Pop top & catch mod F45 on Holdsworth

[itchyfeet]

I have seen an F45 on a Holdsworth but the catches were turned upside down because they clash with the F45, I can't think of a better idea.

The lower part is riveted into a part of the roof that I can't get to the inside, it has washers on the inside to stop the fibre glass cracking with the riveting ( I checked with an endoscope)

any ideas what fixing's I could use that won't crack the roof if I were to drill these out?

Also and idea where is good to get small over center catches in stainless?


thanks.

[davidoft1]

Rivets will be fine

[itchyfeet]

oooohhhh look what I found ...

tri fold rivets



never seen those before

[what2do]

https://www.marinesuperstore.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[what2do]

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1CATT ... 42&bih=572" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[what2do]

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1CATT ... 42&bih=572" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[itchyfeet]

Thanks Mitch

I think this looks about right,
The adjustable ones are a bit more agricultural but I think they will be better beacuse there is a step in the level of the two parts on the van which makes measurement of the pitch hard and they have a bigger gap to span the seal.


https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/toggle-latches/3399218" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I printed the drawing 1:1 and will offer it up to see if it fits OK before ordering.

[diabolov]

These any good for you?

https://www.protex.com/30-670SS-spring- ... el-natural

Look similar to the originals

M

[itchyfeet]

These any good for you?

https://www.protex.com/30-670SS-spring- ... el-natural

Look similar to the originals

M

Thanks

I looked at lots like that but being non adjustable I'm only going to get one chance to get it right, I like the idea of adjustability but I realise its a trade off with looks.
lets be honest you won't see them behind the F45

[itchyfeet]

mmm a bit smaller than I thought might with with the old hook which is stainless and probably custom made but next size up maybe better.

[itchyfeet]

found the pics of the van I saw and they have gone for the bigger latch, easier to reach over the F45 I think.

Might pop around to see if it's still there

looks like the Protex one, might take another look at them.

[itchyfeet]

Been back, hopefully the owner didn't mind

definitely a protex latch


Looked closer at the bracket, either they cut the foot off the clamp, (it's an option but not sure I like modifying a structural bracket when the consequences of failure could be so bad) also possible that the earlier roof was not glued down like mine and there was enough flex in the roof and seal to poke the foot under,

deffo not an option on a later roof there is no seal it looks bonded down so back to plan A which is to cut a piece of the fibre glass away.





bracket looks like this

[what2do]

Could you not get a stainless spreader plate made in such a way that will enable you to use the latch that you want rather than having to compromise? It would cost more than a few beers but your van is a keeper.

[itchyfeet]

Could you not get a stainless spreader plate made in such a way that will enable you to use the latch that you want rather than having to compromise? It would cost more than a few beers but your van is a keeper.

I could, and I could make one myself, I thought about that too so I didn't have to drill too many new holes especially for the hook.

[itchyfeet]

I think this is the one on the yellow van

https://www.protex.com/30-588SS-non-adj ... el-natural" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and I think a catch plate longer would be better to get the rivets away from the edge

https://www.protex.com/02-1260SS-Catch- ... el-Natural" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;