67' soft top latch on deck lid; reassembling latch spring mechanism

[Dave K.]

I'm trying to reassemble the soft top latch and having trouble getting the spring back into the mechanism. Does anyone have any ideas (or dealt with this in the past) on how to get the spring back in? I took it apart to have the latch rechromed.

[Richard M.]

Re: 67' soft top latch on deck lid; reassembling latch spring mechanism

Dave I have a few used ones kicking around and I can get you some detailed photos in the morning.

Rich

[Dave K.]

Re: 67' soft top latch on deck lid; reassembling latch spring mechanism

I know how to reassemble the spring...the problem i have is that i can't keep the spring compressed in place while i put the pin thru the middle of the spring to hold it in place. Does anyone know of any tricks in doing this

[Richard M.]

Re: 67' soft top latch on deck lid; reassembling latch spring mechanism

I've never done one, but I've had good results on similar springs using tie-wire to keep it tensioned before installation. Are the ends long enough to get some heavy duty wire wrapped and twisted? Slip the spring over a bar clamped in a vice to help hold it steady. Once the spring is installed just cut the tie-wire with cutters.

I recommend gloves and safety glasses when attempting this method.

Rich