Thread: Latch help

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Hi all. I'm new to the forum. I have recently picked up a 34 Chevy roadster. It's a Downs body car and after going through it I found it has no trunk latch. There's a place to mount a latch...……...there just isn't one there. So what I am asking is there anyone out there that knows where I can find a latch for my car? There is a cable from a release handle under the rear of the car too. Whoever had this car at one time planned on installing one but that was some time ago from what I can tell. Thx in advance.

Have you tried contacting Downs? I don't know if they're still in business but it may be worth a try.?.?
And maybe you have a pick a part close by... you might be able to "recycle" something that looks close.
Or try a search for hot rod parts online and try places like Yogis or Speedway, see what they offer.

OH, and it's nice to see you here. Welcome

What Mike said.
Personally I'd try Pick a part first. If the latch you purchase proves unsuitable it won't be such a financial loss as buying a new one and finding it won't work.
But look closely at where your latch will be first, and understand how if has to operate.
Good luck!

And yes: welcome to CHR.

Contact Superior Glass Works. They make a glass '34 Chevy body, and they may be able to help you out.

Superior Glass Works - High-Performance Composites and Fabrication

Since you've already got the cable release, check Watson's Streetworks. Their D04 is used on a lot of glass bodies, and the cable release can be mounted remote like you have. If you prefer a side mount their D03 might work - https://watsons-streetworks.com/prod...lgate-latches/

Thanks for the info

Been there and done that. Downs is still in business just out of the car business as of 2013. Thx

The parts Roger linked to are good options. Neat thing is the top two are VW parts if you're into junk yard shopping, and the bottom one is sometimes referred to as a mini bear claw, available in lots of places in addition to Watsons. Motor home repair part dealers, if you have any in your town, are one source to compare without shipping cost. Another one I've used is a Honda hatch latch (other small car might work too). Part of what might drive your choice is what kind of relief did Downs mold in, if any, to dictate pad size/shape.

Scrumpy, you didn't ask but the '32 Ford roadster waiting in the barn has the D04 latch and is open for easy viewing. Here's some pictures of the mount done by ShowMeRods in south central Missouri:

Looking down, directly behind the car:
20190306_102227.jpg

Camera held over the lip, looking back at the latch below the first pic:
20190306_102242.jpg

The pin portion, through bolted to the inner trunk panel:
20190306_102301.jpg

Thanks Bob! I realize now that I'm going to have to Fab something to work. I was just checking to see if anyone knew anything about the subject and Downs body cars. I was actually hoping someone that worked for them, back when they still made Hot Rods, was on this site. I appreciate your input. Jerry

Thx for the feedback

Roger, Unfortunately that setup wouldn't work in my car. I'll have to do so some trial and error. Thx

If you cannot find a mechanical latch, you can always fab up an electric lift like some of the rest of us have.

Power Trunk Lift Kit - 100 lb Lift