Detached convertible top deck lid latch bracket

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Aug 24, 2016 | 07:59 AM

TWINRAY

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Melting Slicks

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From: Working on the car NY

Detached convertible top deck lid latch bracket

The deck lid latch on my 1969 is held on by 4 bolts, 2 on a side. There are 2 "reinforcement brackets" IN the deck lid on each side to contain the bolts. One of mine detached when I took the latch off so I can only attach the lid latch on one side with 2 bolts. The reinforcement bracket WAS rattling around inside the deck lid and I was trying to get it positioned under the holes to somehow get it functional again. Now it must be stuck inside the lid somewhere because it doesn't rattle anymore. ( DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT? lol). I'm sure I'm not the 1st person this has happened to. Suggestions please, thanks.

Last edited by TWINRAY; Aug 24, 2016 at 08:00 AM.

Aug 24, 2016 | 08:25 AM

Alan 71

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi tw,
Are you describing a 'nut plate'?
Since I believe there's no metal frame in the deck lid was this 'bracket' you describe riveted in place and the rivets have let it loose? or was it bonded in place?
I looked at the deck lid pages in the AIM and the lock assembly is clearly shown but there's no hint as to how the 'bracket got there…. obviously before the top and bottom of the deck lid were bonded together.
Sorry! I feel for you but can offer nothing!
Regards,
Alan

Would 'well nuts' be strong enough to hold the lock in place?

Aug 24, 2016 | 08:38 AM

TWINRAY

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Melting Slicks

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From: Working on the car NY

Well, if Alan doesn't have an answer, I'm definitely in trouble!😕 I didn't know what well nuts were but looked it up. If I saw what you mean, unless I put a hole in the bottom of the lid, it won't work. I appreciate you looking in the assembly manual which I didn't do, but will FWIW. I looked in 2 supplier catalogs and the reinforcement bracket isn't shown. It appears to have been bonded on as I don't see rivets. Rivets would definately have been more secure but they probably weren't thinking of us driving these cars 50 years later. I have get to shaking the lid to loosen the bracket as I can't have that rattling around after assembly. Thanks

Aug 24, 2016 | 08:58 AM

TWINRAY

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Melting Slicks

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From: Working on the car NY

Here is a photo. The "reinforcement plate" for the 2 bolts on the left side has detached and is INSIDE the lid. What I don't get is why it's not rattling anymore when I shack the lid. It must really be stuck.

Aug 24, 2016 | 09:35 AM

TWINRAY

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Melting Slicks

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From: Working on the car NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan 71

Hi tw,
Are you describing a 'nut plate'?

I looked at the deck lid pages in the AIM and the lock assembly is clearly shown but there's no hint as to how the 'bracket got there….
Regards,
Alan

Exactly, the bolts are listed as "screw asm #384602" without showing the attaching/reinforcement plate residing IN the lid.

Aug 24, 2016 | 10:25 AM

TWINRAY

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From: Working on the car NY

I see now how this was attached.

the deck lid underneath was opened up to allowing this bolt reinforcement to be bonded. Then it was repaired/sealed up. I've gotten it to start rattling again. I will try with a magnet to route it to one of the end latches to get it out. It must be like a maze in there with maybe baffles because I can't just turn the lid various ways to route it out. Once out I will then open up the repair to rebond or maybe rivet it back in place.