Clam latches?

[Daniel Lorenz]

Or just fit original Hartwell latches from an EE Lightning or a Tornado fighterjet, which are plentiful on ebay…

These Hartwells will save you a ton of work by not altering all the bodywork to fit garden gate latches.

Morten

The alternative i mentioned does NOT need any modifications, it fits nicely in the recess in the clam.
The lower part that attaches to the frame has to have a small tab made to mount it though and can't be screwed directly into the frame.
Attached from my own build down below.

 

[Sammy]

Hi Joe. I too have Active Power Kit from Chris. I have considered all of the things mentioned here but eventually bought RCR's Hartwell type latches. They look amazing and fits perfectly without doing any modification to our cars. Just save your self from all the headaches and bite the bullet. good luck.

 

[joe]

RCR is 4-6 weeks out on their latches...and from what I have gathered about how they handle backorders, getting them could be a giant headache. They don't do lists for people waiting for parts.
I'm not opposed to fabricating something as I have the tools and the means. I'm just trying to figure out how to do it.

 

[Sammy]

RCR is 4-6 weeks out on their latches...and from what I have gathered about how they handle backorders, getting them could be a giant headache. They don't do lists for people waiting for parts.
I'm not opposed to fabricating something as I have the tools and the means. I'm just trying to figure out how to do it.

I ordered mine back in April 2024. When they got my check payment they shipped after 3 days. I guess they don't have it in stock now.

 

[joe]

Ya, I contacted them last week.
The Aerocatch latches look interesting. Wondering how to get the anodizing off to get them back to raw aluminum. I'm trying to find measurements of how big the latches are. Looks like the only mod needed would be a 90 degree piece bolted to the chassis that the catch would bolt to.

 

[joe]

Easy Off oven cleaner may get them to a raw aluminum state.

 

[joe]

This is the choice i made in links below.
If you want them to look more like the original then you can heat them up to loose the color.

325-2000 Below Panel - AeroCatch

Kit Contents 2 x AeroCatch® 3

aerocatch.com

350-2000 Above Panel / Pocket - AeroCatch

Kit Contents 2 x AeroCatch® 3XS Delivery Information Please note that delivery will be 2 to 5 working days from receipt of order

aerocatch.com

Where did you purchase them from?

 

[David mono]

Ya, I contacted them last week.
The Aerocatch latches look interesting. Wondering how to get the anodizing off to get them back to raw aluminum. I'm trying to find measurements of how big the latches are. Looks like the only mod needed would be a 90 degree piece bolted to the chassis that the catch would bolt to.

Easy Off oven cleaner may get them to a raw aluminum state.

I use oven cleaner to remove clear anodizing from aluminum trim parts when restoring them.

 

[Daniel Lorenz]

Where did you purchase them from?

From ebay, just google it and you'll find someone closer to you that sells them.
They aint cheap, but fits nicely in the clam reccesses.
Measures in pictures.

 

[Randy V]

Oven Cleaner to remove anodizing / coatings from alloy —
Be aware, if you remove these coatings and are in an area where there is humidity - those parts (every nook and cranny) will be subject to corrosion that many if us know as “white death”…
You can buy other coating, however, that do a fair job of protecting the alloy.
I use Shark Hide —

https://www.amazon.com/Sharkhide-Metal-Protectant-1/dp/B07NGMYKS5?th=1