54 deck lid top catch

[Guy M.]

I have a feeling I might be missing this. I have the latches, chrome oval big nut and washer. Do I need the "catch" and if so what does it look like? Thanks as always folks. CC has one for a couple of hundred but I dont know if thats what I need.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

Are you talking about the so called "saw tooth latches on the convertible top rear bow?

Chuck

[Chris S.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

on the deck lid there are oval "catches"
on the conv top there are saw tooth "latches" - like chuck said
the saw tooth latches fit down into the catches and keep the top tight to the deck lid....

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

Well, maybe Im ok, I have the saw tooth latches, the chrome ovals on the deck lid and the nut and washer on the bottom. Is that it? The latch works and and holds it down thru the oval? Thanks again. I havent seen anything else in that assembly. Im assumming the latch holds itself under the bottom of the oval on nut or something. Just seems too simple.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

A tooth of the sawtooth latch catches on the bottom of the rectangular opening in the chrome oval. It's that simple BUT.............

many, myself included, resorted to putting a pair of vice grips on the bottom of each sawtooth latch to keep it from coming loose, and thus allowing the top to pop open.

Chuck

[John L.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

I have also see a thin polished metal plate that goes on the decklid before the oval catch is installed. A thin metal plate that seems to me to serve as a protector for the paint when lets say the top is first lowered and the sawtooth latch may have a tendency to miss the catch hole and nick the paint. Appears CC sells them, have seen them on only a couple 54's, mine did not have any. Wondering if this is an aftermarket item? Just wanted to mention this.
JmL

[Chuck G.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

I have also see a thin polished metal plate that goes on the decklid before the oval catch is installed. A thin metal plate that seems to me to serve as a protector for the paint when lets say the top is first lowered and the sawtooth latch may have a tendency to miss the catch hole and nick the paint. Appears CC sells them, have seen them on only a couple 54's, mine did not have any. Wondering if this is an aftermarket item? Just wanted to mention this.
JmL

Those came out as "standard equipment" sometime in mid to late 54. Don't remember the SN ranges. They're not aftermarket items.

After you've gouged the paint on your decklid a few times, you'll see why they added them.

Chuck

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

Well Chuck, I guess it is that simple and I dont think I need anything else. Great tip about the vice grips. Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it. Guy

[Chris S.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

also....
if the latch doesnt want to catch....
turn the catch around on the deck lid.....
many times - one side is worn and doesnt want to latch down -
as chuck said - most will pop open over bumps etc....

[Lynn L.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

Easy way to help receiver slot catch better, File the catch edge of the receiver with a taper (highest in inner edge) the taper fits the teeth with more surface contact and provides lateral force on teeth to keep engaged. The side edge of a bastard file works excellent.

[John L.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

Interesting comment about these latches were frequently popping open. I purchased on older set of latches - with the sawteeth somewhat worn but each had a hole drilled in the end of the sawtooth latch. I betch someone down the line had run a spring clip through the hole when the top was up to keep it from popping out of the catch.....

side note here as well regarding plating of the catch. I was able to remove the circular spring but the thumb latch/saw tooth part of the latch does not seem to want to come off of the mounting plate that screws to the convertible frame. Did not want to start forcing this off. Any suggestions or should these two pieces be plated together?

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

I too would like to know about the plating. I was going to send mine in but am wondering if the plater will seperate them or do I need to do it.

[Lynn L.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

I drilled out pressed head with D washer, Todd Librandi plated the parts. I believe he filled the press head post with stainless steel, I made D washers from flat steel washers which were then plated, I gave Librandi pictures with of assembled latches and he reassembled the latches, work well, look nice.

[Troy P.]

Re: 54 deck lid top catch

Don't forget the thin rubber gasket between the paint and chrome oval.