The Ford Barn

foxfire42 · 09-16-2015, 10:42 PM

I'll be at a swap meet this weekend. I would like to know how to tell an original hood latch specifically 1931 if there's a difference in '30 and '31. I've done a search but most threads were how to restore latches.

I've always thought the repro latches had a smaller diameter shaft whereas the originals were noticeably larger. There has to be other differences that I'm missing. Up til now I've only looked for the thicker shaft and 2 tabs rather than 3 to fasten them down.

Thanks in advance

Tom Wesenberg · 09-16-2015, 11:44 PM

Repro latches have a sharp flat hook. That is the corners are a sharp 90* that doesn't fit the hood pockets as well as an original. I posted pictures of a repro latch a year or two ago. They just don't have a quality look, and as you said the shaft is thinner.

jw hash · 09-17-2015, 02:17 AM

Barb
I will see you there and show you what to look for. I will bring the floor pan with.
John

FL&WVMIKE · 09-17-2015, 12:48 PM

Does anyone, on here, remember when The Ford Motor Company reproduced the original hood latches, back in the 60s ?
Would they pass as genuine ?
MIKE : (mikeburch)

jw hash · 09-17-2015, 06:10 PM

Mike the later so called reproduction ford latches were used to hold down battery box covers on ford big Trucks for many years.and they only made they with the three ears. if you compare the hooks they are a little shorter and a little different shape than the original Model A latches.

Kevin in NJ · 09-17-2015, 07:38 PM

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The metal on the tube is thinner.

Take an original with you and compare. Once you see it then you know.

FL&WVMIKE · 09-18-2015, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jw hash

Mike the later so called reproduction ford latches were used to hold down battery box covers on ford big Trucks for many years.and they only made they with the three ears. if you compare the hooks they are a little shorter and a little different shape than the original Model A latches.

That is interesting. I did not know that.
It is interesting that FORD gave them the "A" prefix part number. You can see it on the tag.
MIKE (mikeburch)

09-16-2015, 10:42 PM	#1
foxfire42 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: AZ and WA Posts: 764	How do you tell original hood latches? I'll be at a swap meet this weekend. I would like to know how to tell an original hood latch specifically 1931 if there's a difference in '30 and '31. I've done a search but most threads were how to restore latches. I've always thought the repro latches had a smaller diameter shaft whereas the originals were noticeably larger. There has to be other differences that I'm missing. Up til now I've only looked for the thicker shaft and 2 tabs rather than 3 to fasten them down. Thanks in advance

09-16-2015, 11:44 PM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: How do you tell original hood latches? Repro latches have a sharp flat hook. That is the corners are a sharp 90* that doesn't fit the hood pockets as well as an original. I posted pictures of a repro latch a year or two ago. They just don't have a quality look, and as you said the shaft is thinner.

09-17-2015, 02:17 AM	#3
jw hash Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn Washington Posts: 2,552	Re: How do you tell original hood latches? Barb I will see you there and show you what to look for. I will bring the floor pan with. John

09-17-2015, 06:10 PM	#5
jw hash Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn Washington Posts: 2,552	Re: How do you tell original hood latches? Mike the later so called reproduction ford latches were used to hold down battery box covers on ford big Trucks for many years.and they only made they with the three ears. if you compare the hooks they are a little shorter and a little different shape than the original Model A latches.

09-17-2015, 07:38 PM	#6
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: How do you tell original hood latches? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The metal on the tube is thinner. Take an original with you and compare. Once you see it then you know.