57 Hardtop Latches
12-13-2016, 08:27 PM
#1
57 Hardtop Latches
Having a difficult time latching my left side latch on my 57 Hardtop.. I have a new latch for it but too hard to lock. (May be for a soft top??) Are the latches different lengths between the soft top and the hardtop. I notice Corvette Central lists them as different part numbers for soft and hard.
12-13-2016, 09:41 PM
#3
Safety Car
Original 56-62 hardtop and soft top latches all had the same length (short) latch arms and catch hooks. GM replacement latches had a longer handle than original, and often poked the headliner. The difference between the soft top and hardtop latches is the curvature where the latch contacts the top bow.
12-14-2016, 07:57 AM
#5
Race Director
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St. Jude Donor '07
Original 56-62 hardtop and soft top latches all had the same length (short) latch arms and catch hooks. GM replacement latches had a longer handle than original, and often poked the headliner. The difference between the soft top and hardtop latches is the curvature where the latch contacts the top bow.
Bill
12-14-2016, 12:42 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
12-14-2016, 03:51 PM
#7
12-14-2016, 05:14 PM
#8
Instructor
I sometimes have difficulty closing the latches on my '57 hardtop but have found out that making sure the guide pin is centered over the receptacle hole before latching is critical. I usually have to push the top or windshield one way or another to get the guide pin properly aligned so the latches will snap closed.
Gerry
Gerry
12-15-2016, 07:59 AM
#9
Team Owner
A couple of things - first as noted make sure the latch is correct, second, if your '57 is like my '61 the LH latch has a pinhole and the RH latch mates to an oval hole. There is a reason for it. Always latch the LH side first and the RH side can 'find' its proper position in the slot. Finally, the latch is adjustable to some degree...