Fixing convertible latch....

[surfingfreeman]

Recently one of the rivets popped out of my convertible-roof latch, to fix do you just use a regular rivet? It is the internal rivet that gets torqued on when snapping the latch closed. Thanks
Mike

[narfire]

Not sure what you mean Mike. The aluminum latches were screwed into the header bow to a captive nut. Somewhat adjustable.
Ah.. the small piece that joins the two pieces together... I used a rivet,works so far. But I had taken the latch out and peened both ends enough to stay in place.
Chris

[manoa matt]

That is a realy long rivit and you may not be able to find it, but try McMaster Carr. Failing that source, try a small machine bolt and nut, failing that get a new or used latch.

The problem is, the latches are brass and the rivet is steel, after repeated use the end of the rivit that gets mashed over starts to cut away the brass around the hole enlarging it, allowing the rivit to pop out. The rivit has to be steel or it will shear from the stress.

I've also tried to re-mash over the end so it will not fall out, but it is very difficult.

[daved]

I fixed a latch a few years ago using what I believe was called a split-roll pin. Haven't had any problems after that.

[surfingfreeman]

Thanks folks, i am going to see what my local ACE Hardware has in stock...................

[htchevyii]

I've had several latches to make a good pair and have to agree with Matt, the end of the rivet seems to wear away the brass hinge.