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I just replaced the convertible top latch hardware on my 72 to correct a mess. The parts kit from Paragon (see 2104K below) included a tiny clip that doesn’t seem to fit anywhere. Any ideas?
I have a 73 convertible and recently had to disassemble the rear latches, because the 49 year old grease was keeping the spring from engaging the convertible top chrome pins. There was no clip like the one you have anywhere on my latch assembly. The part you have can be found on the door latch (rods that keep them attached to the other assemblies). I know, one of my clips dropped down into the bottom of the door and it took me a while to find it. You can call Paragon Tech Support at specific hours to see if the clip was mistakenly included.
That is actually the safety clip. It comes with all deck lid release kits. I don't know why it doesn't show in the diagram.
What you need to do is place it over the steel latch, line up the holes, then slide the rod through the hole and push the safety clip into place on the rod.
Thanks a lot for that tip. Y’know, I tried to do exactly that, but the end of the clip with the round hole doesn’t fit over the latch. Guess I’ll have to be more persuasive!
Thanks for that, it's very helpful. However, I don't understand the function of the clip if installed behind the latch mechanism as shown, as it would then provide no additional security to retain the rod if the nuts came loose. I tried to fit the clip over the latch mechanism but it's not wide enough.
Agreed. '73and'75's photo is much better than the Paragon diagram but it doesn't actually show the clip properly either.
The clip needs to straddle both sides of that hole, then be clipped onto the rod.
FWIW (and I don't have a vert) those clips come in many different sizes as well as L/R versions. When I redid my door mechanisms I bought a "kit" from one of the vette suppliers and about half of them weren't the right size to clip over the various brackets that the rods went into. Ended up buying a "help" package from NAPA that I could use to replace the ones that weren't right
troporobo -- here is a pic from my '75 convertible. It shows the clip installed on on one side of the bracket (lever) and the 2 nuts on the threaded side. It appears the clip does not straddle both sides of the hole..It appears the AIM drawing is corrrect.
If I had to guess as to the function of the clip, I would guess its purpose is to create some distance between the curve or bend in the rod and the lever, so the rod passes through the hole nearly perpindicular. If the clip wasn't there, the curved portion of the rod would be against the hole, causing it to bind. Just a guess.......
I hope this helps.
Last edited by '73and'75; Jul 20, 2022 at 08:45 AM.
Reason: spellin'
I believe that clip is installed wrong. It's not doing anything. The one in Mooser's pic is correct.
No, I think he's correct, they aren't using the clip as designed, that's why the double nut on the end of the shaft there, I believe he's correct in the assumption that they used it as a spacer.
The 72 AIM is fairly clear on the rather odd install of that clip
So I tried both ways. The clip simply doesn’t fit over the latch mechanism. View C from the AIM is correct. My guess is that it takes up slack in the threaded rod and is there to improve the geometry of the connection and eliminate a potential rattle.
You gotta love Chevrolet! My 73 convertible lid control doesn’t have the clip. So I checked my 73 AIM, and there is no clip in the illustration or part number referenced. Also the drawing looks to be dated 3-14-72. Maybe the clips were so expensive that the bean counters had them deleted.
The really only good thing about being old … I never hear any rattles or noises when driving, of course when my alternator was whining, my buddy at the car show had to let me know.
Convertible top: what is this tiny clip?
