the weekend. It is misssing two of the latches on the driver's side.

Does anyone here have any extras I can get or know where I can find good replacements. :cheers:
 
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Try Rally Tops, They have a nice overcenter latch, I am using 8 of them to hold my top on.

Important!!! Tell Jerry you heard about them from Randy Buchanan

www.rallytops.com

800-664-8677

Randy
 
Randy,

Thanks for the heads up I will call tomorrow.

Any idea about how much they are and if they are a direct replacement? i.e. will rivot back in same holes

Thanks,Tommy
 
Yes,

There are 2 at the windshield frame and 4 on each side in the bed
 
Same story

Hey Tommy,

How did it go with Jerry? Same story here. Picked up an ACME fulltop that has 3 "functional" latches.
 
I have seen some latches out on McMaster Carr that may match what you are looking for. I just went there and it's always hard to find things a second time (with their huge selection). I believe that I have a link for it on my work computer. If you are still hunting for the latches, let me know, and I will dig up that link for you.
 
Draw Latches

I want to say that I saw Jeff use these on his Gaucho build... but I can't say for certain (hopefully I have attributed that to the right person). What I can say is that for the hard top at the windshield, I thought these were just the best idea (better than screws anyway). They are called Draw Latches (items F and G).

http://www.mcmaster.com/#draw-latches/=8tie8c

I would think that McMaster-Carr would also have latches and hardware you could use on the sides of the top, but these at least should work for the windshield portion.

Hope these might work for what you want.

KC
 
That sure looks like what is on my Acme top-

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DiveSherpa said:
I want to say that I saw Jeff use these on his Gaucho build... but I can't say for certain (hopefully I have attributed that to the right person). What I can say is that for the hard top at the windshield, I thought these were just the best idea (better than screws anyway). They are called Draw Latches (items F and G).

http://www.mcmaster.com/#draw-latches/=8tie8c

I would think that McMaster-Carr would also have latches and hardware you could use on the sides of the top, but these at least should work for the windshield portion.

Hope these might work for what you want.

KC
Click to expand...

I've ordered 8 ea of the first two Item C latches.

They are both close to my originals in size but I want to make sure of the best fit.

I will return the 8 that I don't use and eat the shipping for the best application.

I've had a hood fly up before :eek: Can't imagine loosing a full hardtop :eek: :eek:

I will post which latches worked the best.

These will be for the sides. The latches on the windshield section are in good shape and the same size as the side latches. I also have the female ends that mount on the windshield to receive the hook on the latch..It is not a footman loop.
 
Wow, First let me say that I had my order within 24 hrs and shipping was only $5.00.

I ordered from McMASTER-CARR $7.73 each

http://www.mcmaster.com/#draw-latches/=8y2iv6

I am going to keep the Item "C" Draw Latch Item number 1864A15 Or as they called it A15.--The gold latch

The lesser "C" Draw Latch is jus not as sturdy. Item A23--The silver latch

The Lesser latch, the silver one, does not lock. You can pull it from behind and make it pop back open.

The Gold latch has to be open by pushing down the center button once closed. Like the original.

Picture7641-1.jpg

Picture7640-1.jpg

Picture7643-1.jpg

Picture7642-1.jpg

Each is extended to where the hook would be when being clamped down

Both came with the attaching piece as well.

The gold threaded hook will fit the original latch. They are threaded the same.

Mounting holes are the same

Couldn't think of any other tests.

I will be sending the silver latches back.

I hope this helps someone else. :cheers: :thumbsup:
 
Latches from Matt @ GR8TOPS

Here are some installed pictures of the latches I bought from Matt @ GR8TOPS. I installed them on my brother's full top Scrambler a few weeks ago. I had to drill one hole in between the two stock holes on the bracket to work with the bolts already installed in the AJ's Top. The catch is pop rivited into the windshield frame using steel rivits. Aluminum rivits might have been too soft with all movement these tops take. On a side note, the centers of the holes for these catches are the same as the centers of the holes on the stock sun visors.

If I recall it was under $20 including shipping for two latches and Matt was very helpful over the phone. The pipe wrap insulation is just an experiment currently to curb wind noise and prevent rain from entering. We will see if he can still hear himself think on his next trip.

Jeff

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The top looks good! How did you attach the latches to the fiberglass hardtop? Anyone have any experiance with the "Lange Kwick Kit Hard top latch system"?
 
The AJ's top had (2) bolts glassed into the top. It probably held some type of metal angle similar to a factory seven top which was missing when he bought the top. I just chased the threads clean with a die and used some nylock nuts. You can sort of see it in the last photo.
 
Just picked up a acme full top for $300. However it needs 3 of the four windows and all the hold down latches. I've been reading this thread and you guy seem to have a different style latch. I have none on the sides but I have one on the front over the windshield that is a rubber t-handle hold down. Will the latches you have photos of work for mine? Id prefer them as they seems allot stronger. What do you guys think?
 
Great information guys. The latches are a terrific way to simplify the removal process.
I just acquired a postal complete with top so will be putting it on my scrambler in Oct when i get back from the sand box.

Jim
 
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