Broken Penthouse Latch, Replacement Needed

[THaley]

I was camping this weekend and when I was packing up, I didn't have the penthouse nested correctly. As I was trying to latch one of the front buckles, I managed to break the connection point from the lever that connects it to the penthouse.

Long story short, this is off of a 93, anyone know if these have changed over time? Does anyone have a line on replacements? I'd like to buy a set just in case I break another.

Links or some direction is appreciated.

THaley

[boywonder]

They changed over time ........but most old tops use J hooks....


A picture is worth 1000 words....

[THaley]

Correct, I am looking for a J-hook.

I have the van down getting some motor work done. Otherwise pics would be attached.

[THaley]

Any other options out there? I called Sportsmobile and they told me they only have production stock of parts and don't sell to the public.

Options? Thoughts...

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by THaley

Any other options out there? I called Sportsmobile and they told me they only have production stock of parts and don't sell to the public.

Options? Thoughts...

Which location did you call? Try the other two. They used to sell then updated version of the latch on the now-closed SportsmobileStore.com website (run by Fresno).

[bobthecow]

I upgraded my 2004 to the new latches in Fresno last summer. I’d call SMB West.

[doublevan2]

Greetings -- my solution - Home Depot - buy a couple of 1/4 in diameter lag bolts - measure a good hook for overall length - cut off the bolt head with hacksaw - heat the bolt in order to bend the bolt shaft to match a good j-hook - and cut more off if needed, etc. Don't overheat the bolt as it might break when bending - bend in a vise - the extra bolt is in case you mess up the first bolt. Good luck -- maybe make a spare j-hook to travel with --

Russ

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by doublevan2

Greetings -- my solution - Home Depot - buy a couple of 1/4 in diameter lag bolts - measure a good hook for overall length - cut off the bolt head with hacksaw - heat the bolt in order to bend the bolt shaft to match a good j-hook - and cut more off if needed, etc. Don't overheat the bolt as it might break when bending - bend in a vise - the extra bolt is in case you mess up the first bolt. Good luck -- maybe make a spare j-hook to travel with --

Russ

There are easier ways than that.....I did a 2 minute google search....although I'm not sure of the thread size and pitch off the top of my head...but they are larger than 1/4-20.


*I just measured one of my J bolts and they are 5/16-18 thread and about 4.5" long.


https://www.boltdepot.com/J-Bolts_w__nuts_Zinc_plated_steel_5_16-18.aspx


It looks like Boltdepot above also sells stainless J hooks. The link above is zinc plated. You may need to "unbend" the hook a bit and perhaps some trimming to get it to work as well as the stock hooks.



It's rather pathetic that SMB won't support their product by selling/giving you one. Not the support one should expect after someone spends $10K+ for a PH top.

[boywonder]

With a bit of internet effort you could save yourself some physical labor by finding a "J-Hook toggle clamp" (DeStaco Clamp) with an appropriate J-hook and just buy one and unscrew the J hook.


The hook end on these is really close.....


https://www.google.com/search?q=j+ho...ih=579&dpr=1.5

[boywonder]

..and, of course McMaster has some too.....the ones near the bottom of the page.


https://www.mcmaster.com/j-hook-bolts


I'd try either P/N 98760A110 or 98760A118....may have to cut them shorter...plug n play